Two new Tetramitus species (Heterolobosea, Vahlkampfiidae) from cold aquatic environments.
Characterisation of the protists of cold environments provides important background for assessing the effects of climate change on microbial communities. Tetramitus angularis n. sp., from aquatic environments in Iceland and Switzerland, is the first vahlkampfiid recognised to have a characteristic Tetramitus flagellate stage combined with pre-formed excystment pores, which are not typical of this genus. T. angularis amoebae have a typical vahlkampfiid locomotive form and contain prominent lipid inclusions. Flagellates have a collar and cytostome, and can be mono- to multi-nucleate with corresponding change in cell shape from cylindrical to ellipsoidal and variable number of flagella. Cysts are round to semi-angular and have 2-5 pores closed by protruding, translucent plugs. A second organism, T. parangularis n. sp. from Alaska, has similar cysts but a flagellate stage has not been recognised; ITS sequence divergence is consistent with species criteria in the Vahlkampfiidae. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data for the 5.8S rDNA region clusters the new spp. with T. rostratus, T. entericus and T. waccamawensis.
Robinson
Bret S
BS
Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Water Corporation, Bolivar, SA 5110, Australia. bret.robinson@sawater.com.au
De Jonckheere
Johan F
JF
Dobson
Philip J
PJ
D000413:Alaska; D000656:Amoeba / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D003081:Cold Climate; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000235:genetics; D007055:Iceland; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016053:RNA, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D012340:RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S; D013045:Species Specificity; D013557:Switzerland; D014871:Water Microbiology
D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; D016053:RNA, Protozoan; D012340:RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S