Capsules

Capsules

Taxonomic markers

ciliate

Definition

Capsules are probably extrusive organelles that are attached to the cell membrane of cytoplasmic extensions, such as, accessory combs, striae, and tentaculoids. They are subspherical, 200-600 nm in size,
and often form clusters; three morphotypes are known (Laval-Peuto and Barria de Cao 1987). Laval (1971 cited in Laval 1972) introduced the term “capsules torquées”, but in the English literature only “capsules” is
used (Hedin 1975, Gold 1979, Laval-Peuto et al. 1979, Capriulo et al. 1986, Wasik and Mikoajczyk 1992); the older expressions “Bacterioidkörperchen” (Entz 1909b) and “trichocysts” (Campbell 1926) are less specific and are thus rejected. Agatha and Riedel-Lorjé (2006)