National Repository of Grey Literature 1 records found  Search took 0.01 seconds. 
Pattern as a functional trait, case study on Mallomonas chrysophytes
Knotek, Petr ; Němcová, Yvonne (advisor) ; Rychtecký, Pavel (referee)
The patterns that can be admired on the surface of many living creatures are also found in many microscopic organisms outside of the macroscopic world we are familiar with. However, their significance and function are yet little understood compared to those of the macroscopic world. In diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) and coccoliths (Haptophyceae), several hypotheses have already been developed concerning the function of their patterned shells. One hypothesis considers the shell as a photonic entity that could reflect UV radiation away from the cell. Others focus more on its mechanical properties, which are among the most impressive within biological structures. Silica-scaled chrysophytes (Synurales, Stramenopiles) also possess a complex shell (or scale-case). Cells are covered with scales (about 4 µm in size) that are very regularly arranged and form a siliceous scale-case on the surface. The pattern on the scales is species-specific and has undergone gradual modification during evolution. This work aims to assess whether the patterning of siliceous scales in the order Synurales can be considered a functional trait or it is a result of neutral evolution. To test the possible photonic properties of the patterned structures, a pair of growth experiments were performed. The experimental cultures were...

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