Ciliate in the process of division

In this view of a dividing ciliates, the process of division is almost finished, but two daughter cells are still connected. The cirri around the mouth and rear end are usually moving even when the body is still. However, the cirri can provide "rowing power" to move away from another organisms when necessary. After a while, a wall between the two daughter dells develops, and finally the completely divided cells go their separate ways.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
The three long cirri at the rear end indicate that this organism may be Stylonychia.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

Sampling Date : 03 July 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River B  Google Map