ACTINOPODS

From the Phylum Actinopoda

BASIC DESCRIPTION

Unicellular protists

Mostly marine plankton organisms

Have axopods that protrude through pores in their shells

Axopods are strengthened by a cluster or microtubules

WHAT DO THEY EAT?

Unicellular algae

HOW DO THEY EAT?

Actinopods use axopods to trap prey

Prey becomes entangled in axopods & is later engulfed outside the main body

Cytoplasmic streaming carries prey back within the shell

DO THEY PHOTOSYNTHESIZE?

Yes

Photosynthesize through algal endosymbionts

REPRODUCTION

By binary fission or budding

MOVEMENT

Some produce flagellated reproductive cells

RADIOLARIANS

Classified as an Actinopod

Some Actinopods secrete shells made of silica, which are known as radiolarians

Radiolarians are usually not visible to a light microsope

THE END!