PERITRICHA Meaning and
Definition
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Peritricha refers to a group of microorganisms that belong to the phylum Ciliophora and are characterized by their unique arrangement of cilia on their body surface. Derived from the Greek words "peri" meaning around and "thrix" meaning hair, the name aptly describes the numerous hair-like structures that cover the surface of these organisms.
Members of the Peritricha group typically undergo a sessile or colonial lifestyle, attaching themselves to a substrate or living in aggregates. They can be found in various aquatic environments including freshwater and marine habitats, as well as in the soils. These microorganisms are known for their cilia, which serve multiple functions such as movement, feeding, and sensory perception.
The cilia of Peritricha are arranged in dense rows or bands around the body, giving them a distinct appearance. These cilia are used for locomotion by beating in coordinated waves, enabling the organism to swim or glide through the water. Additionally, they aid in the capture and ingestion of food particles, as well as in the detection of environmental cues.
Peritricha exhibit a diverse range of morphological and behavioral characteristics. Some species form vase-shaped colonies, while others can exist as individually sessile organisms. These microorganisms play important roles in aquatic ecosystems, functioning as primary consumers and contributing to nutrient cycles.
In summary, Peritricha are a group of ciliates that possess abundant cilia arranged around their body, enabling them to move, feed, and interact with their environment in various ways.
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Microorganisms having flagella attached to all sides.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERITRICHA
- oeritricha
- leritricha
- -eritricha
- 0eritricha
- pwritricha
- psritricha
- pdritricha
- prritricha
- p4ritricha
- p3ritricha
- peeitricha
- peditricha
- pefitricha
- petitricha
- pe5itricha
- pe4itricha
- perutricha
- perjtricha
- perktricha
- perotricha
Etymology of PERITRICHA
The word "Peritricha" is a scientific term used in biology to describe a class of ciliate protozoa that have cilia or hair-like projections covering their entire body. The term "Peritricha" is derived from the Greek words "peri", meaning "around", and "trichos", meaning "hair". It refers to the arrangement of the cilia around the periphery or surface of these organisms' bodies.
