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Arcella
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Arcella
Arcella spectabilis from Mer Bleue, Ottawa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Phylum: Amoebozoa
Class: Tubulinea
Order: Arcellinida
Family: Arcellidae
Genus: Arcella
Ehrenberg, 1830


Arcella is a genus of testate amoebae in the order Arcellinida, commonly found in ponds, wetlands, moss, and soil. It is distinguished by a radially symmetrical organic shell, which features a central aperture through which pseudopods are extended. Recognized for its broad ecological adaptability, Arcella has been described as "probably the most ecologically successful Arcellinid taxon", with several species exhibiting a cosmopolitan distribution across diverse environments.[1]

Dorsal view of Arcella conica

History and classification

[edit]
Illustrations of Arcella vulgaris by C. G. Ehrenberg, 1830.

The genus Arcella was established in 1830 by the German zoologist C. G. Ehrenberg, who designated Arcella vulgaris as the type species.[2] Over time, numerous species were added to the genus, and by the early 21st century, approximately 51 nominal species, 71 varieties, and 27 distinct forms had been recognized.[3]

In 2021, González-Miguéns et al. conducted a comprehensive revision of the family Arcellidae, using molecular phylogenetics to uncover evolutionary relationships within the group. Their findings led to the reclassification of six Arcella species, which were transferred to the newly established genus Galeripora. This genus was distinguished by the presence of pores surrounding the aperture of the test and a thin layer of organic material partially covering the shell's surface.[1] Since then, several other species previously classified in Arcella have been transferred to Galeripora.[3][4]

Anatomy

[edit]

Species of Arcella are typically enclosed in a domed or umbrella-shaped test (shell) with a single central aperture.[5] This test is composed of secreted proteinaceous material, arranged in hexagonal units known as "areoles." Unlike many other genera in the order Arcellinida, Arcella species do not incorporate scavenged materials, such as mineral particles or diatoms, in their shells. The shape of the shell varies from one species to the next, and sizes range from less than 50 μm to well over 300 μm. When newly-formed, Arcella tests are transparent or pale yellow in colour. As shells age, they gradually darken, becoming nearly brown due to the progressive deposition of iron and manganese compounds.[6]

Most species of Arcella have two cell nuclei, but some are multinucleate. Cells do not entirely fill the test in which they live, but are connected to the inner surface by thin strands of cytoplasm known as epipodia.[7]

Nutrition and distribution

[edit]

Arcella inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, including pools, eutrophic waters, marshes, mosses, slow-moving streams, and wet foliage. A few species can also be found in soils. While most species are associated with fresh water, some have been found in coastal salt marshes, and saline lakes.[1][8]

Like other amoebae, Arcella use their pseudopods to take in food. They feed on bacteria, green algae, diatoms, fungi, flagellates and small ciliates.[7][9]

Most species are cosmopolitan, meaning they occur worldwide. However, some species have more restricted distributions, such as A. brasiliensis, A. peruviana and A. gandalfi, which are endemic to South America.[10][11]

Species

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Arcella

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Arcella is a genus of testate amoebae comprising free-living, heterotrophic protists in the family Arcellidae, distinguished by their protective, dome-shaped shells composed of organic material arranged in hexagonal alveoli. These shelled amoebae, belonging to the phylum Amoebozoa, subphylum Lobosa, and class Tubulinea, feature a central aperture through which lobose pseudopodia extend for locomotion and feeding on bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Typically measuring 50–150 µm in diameter, species of Arcella reproduce asexually via binary fission, in which the daughter cell forms a new test before emerging from the aperture of the parent test. The encompasses approximately 50 described (including subspecies and varieties), making it one of the most diverse among , though many remain understudied; recent discoveries, such as Arcella prismatica in 2025, continue to expand this count. Common representatives include Arcella vulgaris, A. hemisphaerica, and A. discoides, each exhibiting subtle variations in test shape, such as hemispherical or disc-like forms with pores or invaginations. Transcriptomic analyses of like A. intermedia reveal robust metabolic pathways for and , adapted to nutrient-variable conditions, while lacking a complete . Arcella species are globally distributed in freshwater and moist terrestrial habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, peatlands, and bryophyte-covered s, particularly thriving in mosses under low-nutrient, acidic conditions (pH 4–6). They tolerate stressful environments such as eutrophic, contaminated, or mildly saline waters, contributing to carbon and nutrient cycling as key microbial grazers. Ecologically significant, Arcella amoebae serve as bioindicators in and , with their assemblages reflecting , , and shifts in ecosystems like peat bogs. Additionally, they host diverse bacterial symbionts, including Legionella-like pathogens, highlighting their role in microbial interactions.

