micro*scope - version 6.0

Thecamoeba, a flattened naked amoeba with a cell covering of thick mucoprotein, which is thrown up into longitudinal folds. Locomotion is monopodial. The broadly rounded pseudopod has a prominent hyaline cap. Crystalline cytoplasmic inclusions and a large posterior contractile vacuole are seen in this image. The morphology of the nucleus, important for species identification, is not well seen here. From fresh water pond near Boise, Idaho. Phase contrast. This image was taken by William Bourland. He now uses a Zeiss Axioskop 2 with Spot Insight and Spot Flex CCD cameras (Diagnostic Instruments). Image copyright: William Bourland, image used under license to MBL (micro*scope).

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Thecamoeba

From the collection Freshwater and Terrestrial Microbes of Idaho (USA) and Elsewhere

Description of Thecamoeba: Amoebae within this genus are ovoid or oblong in shape and may have well-developed longitudinal surface folds or wrinkle when they move. The cells are usually between 30 and 350 Âµm long and never branched. Anterior edge semi-circular with an extensive hyaloplasm that can occupy more than half the cell. Posterior edge often slightly convex, sometimes with a knob uroid. This surface structure is undoubtedly related to the thick, dense gycocalyx that typifies this genus. Amoebae often with a prominent anterior hyaloplasm that may extend along the sides towards the posterior of the cell. The form of the nucleus is an important diagnostic feature. The nucleolus can be central, with large or small parietal nucleolar lobes or be a coarsely granular central mass. Some species have rounded posterior regions while others have a tendency to form a knobbly or shrivelled uroid. At least 12 species described from freshwater, however, no cyst stages have been reported. Common. Widespread distribution in Europe, North America and Australia. Type species: T. quadripartita Fromentel 1874.

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Thecamoeba in this collection

Thecamoeba terricola
in vivo

Thecamoeba in other collections

Thecamoeba, from Plum Island, Massachusetts coast, USA	Thecamoeba proteoides, from Protozoan biomonitors in China	Thecamoeba quadrilineata, from Protozoan biomonitors in China	Thecamoeba sphaeronucleolus, from Protozoan biomonitors in China	Thecamoeba terricola, from Protozoan biomonitors in China
Thecamoeba verrucosa, from Protozoan biomonitors in China	Thecamoeba Sphaeronucleolus, from Freshwater protists of ponds and sphagnum near Frankfurt, Germany	Thecamoeba, from Protsville drawings of freshwater protists	Thecamoeba similis, from Limnic and marine Protists of Northern Germany and the Alps	Thecamoeba, from Gems from Tvärminne
Thecamoeba sphaeronucleolus, from Freshwater protists of ponds and sphagnum near Frankfurt, Germany	Thecamoeba Sphaeronucleolus, from Freshwater protists of ponds and sphagnum near Frankfurt, Germany	Thecamoeba, from Amoebae at Yellowstone	Thecamoeba, from Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, USA)

micro*scope - version 6.0 - March, 2006
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