Title of Work

Patterns and implications of motility in Eunotia Ehr., a diatom genus with a reduced raphe system

Document Type

Presentation

Publication/Presentation Date

May 2019

Conference Location

Salt Lake City, UT

Abstract

Motility in diatoms, largely centered on motile diatoms with complex raphe systems, remains understudied for diatoms with reduced raphe systems like in the genus Eunotia. Examination of motility in this weakly or slightly motile genus may provide unique insight into motility in diatoms overall, especially for raphid diatoms. Coverage of historical and current accounts of motility in a handful of Eunotia species reveal a variety of movement types that allow cells to move forward, pivot, and reorient to ventral-girdle view where raphe ends can connect with the substratum. Variations in overall valve morphology, especially with respect to raphe characteristics and the presence of rimoportulae, likely drive patterns of movement in this genus. The ability to move and to carry out different types of movements may influence resource interactions and habitat preferences. Consideration of motility in Eunotia in the context of diatom evolution reinforces the need for the inclusion of eunotioid taxa in studies on diatom motility. I pose directions for future study to increase knowledge around motility in Eunotia to help flesh out understanding around motility in diatoms as a whole.

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