Ciona intestinalis: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:15, 15 February 2025

Ciona intestinalis is a species of sea squirt in the class Ascidiacea, subphylum Tunicata. It is a marine invertebrate that is widely used as a model organism in developmental biology and genomics.

Description[edit]

Ciona intestinalis is characterized by its cylindrical, translucent body, which is typically yellowish or orange in color. The body is covered by a tunic, a protective outer layer made of a cellulose-like carbohydrate called tunicin. The organism attaches itself to substrates in shallow waters using its base.

Habitat[edit]

*Ciona intestinalis* in its natural habitat

Ciona intestinalis is found in temperate marine environments worldwide. It typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, attaching to rocks, docks, and ship hulls. It is often found in areas with high levels of organic material, which it filters from the water.

Life Cycle[edit]

The life cycle of Ciona intestinalis includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. It is a hermaphroditic organism, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Fertilization occurs externally, and the resulting larvae are free-swimming before settling and metamorphosing into the adult form.

Ecological Role[edit]

As a filter feeder, Ciona intestinalis plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water. This process helps maintain water quality and clarity.

Research Significance[edit]

Ciona intestinalis is a valuable model organism in scientific research due to its simple body plan and genome. It has been extensively studied in the fields of evolutionary biology, genomics, and neurobiology. The genome of Ciona intestinalis was one of the first chordate genomes to be sequenced, providing insights into the evolution of vertebrates.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Ciona intestinalis''', commonly known as the vase tunicate, is a species of [[sea squirt]], a type of [[tunicate]], that belongs to the [[Phylum]] [[Chordata]]. This marine invertebrate is notable for its soft, gelatinous body encased in a tubular tunic, which gives it the appearance of a translucent, living vase. ''Ciona intestinalis'' is found in shallow waters around the world, often attached to surfaces in protected areas such as marinas and bays.
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Ciona intestinalis
+| image = Cionaintestinalis.jpg
+| image_caption = ''Ciona intestinalis''
+| regnum = [[Animalia]]
+| phylum = [[Chordata]]
+| subphylum = [[Tunicata]]
+| classis = [[Ascidiacea]]
+| ordo = [[Enterogona]]
+| familia = [[Cionidae]]
+| genus = ''[[Ciona]]''
+| species = '''''C. intestinalis'''''
+}}
+'''''Ciona intestinalis''''' is a species of [[sea squirt]] in the class [[Ascidiacea]], subphylum [[Tunicata]]. It is a marine invertebrate that is widely used as a model organism in [[developmental biology]] and [[genomics]].
 ==Description==
-''Ciona intestinalis'' has a simple, sack-like body structure, typically ranging from 10 to 20 cm in length. The body is covered by a tunic, which is a unique outer covering made of a cellulose-like substance called tunicin. This species is characterized by its two siphons: an incurrent (oral) siphon at the top and an excurrent (atrial) siphon on the side. Water is drawn into the body through the incurrent siphon, filtered for food particles, and then expelled through the excurrent siphon.
+''Ciona intestinalis'' is characterized by its cylindrical, translucent body, which is typically yellowish or orange in color. The body is covered by a tunic, a protective outer layer made of a cellulose-like carbohydrate called tunicin. The organism attaches itself to substrates in shallow waters using its base.
-==Habitat and Distribution==
+==Habitat==
-''Ciona intestinalis'' is widely distributed across temperate and subtropical seas worldwide. It prefers shallow, sheltered waters and is often found attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and man-made structures like docks and boat hulls. This species has a broad tolerance for various environmental conditions, allowing it to inhabit a wide range of coastal ecosystems.
+[[File:Cionaintestinalis.jpg|thumb|right|''Ciona intestinalis'' in its natural habitat]]
+''Ciona intestinalis'' is found in temperate marine environments worldwide. It typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, attaching to rocks, docks, and ship hulls. It is often found in areas with high levels of organic material, which it filters from the water.
-==Reproduction and Lifecycle==
+==Life Cycle==
-Reproduction in ''Ciona intestinalis'' can occur both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, it is a [[Hermaphrodite|hermaphroditic]] species, with individuals producing both eggs and sperm. Fertilization is external, with eggs and sperm being released into the water column. The resulting larvae are free-swimming and possess a notochord, making them members of the chordate phylum. After a brief planktonic stage, the larvae settle onto a suitable substrate and metamorphose into the adult form.
+The life cycle of ''Ciona intestinalis'' includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. It is a hermaphroditic organism, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Fertilization occurs externally, and the resulting larvae are free-swimming before settling and metamorphosing into the adult form.
-Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, a process where new individuals grow directly from the body of an existing one. This mode of reproduction can lead to the formation of dense colonies.
+==Ecological Role==
+As a filter feeder, ''Ciona intestinalis'' plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water. This process helps maintain water quality and clarity.
-==Ecological Role and Importance==
+==Research Significance==
-''Ciona intestinalis'' plays a significant role in its ecosystem as both a filter feeder and a prey species. By filtering water, it helps maintain water clarity and quality, while also serving as a food source for a variety of predators, including fish and invertebrates.
+''Ciona intestinalis'' is a valuable model organism in scientific research due to its simple body plan and genome. It has been extensively studied in the fields of [[evolutionary biology]], [[genomics]], and [[neurobiology]]. The genome of ''Ciona intestinalis'' was one of the first chordate genomes to be sequenced, providing insights into the evolution of vertebrates.
-This species is also of scientific interest due to its simple body plan and chordate characteristics. It has become a model organism in developmental and evolutionary biology, particularly in studies related to the origins and evolution of the chordates.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Tunicata]]
-==Conservation and Threats==
+* [[Ascidiacea]]
-While ''Ciona intestinalis'' is not currently considered endangered, it can become invasive in areas outside its native range, potentially impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity. In some regions, it has been known to outcompete native species for space and resources.
+* [[Model organism]]
-==Research and Applications==
-Research on ''Ciona intestinalis'' has contributed significantly to our understanding of chordate development, gene regulation, and evolutionary biology. Its relatively simple genome and the ease with which it can be studied in the laboratory make it a valuable resource for genetic and biomedical research.
-==See Also==
-* [[Tunicate]]
 * [[Chordata]]
-* [[Invasive species]]
-==References==
-<references/>
-[[Category:Chordata]]
+[[Category:Tunicata]]
-[[Category:Tunicates]]
+[[Category:Model organisms]]
 [[Category:Marine biology]]
-{{marine-biology-stub}}