Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
09:24
Studying Inherited Immunity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Microsporidia Infection
Published on: April 6, 2022
2.8K
Clarifying the Relationships between Microsporidia and Cryptomycota.
David Bass1,2, Lucas Czech3, Bryony A P Williams4
1Pathology and Microbial Systematics Theme, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|April 1, 2018
Summary
Microsporidia, a group of parasites, are more diverse than previously thought. New research reveals that many organisms previously classified elsewhere actually belong to the Microsporidia, expanding our understanding of their evolution and parasitic nature.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Protistology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Some protists exhibit microsporidian-like traits but have less divergent SSU rRNA gene sequences.
- Canonical Microsporidia are known obligate intracellular parasites of animals and protists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the phylogenetic placement and environmental diversity of microsporidian-like lineages.
- To reassess the evolutionary scope of Microsporidia and their parasitic origins.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA gene sequences.
- Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) from Neotropical forest soils.
Main Results:
- Microsporidian-like lineages group with metchnikovellids and canonical Microsporidia, excluding Rozella.
- The phylogenetic scope of Microsporidia is significantly underestimated, with much cryptomycotan/rozellid diversity reclassified as microsporidian.
- Neotropical soil eDNA data reveals abundant short-branching Microsporidia, consistent with host availability.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidia represent a more diverse clade than previously recognized, impacting our understanding of opisthokont evolution.
- This expanded view offers new insights into the evolution of specialized parasitism within Microsporidia.
- The discovered microsporidian diversity in soils provides a model for studying the evolutionary origins of animal parasites.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
559
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
559
02:12Relationship Formation
46.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.3K
01:28Ending Relationships
205
The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...
205
01:14Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship
7
For drugs producing a quantal response, onset occurs when plasma concentration reaches a minimum effective level (Cmin). The drug's action duration depends on how long the plasma concentration remains above Cmin.Two primary factors influence this duration: dose size and the rate of drug removal from the action site. Both depend on the drug's redistribution to poorly perfused tissues and elimination processes. A larger dose promotes rapid onset and prolongs the effect's duration.Consider a...
7
01:27Relationship Growth
228
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
228
01:23Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Intensity of Dose-Effect Relationship
2
Pharmacodynamics explores the relationship between drug concentration and its effect. In a quantal response drug, the duration of action better correlates with drug concentration, while for graded effect drugs, the intensity of response is more relevant. This intensity depends on the dose, drug removal rate, and the region of the concentration–response curve.The concentration–response curve can be divided into three regions. Region 3 (80–100% maximum response) demonstrates...
2