Taxonomy and History

Classification

Arcella is classified within the domain Eukaryota, kingdom (or Protista in some classification systems), phylum , class , order Arcellinida, family Arcellidae, and genus Arcella. This placement reflects its position among lobose , characterized by amoeboid locomotion via broad and the secretion of a protective test. The of the is Arcella vulgaris Ehrenberg, , originally diagnosed by Ehrenberg as a free-living infusorian with a nearly hemispherical, transparent test composed of organic material, featuring a central invaginated for the protrusion of , and measuring approximately 50–100 μm in diameter. This description established the foundational characteristics of the , emphasizing the test's chitinous, proteinaceous structure without inclusions. Key distinguishing features for the classification of Arcella include the presence of an organic test secreted by the , which exhibits and a central termed the pseudostome, through which lobose are extruded for locomotion and feeding. These traits differentiate Arcella from other that may have agglutinated tests incorporating external particles or filose . Recent phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit () gene sequences have reinforced the of Arcella within Arcellinida, positioning it as a basal lineage among in and distinguishing it from unrelated groups such as the filose testate amoebae in Euglyphida (), like Euglypha. These molecular data align with morphological evidence, supporting the current taxonomic framework while highlighting evolutionary relationships within the order.

Historical Development

The genus Arcella was established in 1830 by the German naturalist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, who described it based on microscopic observations of shelled organisms from freshwater samples. Ehrenberg introduced the name to distinguish these hemispherical, from other infusorians, designating A. vulgaris as the in his seminal work on the organization and distribution of such protists. This foundational description relied on the rudimentary compound microscopes of the era, which allowed visualization of the proteinaceous test and central aperture but limited resolution of finer internal details. In the early 19th century, descriptions of Arcella species often encountered confusion with other shelled protists, such as those in the genus Difflugia, due to overlapping test morphologies and the nascent state of protozoology; this led to the initial delineation of species like A. vulgaris through comparative morphology of test shape and aperture structure. Subsequent 19th-century works by researchers like Müller and Perty expanded the genus with additional species, emphasizing variations in test diameter and ornamentation as key diagnostic traits, though taxonomic boundaries remained fluid without standardized criteria. Advancements in the 20th century included significant contributions from Georges Deflandre in the 1920s and 1930s, who provided detailed studies on test composition, revealing the organic, chitin-like nature of the shell through chemical analyses and improved microscopy, and proposed phylogenetic series within Arcella based on evolutionary trends in test evolution. Concurrently, H.R. Hoogenraad's research in the 1930s, often in collaboration with A.A. de Groot, addressed species variability by documenting intraspecific morphological differences across geographic populations, refining nomenclature for forms previously treated as distinct taxa. By 2000, in the pre-molecular era, the encompassed over 50 recognized , approximately 70 varieties, and 27 forms, with classifications predominantly reliant on morphological criteria such as test height-to-diameter ratios and collar features, as synthesized in comprehensive monographs. This accumulation reflected decades of descriptive but also highlighted challenges in delimiting cryptic variation without genetic . Since 2000, molecular phylogenetic studies have refined the , supporting the of Arcella and leading to new descriptions as of 2025.

Morphology and Anatomy

Test Structure

The test of Arcella species is a rigid, external shell composed primarily of organic proteinaceous material secreted by the amoeba itself, forming an autogenous structure without agglutinated foreign particles. This material originates from thecagenous granules produced by the Golgi apparatus and is arranged into box-like building units that create a characteristic areolate surface. In shape, the test is typically hemispherical or discoid, appearing circular in apertural view and more flattened than spherical in lateral view, with dimensions ranging from 50 to 300 μm in depending on the . The surface features polygonal areoles, often hexagonal plates arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern, which provide structural integrity and may vary slightly in form across , such as circular or rough hexagonal units in some cases. These areoles are hollow and formed in a single layer, contributing to the test's lightweight yet durable design that aids in protection against environmental stresses and facilitates locomotion by allowing pseudopod extrusion without compromising shell stability. The , known as the pseudostome, is centrally located at the base of the and serves as the primary opening for the emergence of during feeding and movement; it is typically circular or slit-like and invaginated, often bordered by a thin lip. In certain species, the pseudostome is surrounded by a corona of accessory pores or a tubus-like structure, enhancing the flexibility of pseudopod deployment while maintaining the 's protective barrier. This configuration underscores Arcella's classification among , where the enclosed shell distinguishes it from naked forms. As Arcella individuals age, the test undergoes changes that increase its thickness and durability through the progressive deposition of iron and into the areolar building units, causing the initially transparent shell to darken to a hue. This metal incorporation, while not constituting full mineralization, reinforces the organic matrix against mechanical damage and predation, thereby extending the shell's functional lifespan.

