INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY - H. I. Shcherbak - 2008

PROTISTS - PROTISTA

PROTOZOA

FLAGELLATES

PHYLUM OPALINATA

Opalinids are commensals in the gut of cold-blooded vertebrates. These are heterotrophic Protozoans with two or many flagella. A double helix is located in the transition zone of the flagellum. The pellicle is ridged and forms the outer covering. Cell/35.html">Mitochondria possess tubular cristae. There are numerous nuclei, all of which are identical. The life cycle is complex and intimately tied to the Life Cycle of the host. Reproduction can occur both asexually and sexually (anisogamous copulation).

This phylum includes two classes: Proteromonadea and Opalinatea. Let us examine the latter Class.

Last update: 13/08/2026

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