How Do You Spell SUCTORIA?

Pronunciation: [sʌktˈɔːɹi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "Suctoria" is spelled with "su-" followed by "-ctor-", which represents the Latin word for "suck." The "-ia" at the end is a common suffix for taxonomic group names. The phonetic transcription of "Suctoria" is [sʌkˈtɔriə], with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel pronounced as in "sun," followed by the "k" sound. The second syllable has the "k" sound followed by the vowel sound as in "caught." The final two syllables are pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and with the "i" pronounced as in "idea."

SUCTORIA Meaning and Definition

1. Suctoria is a taxonomic subgroup within the phylum Ciliophora, which comprises a diverse group of aquatic microorganisms. Suctoria are unicellular, non-motile organisms that possess a distinct feeding apparatus consisting of one or more tentacle-like structures known as suctoria tubes or tentacles. These tentacles are utilized by suctoria for capturing and feeding on their prey, which predominantly consists of other ciliates and small microorganisms.

   Suctoria are characterized by their distinctive body shape, typically displaying a rigid stalk or stalk-like structure known as a suctorian stalk or peduncle. This stalk attaches the organism to various substrates within their aquatic habitats. The body of suctoria may vary in shape and size, ranging from spherical to elongated forms.

   Feeding in suctoria occurs through the tentacles, which are equipped with specialized structures called nematocysts or cnidocysts. These cnidocysts are capable of discharging venomous substances, enabling suctoria to immobilize and ingest their prey. Once a suitable prey item is captured, the tentacles retract it toward the body, where further feeding processes occur.

   Suctoria reproduce asexually through binary fission, where the organism divides into two identical daughter cells. Additionally, sexual reproduction may occur via conjugation, a process in which genetic material is exchanged between two compatible suctoria cells.

   Suctoria are predominantly found in freshwater habitats, although they can also exist in marine environments. They play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems by contributing to nutrient recycling, controlling population sizes of prey organisms, and serving as prey for various predators.

2. A subclass of Ciliata including organisms with cilia only in the early stages as a rule, but having tentacles for piercing or sucking.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SUCTORIA

• suctoeia
• sucto4ia

Etymology of SUCTORIA

The word "Suctoria" originates from the Latin term "suctorius", which means "sucking" or "to suck". It is derived from the verb "sugere", which means "to draw up" or "to suck". "Suctorius" is the adjective form of "sugere" and refers to an organism or object that possesses the ability to suck or draw up fluids. In the context of biology, the term "Suctoria" is used to describe a subclass of ciliates that have specialized structures called tentacles or suctorial organs, which they use for feeding by suction.