HMN 2025: How Scientists set up new genus after discovering new marine flagellate

Researchers on the University of Tsukuba have recognized a beforehand unknown species of unicellular organism in seawater collected close to Hachijojima Island. The newly found species, named Viscidocauda repens, belongs to the protist group Endomyxa and is notable for possessing a persistent flagellum—marking the primary recorded occasion of such a flagellate inside this group.

Endomyxa contains a various vary of protists, together with intracellular parasites that infect animals and crops, in addition to free-living amoebae that don’t depend on a bunch. Until now, no member of this group was identified to exhibit a constantly current flagellum.

In their study published within the journal Protist, the scientists efficiently established a tradition of the flagellated protist from seawater samples. Detailed microscopic evaluation revealed that the organism shows a novel morphology and inside mobile construction distinct from any beforehand recognized flagellates. DNA sequence comparisons confirmed that the protist belongs to Endomyxa. Based on these findings, the researchers described it as a brand new genus and species: Viscidocauda repens.

This discovery challenges the present understanding that Endomyxa lack flagella or possess them solely throughout sure life phases. The presence of a persistent flagellum in V. repens means that the frequent ancestor of this group could have been flagellated. These findings provide precious insights into the evolutionary historical past and organic range of Endomyxa.