Description of Polychaos
(
Inglês
)
fornecido por BioPedia
This genus includes large amoebae (up to 400 microns) with many pseudopodia that point in the direction of locomotion; cytoplasmic streaming frequently involves several pseudopodia at the same time. In his original description, Schaeffer commented that amoebae resemble a human hand with fingers spread out. Posterior often with a fascicle of pseudopodial remnants. Cytoplasm commonly with numerous bipyramidal and/or plate like crystals, some as paired bodies or clusters. Single nucleus, flexible and easily distorted but generally ovoid or cup-shaped. Nucleolar granules dispersed in nucleus or as large, lobed parietal band. Some species form cysts. Type species: P. dubium (Schaeffer, 1916).
