Nebulimpa viscosifilum

Nebulimpa viscosifilum
Creator	Squidy
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	25, 27
Roles	Producer
Classification
Genus	Nebulimpa
Species	Nebulimpa viscosifilum
Evolution
Date	June 20th, 2019
Ancestor	Nebulimpa protos
Descendants	No results

Viscosifilum's ancestor, N. protos, experienced predation from a number of species in Zone 27, namely Q. istus, R. duoformus, and J. flexiglobulus. Viscosifilum, seeking protection, now has a symbiotic relationship with one of its predators: J. flexiglobulus.

Viscosifilum cells line the inside of flexiglobulus' bubble, forming a coating that can be multiple layers thick. As a photosynthetic organism, they benefit from the translucency of the bubble membrane, which allows them to take in light from both sides. Using their newly-formed flagella, they root themselves onto the bubbles cells and remain fixed there. Here they remain mostly protected from outside predators. The flagella feature a small hook on the end used for grasping onto the membrane's cells.

In return for protection, they provide flexiglobulus with a reliable, consistent food source, as any excess or stray cells are consumed by the host. Flexiglobulus with a large number of viscosifilum inside of them rarely need to open the entrance to their bubble except to occassionally exchange stagnant water, making the relationship almost an entirely self-sufficient, closed system.

When the host dies, or there is no longer enough room in the host for more cells, viscosifilum cells will swim up the surface of the water and behave identically to their ancestors, waiting to be taken in by a new flexiglobulus feeding on protos and viscosifilum.

Like its ancestor, viscosifilum does not use chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but a protein called bacteriorhodopsin. This protein captures light and uses it to move proteins across a membrane, producing a proton gradient that is converted into chemical energy. Viscosifilum continues to produce anti-freeze compounds to keep from freezing, and reproduce every 10-15 minutes through budding. Each cell is approximately 2μm.