Abstract
Highlight-Lessons on Parasitism from the Curious Dicyemida.
Highlights
Dicyemida are microscopic organisms consisting of only 30 cells each (Fig. 1)
The same group of researchers has extended their analysis of this lineage by sequencing the complete genome of Dicyema japonicum
The results are published in this issue of Genome Biology and Evolution in the article, “Dicyemid mesozoans: a unique parasitic lifestyle and a reduced genome” (Lu et al 2019), providing further insight into this odd organism and revealing convergent patterns that are shared among parasites in general
Summary
Dicyemida are microscopic organisms consisting of only 30 cells each (Fig. 1). They are parasites that live inside the renal sacs of cephalopods like the squid and octopus, deriving nutrients from the host’s urine. Despite a relatively complex lifecycle, dicyemids lack differentiated tissues such as a digestive tract and circulatory system and represent one of the most extreme cases of body plan reduction among animals.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
