2024/01/02 by Kenneth Dumack, Enrique Lara, Clément Duckert +6 · 1 voice · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Protist diversity and phylogeny #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Legionella and Acanthamoeba research
paper · doi:10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126051
openalex publication_date 2024/01/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26
The shells of testate amoebae are morphologically diverse and persistent in the environment. Accordingly, the examination of the morphology and composition of shells became a standard tool in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary studies. However, so far the function of the shell remains poorly understood and, although based on limited evidence, the shell was considered as a defense mechanism. Based on recent evidence, we propose that the shell of arcellinid testate amoebae is a crucial component facilitating the amoebae's attack of large prey. Accordingly, the shell is not purely protective, but must be considered also as a weapon. This change in perspective opens up numerous new avenues in protistology and will lead to a substantial change in ecological, palaeoecological, and evolutionary research.