Biology / Unit 9 Bio 2001 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Opisthokonta and Choanoflagellates
Captions available
The idea
Opisthokonta is defined by a single posterior flagellum that pushes the cell, a trait including animals, fungi, and the animal-like choanoflagellate protists.
In practice
A choanoflagellate's collar of microvilli around its flagellum filters bacteria for food, resembling the collar cells found in sponges.
Where people slip
A posterior, pushing flagellum sets Opisthokonta apart from most other eukaryotes, whose flagella pull the cell from the front.
Your place on the trail
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