View source for Reticulopodia

[[Image:Rhizopodia1TrAl1981mod.jpg|thumb|right|322px| <div style="text-align:left;margin-left:5px;margin-bottom:4px;"><font size="2">'''Reticulopodia'''. This extensive reticulopodial network of living ''Allogromia'' illustrates the radially extended trunk filopodia, and the anastomosing interconnection of these with the branch filopodia. Survey light micrograph (from [[BIBLIOGRAPHY|Travis & Allen, 1981]], modified)]]</font></div>

Reticulopodia, also known as reticulose [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudopodia pseudopodia], net-like pseudopods which form complex irregular anastomosing structures.

"The most remarkable feature of the granular rhizopodia of foraminifera is the typical bidirectional cytoplasmic flow ... Granules are transported in both directions simultaneously even in extremely fine rhizopodial strands" (from [[BIBLIOGRAPHY|Lipps,1993]])


== Function ==

"Rhizopodia are crucial in obtaining the energy necessary for the successful completion of the Radiolarian life cycle. Additionally, the rhizopodia act to increase the surface area of the cell, improving the rates of release of metabolic wastes and the uptake of oxygen. The separation of the cytoplasm is thought to allow for increased control of the diffusion of large molecules within the cell, such as fat globules, and organelles." (from [http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/protista/radiolaria/radmm.html link title])

=== Mechanical role ===
 
* locomotion
* anchoring and/or stabilazing in/on sediment or on other substrata
* capture of food or grain particles
* transport of organelles, proteins, mineral grains, food particles etc.

=== Sensory role ===

* food search
* 'danger monitoring'
* transfer of signals/information (probably via signal proteins)

=== Morphogenetic role ===

* shaping shell/chamber morphology