Internal Organization

The cytoplasm of Arcella is differentiated into two distinct layers: a thin, clear outer ectoplasm that lines the interior of the test and lacks organelles, and a granular inner that houses the cell's vital components, including nuclei and various inclusions. Pseudopods, used for movement, emerge from the endoplasm and extend through the test's , with the ectoplasm providing a hyaline boundary that supports their protrusion. This enables efficient internal streaming while maintaining structural integrity within the enclosed shell. Arcella cells are characteristically binucleate, featuring two spherical nuclei typically positioned on opposite sides of the endoplasm; these nuclei are connected by fine cytoplasmic strands referred to as epipodial strands, which also help anchor the cytoplasm to the test wall. Each nucleus contains vesicular nucleoli, contributing to the cell's genetic and synthetic functions during interphase. This nuclear arrangement supports synchronous division processes observed in the genus. Key organelles within the include food vacuoles, which form through for processing; mitochondria, responsible for aerobic respiration; and a Golgi apparatus, involved in secretory and packaging activities. The absence of chloroplasts underscores Arcella's strictly heterotrophic lifestyle, relying on ingested rather than . These components collectively facilitate basic cellular and maintenance. Locomotion in Arcella involves slow gliding across substrates, mediated by the adhesion and retraction of slender, sometimes branched pseudopods that extend from the ; this mechanism allows deliberate movement suited to the organism's sessile tendencies in aquatic environments.

Ecology and Life Cycle

Habitat and Distribution

Arcella species primarily inhabit freshwater ecosystems, such as , lakes, wetlands, mosses, and wet soils, where they often occur in benthic or epiphytic communities. These amoebae demonstrate tolerance to low-oxygen conditions, particularly in anoxic sediments, enabling persistence in stratified or hypoxic environments like lake bottoms and peatlands. Their preference for such habitats is linked to the protective role of their durable tests, which facilitate survival in variable microhabitats. The genus exhibits a , occurring across all continents, including rare occurrences in freshwater bodies, though populations are sparse in polar regions due to latitudinal declines in and abundance. While many are widespread, certain taxa, such as Arcella peruviana and Arcella gandalfi, are restricted to tropical regions like Amazonian peatlands and Brazilian continental waters. This broad yet regionally variable presence underscores their adaptability to diverse freshwater settings globally. Abiotic factors significantly influence Arcella distribution, with optimal conditions including pH ranges of 4–7 and temperatures between 10-25°C, spanning acidic to slightly neutral waters in temperate and subtropical zones. Some species tolerate slightly brackish waters in non-marine saline ecosystems, but the genus generally avoids fully marine environments. In , Arcella serves as a key , with their siliceous or organic tests preserving well in sediments to reconstruct past hydrological conditions, climate variations, and environmental changes such as pH shifts or nutrient loading. This utility stems from species-specific responses to abiotic gradients, allowing quantitative transfer functions for paleoenvironmental inference.

Feeding and Nutrition

Arcella species occupy a as bacterivores and microphagous herbivores or omnivores within aquatic and soil microbial communities. They consume a diverse array of microorganisms, including , unicellular such as and diatoms, fungi, flagellates, and small , often engulfing particles that fit through their test aperture. This polyphagous diet allows them to exploit varied food sources in freshwater and moist terrestrial habitats. While they host bacterial endosymbionts, any associated , such as , are typically digested as prey. The feeding mechanism of Arcella relies on the extension of lobose pseudopods through the test's single aperture, or pseudostome, to capture and engulf prey via . Once enclosed, the prey forms a within the , where lysosomal enzymes facilitate , breaking down into absorbable nutrients. This process mirrors that of other lobose amoebae, enabling efficient nutrient uptake in low-oxygen or sediment-rich environments. Nutritional adaptations in Arcella enhance survival in nutrient-poor waters, where their bacterivorous habits contribute significantly to the by regulating bacterial populations and recycling nutrients through grazing and waste excretion. Aperture size influences prey selection, with smaller openings favoring and , while larger ones permit ingestion of or flagellates, optimizing energy acquisition amid fluctuating prey availability. Daily food intake varies with environmental conditions and prey density, supporting maintenance and growth without reliance on external symbionts.

