Lorica (biology)

In biology, a lorica is a shell-like protective outer covering, often reinforced with sand grains and other particles that some protozoans and loriciferan animals secrete.[1] Usually it is tubular or conical in shape, with a loose case that is closed at one end.[2] An example is the protozoan genus Stentor, in which the lorica is trumpet-shaped. In the tintinnids, the lorica is frequently transparent and is used as domicile.[3] Halofolliculina corallasia has a lorica that is attached as an outer structure, and into which it retracts when disturbed.

There are three phases in the formation of lorica: agglomeration in a natural cast; helical extension; and stabilization.[4]

The original meaning of the word is: cuirass, a type of chest armor, originally made of leather, afterward of plates of metal or horn sewed on linen or the like.

See also

Notes

  1. Davis, Charles C. (1 January 1981). "Variations of lorica shape in the genus Ptychocylis (Protozoa: Tintinnina) in relation to species identification". Journal of Plankton Research. 3 (3): 433–443. doi:10.1093/plankt/3.3.433.
  2. "lorica (biology) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia". britannica.com. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  3. "Mic-UK: TINTINNINAE". www.microscopy-uk.org.uk. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
  4. Laybourn-Parry, J. A. (31 January 1992). Protozoan plankton ecology Three phases of lorica formation. ISBN 9780412344404. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
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