Tetrahymena thermophila | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
Clade: | SAR |
Clade: | Alveolata |
Phylum: | Ciliophora |
Class: | Oligohymenophorea |
Order: | Hymenostomatida |
Family: | Tetrahymenidae |
Genus: | Tetrahymena |
Species: | T. thermophila
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Binomial name | |
Tetrahymena thermophila Nanney & McCoy, 1976
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Tetrahymena thermophila is a species of Ciliophora in the family Tetrahymenidae.[1] It is a free living protozoon and occurs in fresh water.[2]
There is little information on the ecology and natural history of this species,[3] but it is the most widely known and widely studied species in the genus Tetrahymena.[4]: 12 The species has been used as a model organism for molecular and cellular biology.[5] It has also helped in the discovery of new genes as well as helping to understand the mechanisms of function of certain genes.[6] Studies on this species have contributed to major discoveries in biology.[5]
For example, the MAT locus found in this species has provided a foundation for the evolution of mating systems.[7]: 6–7
The species was at first considered to be a form of Tetrahymena pyriformis.[8]: 258 T. malaccensis is the closest relative toT. thermophila.[4]: 284
:4
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).