The Microbe That's Big Enough to Pet

The video explores the Pelham Mixer, a giant amoeba found in freshwater sediments. Despite its size, it is difficult to identify due to its slow movement and debris-filled cytoplasm. The organism was first described in the 19th century and is known for its non-motile flagella and varying nuclei count. It thrives in low-oxygen environments, hosting prokaryotes for survival. Pelham Mixer feeds on nutrient-rich sapropel, likened to a sewage treatment plant. Initially thought to be a single species, it was later found to have multiple forms. The absence of mitochondria in Pelham Mixer challenges evolutionary theories, leading to the proposal and eventual abandonment of the Archisoa kingdom.

What is the relationship between Pelham mixers and mitochondria?

Explain the concept of 'degenerate protists' in relation to Pelham mixers.

What implications does the study of Pelham mixers have on our understanding of evolution?