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Hydrodynamic functionality of the lorica in choanoflagellates
Seyed Saeed Asadzadeh1, Lasse Tor Nielsen2, Anders Andersen3
11 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kongens Lyngby , Denmark.
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|April 9, 2019
Summary
The lorica, a basket-like structure in choanoflagellates, does not increase drag or feeding rate. Instead, it stabilizes cell motion and enhances prey capture efficiency by reducing reversed flow.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Eukaryotic cell biology
- Hydrodynamics
Background:
- Choanoflagellates are unicellular eukaryotes found in aquatic environments.
- They possess a flagellum and a collar for filter feeding.
- Loricate choanoflagellates feature a unique external structure called a lorica, whose function is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hydrodynamic function of the lorica in loricate choanoflagellates.
- To test hypotheses regarding the lorica's role in drag, feeding rate, and swimming speed.
- To understand the adaptive significance of the lorica for choanoflagellate survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling.
- Employed the loricate choanoflagellate Diaphaoneca grandis as a model organism.
- Analyzed fluid flow patterns and cell motility with and without the lorica.
Main Results:
- The lorica does not increase drag or feeding rates as hypothesized.
- It significantly suppresses lateral cell motion and rotation, stabilizing swimming.
- The lorica reduces reversed flow through the feeding collar, potentially increasing prey capture efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The lorica's primary function is likely not related to drag or swimming speed modification.
- It plays a crucial role in stabilizing cell movement and preventing the loss of captured prey.
- Enhanced prey capture efficiency due to reduced flow recirculation may be the main adaptive advantage of the lorica.
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