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Reticulopodia

Reticulopodia, or reticulose pseudopodia, are specialized pseudopods that form net-like structures and are used for such things as locomotion, food and energy retrieval, release of waste and signal transduction. They provide the equivalent of a two way transportation system in and out of the cell. Reticulopodia are also referred to as granuloreticulopodia, pseudopodial networks, rhizopodia, and cytoplasmic strands.

Reticulopodia are found in radiolaria and foraminifera. These specialized pseudopodia are critical to obtaining energy for the life cycles of these organisms. Reticulopodia also increase the surface area of the cell to hasten the release of metabolic waste and the uptake of oxygen.

The mechanical roles of reticulopodia include locomotion and anchoring; and transport of organelles and other substances and the capture of food or particles. They also perform a sensory role in searching for food and monitoring for danger. Signal proteins located in the reticulopodia quickly transfer signals. The microtubule cytoskeleton is extremely dynamic, and is able to slide and bend with ease. It is also quick to assemble and disassemble.

Web Resources On Reticulopodia

Autonomous Reorganization of Foraminiferan Reticulopodia
Rhizopod sarcodines

Book Resources On Reticulopodia

The life history of Patellina corrugata, a foraminifer by Earl Hamlet Myers
Modern Foraminifera by Barun K. Sen Gupta (Ed)

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