Reproduction and Development

Arcella primarily reproduces asexually through binary fission, a process that occurs entirely within the protective test, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. The binucleate condition, characteristic of the genus, involves synchronous of the two nuclei during division. Prior to fission, the parent cell withdraws its and accumulates thecagenous granules—organic, membrane-bound building units—in the to provide material for new tests. The then protrudes through the test's to form a thecagenous , which undergoes to create a of alveoli, shaping the initial structure of the new test. This budding phase connects the emerging test to the parental one via a tubular clasp, allowing temporary attachment. Following formation, nuclear division proceeds via closed orthomitosis, producing four nuclei in total; two migrate to the cell while the remaining two stay with the parent, restoring the binucleate state in each. Cytoplasmic cleavage then separates the parent and , with the cell completing its construction using the pre-accumulated parental granules, though de novo secretion can occur if material is insufficient. In cases of limited resources, the offspring may initially share the parental before secreting independent ones. The formation itself takes approximately 10 minutes, but the full fission process, including maturation, spans 1–2 days under optimal conditions, enabling the cells to become fully functional. Epipodial connections, which are plasma projections linking the to the test wall, temporarily dissolve during this cleavage to facilitate separation. Sexual reproduction in Arcella remains unconfirmed, with no direct evidence of gamete fusion or syngamy observed. However, electron microscopy studies have identified meiotic structures, including synaptonemal complexes in prophasic nuclei and two consecutive divisions distinct from vegetative , occurring within cysts formed under environmental stress such as or nutrient limitation. These cysts serve as dormant stages for survival and potential dispersal, with degeneration of some nuclear products followed by suggesting an autogamous process, though its role in is not fully established. This potential sexual phase is rare and contrasts with the predominant asexual mode.

Diversity

Recognized Species

The genus Arcella encompasses approximately 50 recognized species following taxonomic revisions, characterized primarily by variations in test diameter, areole patterns on the proteinaceous shell, and aperture morphology, with many species exhibiting cosmopolitan distributions in freshwater habitats. The type species, Arcella vulgaris Ehrenberg, 1830, features an umbrella-shaped test typically measuring 50-100 μm in diameter, with a central invaginated aperture and a basal rim; it is one of the most common species, frequently observed in ponds and eutrophic waters. Arcella hemisphaerica Perty, 1852, possesses a distinctly hemispherical test under 75 μm in diameter, lacking a pronounced rim and displaying a central aperture with an areolar surface; this widespread species is binucleate and adaptable to various aquatic environments. Most Arcella species are cosmopolitan, inhabiting freshwater pools, marshes, and mosses worldwide, though some like Arcella brasiliensis Cunha, 1913, are more restricted to Neotropical regions such as Brazilian lakes, featuring a hat-like flat base with striations on the test. Identification of these is complicated by environmental influences on test shape variability, such as compression or expansion, necessitating detailed microscopic examination of lateral views and morphometric analyses to differentiate subtle traits like invagination and density.

Taxonomic Revisions and New Discoveries

A significant taxonomic revision occurred in 2021 when González-Miguéns et al. analyzed molecular phylogenetic data from and genes, alongside detailed morphological examinations of test structures, leading to the establishment of the new Galeripora within the Arcellidae. Seven species previously classified under Arcella—including A. dentata, A. spectabilis, A. conica, A. polypora, A. megastoma, A. artocrea, and A. arenaria—were transferred to Galeripora based on shared characteristics such as campanulate test shapes with a single central pore and radial symmetry, distinct from the typical Arcella morphology featuring multiple peripheral pores. This reclassification highlighted in , where ecological adaptations, particularly in habitats, drove similar morphologies across lineages, rendering pre-molecular taxonomy unreliable for Arcella-like forms. Post-2020 discoveries have further expanded Arcella diversity, with several new species described using integrated morphological and genetic approaches. In 2023, Blandenier et al. introduced Arcella uspiensis sp. nov., previously misidentified as A. , from freshwater habitats in the U.S. , characterized by its discoid test (diameter 80–110 μm) and distinct COI barcode sequences that resolved it as a separate lineage within Arcellinida. Similarly, in 2025, Taylor, Strüder-Kypke & Siemensma described Arcella prismatica sp. nov. from peatlands in and , Canada, notable for its polyhedral test with a crenulated and flat dorsal surface, identified through light microscopy, SEM imaging, and phylogenetic analysis confirming its novelty. These additions underscore ongoing efforts to document Neotropical and boreal endemism, with A. peruviana—originally described from Andean wetlands in 2015—gaining renewed attention in recent surveys for its and adaptation to high-altitude peatlands. Advancements in methodology have been pivotal in these revisions, particularly the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for ultrastructural details of test pores and ornamentation, combined with using the subunit I (COI) gene to detect cryptic species. For instance, expanded COI databases have revealed hidden diversity in Arcella, enabling the differentiation of morphologically similar taxa and prompting reviews of over 50 putative species across Arcellinida, many from understudied tropical regions. Older sources, predating 2021, often underestimated Arcella diversity by relying solely on light microscopy, with counts as low as 20–30 species; recent Neotropical surveys, including those in Brazilian peatlands and Amazonian wetlands, now emphasize high , potentially doubling recognized taxa through these integrative techniques.

References

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