Peranema trichophorum

Martin Kreutz · Post by **Martin Kreutz** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 11:41 am

Hi forum,

this is the very common heterotrophic euglenid Peranema trichophorum. The body is sac shaped and the pellicle shows a longitudinal striation (PS). I would like to draw your attention to the right image. This is a ventral view where the trailing flagellum (TF) is visible. Possibly some of you were not aware of this second flagellum of Peranema because the TF is attached to the cell body in a ventral groove and hard to see. If you like try to find the TF when you find P. trichophorum.

Martin

NU = nucleus
MO = mouth opening
CV = contractile vacuole
LF = leading flagellum

rjlittlefield · Post by **rjlittlefield** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 11:56 am

What is the function of the trailing flagellum?

--Rik

Martin Kreutz · Post by **Martin Kreutz** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:24 pm

Hi Rik,

I didn't find any informations about the function of the trailing flagellum in my literature. But my personal opinion is, that the TF has a sensory function (e.g. for nutrients, oxygen or gravity). Furthermore it is possible that the TF is essential when the monade will (must) swim backwards. But this is my personal opinion too. An interesting problem. Possibly somebody from this forum can tell us more.

Martin