| Author Title Journal |
Hall SR (1931) Observations on Euglena leucops, sp. nov., a parasite of Stenostomum, with special reference to nuclear division. Biol Bull 60(3): 327-344 |
Abstract / Notes
Stenostomum predatorium and S. carnivorum were found susceptible to this parasite. Other species of this genus did not become infected. E. leucops has the stigma and bifurcated flagellum peculiar to the Euglenidae. There is only an incomplete flagellum present when the organism is within the host. The vestigial flagellum does not extend beyond the cytostome at this time. When, however, the flagellate is removed from the host, its flagellum becomes full-sized within 10 minutes. The parasite within the host moves in an euglenoid manner; when outside the host it travels by means of its flagellum and is negatively phototropic. The host is likewise negatively phototropic. That both the free parasite and host are negatively phototropic make for adaptation leading to the parasite's finding the host. At division the stigma divides more or less equally. A mitosis occurs in which the chromosomes assemble about an endosome. The slender rod-shaped chromosomes divide transversely at the metaphase. A study, carried on for over a year, revealed no method of cell multiplication other than mitotic division. Osmotic pressure apparently may initiate and accelerate cell division. No evidence of encystation was observed.
| Home page -- (Main hierarchy) |