Mastigamoeba

[mintakax]

I have a fondness for the Mastigamoebas. The cilium is so mesmerizing. I wonder what the cilium is used for, it doesn't seem to be involved in locomotion.... perhaps some kind of sensor ? This one came from some algae collected at the edge of a local pond.
It appears similar to the second Mastigamoeba sp on ferry's site: https://www.arcella.nl/mastigamoeba-spec-2/

A couple of the clips in this sequence are sped up a bit, also I had to pump up the contrast to better show the cilium.

https://vimeo.com/366618306

[75RR]

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Great catch! Thought you were taking a break from amoebae, glad you haven't.

The cilium is so mesmerizing. I wonder what the cilium is used for, it doesn't seem to be involved in locomotion.... perhaps some kind of sensor ?

I find it completely incongruous for an amoeba to have a flagelum - which makes them fascinating.

According to Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastigamoeba

"The flagellar apparatus is positioned anteriorly and aids in movement.[3]"

Though it does not say how, and in your video it seemed to use it to feel its way rather than for locomotion.

[Wes]

Great specimen, kinda makes me want to go out and collect some pond algae myself Excellent video documentation well!

Are you making a culture out of this sample?

[mintakax]

Thanks 75RR and also for the info !

Thanks Wes-- Actually I did put some of that sample into a culture dish with a kernel of corn . Not the exact drop that was on the slide though, I didn't think to do that but the next time I will !