The molecular phylogeny of colpodellids provides a framework for inferences about the earliest stages in apicomplexan evolution and the characteristics of the last common ancestor of apicomplexans and dinoflagellates. We extended this research by presenting phylogenetic analyses of small subunit rRNA gene sequences from Colpodella edax and three unidentified eukaryotes published from molecular phylogenetic surveys of anoxic environments. Phylogenetic analyses consistently showed C. edax and the environmental sequences nested within a colpodellid clade, which formed the sister group to (eu)apicomplexans. We also presented surface details of C. edax using scanning electron microscopy in order to supplement previous ultrastructural investigations of this species using transmission electron microscopy and to provide morphological context for interpreting environmental sequences. The microscopical data confirmed a sparse distribution of micropores, an amphiesma consisting of small polygonal alveoli, flagellar hairs on the anterior flagellum, and a rostrum molded by the underlying (open-sided) conoid. Three flagella were present in some individuals, a peculiar feature also found in the microgametes of some apicomplexans.
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1 September 2003
Molecular Phylogeny and Surface Morphology of Colpodella edax (Alveolata): Insights into the Phagotrophic Ancestry of Apicomplexans
BRIAN S. LEANDER,
OLGA N. KUVARDINA,
VLADIMIR V. ALESHIN,
ALEXANDER P. MYLNIKOV,
PATRICK J. KEELING
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The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
Vol. 50 • No. 5
September 2003
Vol. 50 • No. 5
September 2003
Alveolates
Apicomplexa
Colpodella edax
Dinoflagellata
evolution
phylogeny
small subunit rDNA