Shape-shifting

Chaos carolinensis — the Mystique of the microscopic world

The amoeba Chaos carolinensis possesses a remarkable ability to alter its shape and form, exhibiting a level of adaptability that mirrors the transformative prowess of superheroes like Mystique from the X-Men. 

How was it discovered?

C. carolinensis is believed to be first identified by H. V. Wilson in 1900 at the University of North Carolina, who noted its giant size and many nuclei. However, some scientists argue that this amoebae is the same as an amoeboid described by the German painter August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof in 1755, who named it “the little Proteus”.

What makes its power unique?

Despite being extraordinarily large (up to 5 mm), C. carolinensis can change its morphology within minutes. The cell has an extremely flexible outer membrane (known as the plasmalemma) and can extend projects known as pseudopods (translated as false feet). These structures are limb-like dynamic projects of the cellular material that can engulf preys by a process known as phagocytosis.