Aurigamonas is a genus of predatoryprotists of an unusual cell structure, with two flagella and numerous haptopodia. It is a monotypic genus containing the single species Aurigamonas solis.[2] It is the only genus of the family Aurigamonadidae.[1]
Etymology
The genus name comes from the LatinAuriga, meaning charioteer, as a reference to the rein-like motion of the posterior flagellum. The species epithet comes from the Latinsolis, meaning sun, due to the Greek legend of the sun being drawn across the heavens by a charioteer.[2]
Morphology and movement
Aurigamonas are unicellularzooflagellates with a spherical to ovoid shape (3–18 μm in diameter). Their most striking characteristic are the numerous long stiff haptopodia (around 30 to 50, each around 6 μm in length) radiating from the cell body, supported by microfilaments and tipped by a dense haptosome.[1] They bear two cilia: the posterior, long and used for propulsion (9–52 μm), that beats in sinuous waves from the base; and the anterior, short and not motile (4–8 μm). They have two contractile vacuoles next to the flagellar bases and the nucleus.[2] They glide only on the distal segment of their posterior cilium.[1]
Ecology and behavior
Aurigamonas are soil-dwelling protists that prey on eukaryoticprotozoa of very different sizes, and possibly bacteria. Their prey is captured by adhesion to haptopodia. At least three modes of ingestion have been distinguished:[2][1]
Trawling of bacteria attached to the substrate by extending a large lamellipodium.
References
12345Cavalier-Smith T, Oates B (2012). "Ultrastructure of Allapsa vibrans and the Body Plan of Glissomonadida (Cercozoa)". Protist. 163 (2): 165–187. doi:10.1016/j.protis.2011.10.006.
12345Vickerman K, Appleton PL, Clarke KJ, Moreira D (2005). "Aurigamonas solis n. gen., n. sp., a soil-dwelling predator with unusual helioflagellate organisation and belonging to a novel clade within the Cercozoa". Protist. 156 (3): 335–354. doi:10.1016/j.protis.2005.07.003. PMID16325545.
