DINOFLAGELLATA Meaning and
Definition
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Dinoflagellata, commonly known as dinoflagellates, are a group of single-celled organisms belonging to the phylum Dinoflagellata. These microscopic organisms are characterized by their flagella, which are whip-like appendages used for locomotion. Dinoflagellates inhabit both marine and freshwater environments, where they play vital roles in the marine food web and contribute significantly to primary production.
Dinoflagellates exhibit a wide range of morphological diversity, with some species being elongated and others having various shapes, including spherical, oval, or spindle-shaped. The presence of two flagella, one encircling their body in a groove and the other extending straight outwards, enables these organisms to move with a spinning motion through the water. Additionally, certain dinoflagellates possess armor-like plates made of cellulose, providing protection and contributing to their distinctive appearance.
These organisms are highly diverse and can be photosynthetic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic, depending on the species. Photosynthetic dinoflagellates have chloroplasts and obtain energy through photosynthesis, while heterotrophic dinoflagellates obtain nutrients by consuming organic matter or preying on other organisms. Mixotrophic dinoflagellates display characteristics of both photosynthetic and heterotrophic feeding strategies.
Dinoflagellates are crucial contributors to marine ecosystems and play a central role in marine food chains. They serve as primary producers, providing food for various zooplankton grazers, which, in turn, support larger organisms in the marine food web. Furthermore, some dinoflagellates are known for their ability to produce bioluminescent light, creating mesmerizing sparkling effects in the water when disturbed.
In summary
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A subclass of Phytomastigophora, comprising organisms with a cellulose envelope, containing yellow or brown pigment, and with two or more flagella, transverse and longitudinal, by the action of which the cell rotates as it advances.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DINOFLAGELLATA
- sinoflagellata
- xinoflagellata
- cinoflagellata
- finoflagellata
- rinoflagellata
- einoflagellata
- dunoflagellata
- djnoflagellata
- dknoflagellata
- donoflagellata
- d9noflagellata
- d8noflagellata
- diboflagellata
- dimoflagellata
- dijoflagellata
- dihoflagellata
- diniflagellata
- dinkflagellata
- dinlflagellata
Etymology of DINOFLAGELLATA
The word "dinoflagellata" is derived from Greek root words. "Dino-" comes from the Greek word "dinós", which means "whirling" or "terrible". "Flagellata" is derived from the Latin term "flagellum", meaning "whip" or "lash". The suffix "-ata" is used in scientific classification to denote a group or order. Therefore, "dinoflagellata" can be translated as "whirling whip-like organisms", referring to the characteristic whipping motion of their flagella.
Similar spelling word for DINOFLAGELLATA
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