Microscopic oars move organism: protozoan

Bundles of microtubules projecting from the microscopic Sticholonche zanclea move the protozoans along through a rowing motion.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Move >
	In/on liquids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Devices for maneuvering or delivering nanoscale materials.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"At least one odd actinopod, heliozoan protozoan, Sticholonche, rows along with oars made of bundles of microtubules that emerge from the nuclear membrane through microfibrillar oarlocks. These form the central axes of external cytoplasmic protrusions--oars of a sort (Cachon and Cachon 1978; Margulis and Schwartz 1998)." (Vogel 2003:450)

About the inspiring organism

Protozoa
Protozoa

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Devices for maneuvering or delivering nanoscale materials.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Nanotechnology, medical

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

Microscopic oars move organism: protozoan

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