Labyrinthula (lab-ee-rin-thule-a). Amazin things, labyrinthulids. There are only a couple of genera of these stramenopiles. Labyrinthula is usually associated with dead and decaying marine plants - such as eel grass. The organisms secrete an ectoplasmic network through which the spindle shaped cells can migrate. Periodically they give rise to flagellated cells. Differential interference contrast.
Labyrinthula (lab-ee-rin-thule-a). There are only a couple of genera of these stramenopiles. Labyrinthula is usually associated with dead and decaying marine plants - such as eel grass. The organisms secrete an ectoplasmic network through which the spindle shaped cells can migrate. This image is from a culture growing on agar showing cells and some of the ectoplasmic strands. Phase contrast.
