Morphology of a tube worm hosting sulphide-oxidizing symbionts
Tube worms host their symbionts in the trophosome, a specialized organ. Oxygen (O2), sulphide (HS–), and carbon dioxide (CO2) are taken up from the surrounding water through the animal’s plume and delivered via the blood stream to the symbionts. Clams harbour their symbionts in their gills. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are available from the surrounding water, and sulphide is taken up from the sediment through the clam’s foot.
Year: 2009
From collection: Frozen Heat - A Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates
Cartographer: GRID-Arendal