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On particle filtration by amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2007

S.E. Nielsen
Affiliation:
Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
Q. Bone
Affiliation:
Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
P. Bond
Affiliation:
Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
G. Harper
Affiliation:
Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

Abstract

We show in this paper that amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) is capable of collecting sub-micron particles on its mucous filter. This is made by an endostyle in some respects simpler than those of tunicates, and that unlike the filters in tunicates, the strands of the amphioxus filter are sticky. It therefore does not act simply as a sieve.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2007 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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