Cryptomonascells with an anomalous shape, usually possessing a transversal constriction, have been observed in nature and in cultures. Closer examination of the cells revealed the presence of a dense carpet of bacteria of the genusCaulobacterwithin the transversal groove. This observation raises the question of a possible mutual benefit from the association, as well as the question of the taxonomic validity of previously described species ofCryptomonaswith similar cell shape. When brought into bacteriafree culture, aCryptomonasstrain lost the transversal constriction and assumed the characteristic shape of C.curvata.No benefit to the growth ofCryptomonascould be recorded in the presence of the bacteria.
展开▼
