feeding

Description :

Paraphysomonas (para-fie-sew-moan-ass) a heterotrophic stramenopile (related to Ochromonas and organisms traditionally referred to as chrysophytes). It is distinguished because the body surface is coated with a fine layer of scales, although in most species (this one is an exception) the scales cannot be seen with the light microscope. There are two flagella, a long one with hairs (the hairs are not visible with the light microscope) but which beats with an undulating motion and draws fluid and suspended food particles to the surface of the cell. They are voracious, and this one has ingested a diatom many times larger than itself. Phase contrast.