PromotedSpecies introCountry intro
Volvox - Volvox globator
Volvox are so amazing. They are a type of green algae that forms hollow, spherical colonies of up to 50,000 cells ( zooids)! Somehow, all of these individuals are able to work together. Each cell has an eyespot and two flagella, and mysteriously coordinate so that the Volvox moves in one direction - generally towards light. They are constantly moving (I'll try to get a video today) and respond to any changes in light by turning quickly to chase the light because they are photosynthetic. Sounds simple, but coordinating this movement requires some cells to shut off their flagella, while other cells activate theirs, thus causing the Volvox to turn toward the light. Plus, they position the cells with the most sensitive eyespots closest to the light. And, they apparently manage this complex biochemical cell-to-cell communication without a brain or even a single nerve cell.
*Photo taken with a microscope with samples that I took from cell culture
Videos:
"Volvox globator" is a species of green algae of the genus "Volvox". It was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 work "Systema Naturae". In 1856 its sexuality was described by Ferdinand Cohn and is the same as "Sphaeroplea" "annulina". It is colonial flagellate found in freshwaters.
comments (8)