Vampyrellidae

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Vampyrellidae[edit | edit source]

Vampyrella lateritia, a species within the Vampyrellidae family
Illustration from "General Physiology; an Outline of the Science of Life" (1899)

Vampyrellidae is a family of amoeboid protists belonging to the order Vampyrellida. These organisms are characterized by their ability to prey on other cells, particularly algae and fungi, by penetrating their cell walls and consuming the contents. Vampyrellidae are found in a variety of environments, including freshwater, marine, and soil ecosystems.

Description[edit | edit source]

Members of the Vampyrellidae family are typically small, ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers in diameter. They exhibit a flexible, amoeboid shape that allows them to move and engulf their prey. The cytoplasm of these organisms is often granular, and they possess a single nucleus. Vampyrellidae are known for their distinctive feeding behavior, where they use pseudopodia to pierce the cell walls of their prey and extract the cellular contents.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Vampyrellidae play a significant role in their ecosystems as predators of microbial communities. By feeding on algae and fungi, they help regulate the populations of these organisms, contributing to the balance of microbial ecosystems. Their presence in soil environments also suggests a role in nutrient cycling and soil health.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The family Vampyrellidae is part of the order Vampyrellida, which falls under the class Vampyrellida within the phylum Cercozoa. The taxonomy of Vampyrellidae has been subject to revision as molecular techniques have provided new insights into the relationships between different groups of amoeboid protists.

Species[edit | edit source]

The family includes several genera, with Vampyrella being one of the most well-known. Vampyrella lateritia is a notable species within this genus, recognized for its bright red coloration and its role in controlling algal populations.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Adl, S. M., et al. (2012). "The Revised Classification of Eukaryotes." Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology.
  • Hess, S., et al. (2012). "Molecular Phylogeny of Vampyrellid Amoebae." Protist.
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD