portrait

Description:

Monosiga (mono-sigh-ga) a naked choanoflagellate (collar-flagellate). The cell body is small - about 5 microns. A single flagellum projects from the anterior end. It is surrounded by a collar of fine pseudopodia. Beating of the flagellum draws a current of water through the collar and particles of food are trapped against the collar. Pseudopodia can then enclose the food so that it can be digested. Animations by Rosemary Arbur of flagellar beat patterns are available here. Phase contrast.