Image of Theratromyxa

Description:

Theratromyxa (thee-rat-row-mix-a) is a rarely reported large amoeba from soils. The organism may adopt an extended form with masses of cytoplasm separated from other masses by finer cytoplasmic strands. There are multiple nuclei and the impression is that these organisms can extend over many millimeters or centimetres. This strain eats nematodes. They are first caught with pseudopodia . The food is then enclosed within a food vacuole, packed tightly and digested. The amoeba often encysts during this process or slightly afterwards. Such cysts are referred to as digestion cysts are are not suited for protection from drying out. The amoebae excyst to embark on another food expedition. An empty cyst and the residue of a meal is shown here. Phase contrast.