coenobium

views updated May 17 2018

coenobium (pl. coenobia) A loose association of unicellular organisms that live in a colony and may be surrounded by a common membrane. Often the cells are held together in a jelly excreted by all individuals in the colony. Both algae and bacteria form coenobia. For example, Volvox (a green alga) forms a hollow sphere in which 20 000 cells may live; some of these are reproductive and others are concerned with photosynthesis. The cells in this coenobium are interconnected by protoplasmic strands.

coenobium

views updated May 29 2018

coenobium An algal colony consisting of a definite number of cells in a specific arrangement. The colony as a whole behaves as an individual organism.

coenobium

views updated May 29 2018

coenobium An algal colony consisting of a definite number of cells in a specific arrangement. The colony as a whole behaves as an individual organism.

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