The genus ''Aplanochytrium'' is part of the class
Labyrinthulomycetes
The Labyrinthulomycetes (ICBN) or Labyrinthulea (ICZN) are a class of protists that produce a network of filaments or tubes, which serve as tracks for the cells to glide along and absorb nutrients for them. The two main groups are the labyrint ...
. It is a sister genus of ''
Labyrinthula
The genus ''Labyrinthula'' is part of the protist group Labyrinthulomycetes and contains thirteen species. The major feature of this genus is the formation of an ectoplasmic net secreted by specialized organelles called bothrosomes which surro ...
'' and
thraustochytrid
Thraustochytrids are single-celled saprotrophic eukaryotes (decomposers) that are widely distributed in marine ecosystems, and which secrete enzymes including, but not limited to amylases, proteases, phosphatases. They are most abundant in regio ...
s. The major characteristic of all three genera is the production of an extension of the
plasma membrane
The cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane (PM) or cytoplasmic membrane, and historically referred to as the plasmalemma) is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment (t ...
and the ectoplasm called the
ectoplasmic net
Ectoplasm may refer to:
Biology
* Ectoplasm (cell biology), the outer part of the cytoplasm
* Ectoplasm, outer layer of soft tissue in foraminiferans
Art and entertainment
* ''Ectoplasm'' (radio show), BBC Radio 4 comedy series
* Ectoplasm (''M ...
, but its use is different in each genera. ''Aplanochytrium'' cells are not embedded in the ectoplasmic net but can move by gliding on the ectoplasmic threads.
Cells of the genus ''Aplanochytrium'' multiply by forming