Photolimus

Photolimus, otherwise known by it's full scientific name Photolimus acus, is a photosynthetic member of the phylum Xenolimae - a group of Chalakium prokaryotes that includes both itself and its relative . The organism is one of the most common basal photosynthesizers of the Early Lemuran Period 850 mya, and is found all across the southern coastline of Lamyum in the form of large patches and clusters in shallow waters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Photolimus takes the form of a long, thin, round rod-like structure that is slightly translucent and purple in coloration which is supported by a thin, translucent tube structure. The anatomy is thus divided into these two parts - the "body" and the stalk. The body of Photolimus is a soft, flexible structure with a fleshy consistency, while the stalk is much firmer. Interestingly, unlike most multicellular organisms present on Vulgur during this time, Photolimus lacks any form of internal organs, with all functions essential for life being conducted by the collective of cells that make up the body of the organism. This is largely due to the fact that Photolimus is ancestrally a colonial organism. Though the individual cells of the body cannot survive without those on the stem and vice versa, each cell - with the exception of the gametes - functions as if it was an independent organism living within a colonial mass, akin to a form of mutualism between two different species. 
Most functions essential to the survival of the organism are conducted within the fleshy body of the organism, which consists of up to 90% of the organism's biomass. Within the body synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are conducted via. photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is conducted by utilizing bacteriorhodopsin, an integral membrane protein that utilizes retinal as a photosynthetic pigment. The utilization of retinal grants the species its characteristic dark purple coloration.
The stalk of Photolimus is utilized primarily as a means of gathering nutrients from the sediment and as a means of excreting waste more efficiently into the environment. Nutrients are gathered from the anchor of the stalk, which is a small sticky pad located at the base of the organism that contains numerous pores. The nutrients are then transported up the stalk via. diffusion between cell membranes while waste products are excreted. Additionally, the stalk of Photolimus operates as a sort of elevator - i.e., the photosynthetic body can be raised by the growth of the stalk should sediment begin to accumulate beneath it.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most members of its kingdom, Photolimus has not evolved sexual reproduction - rather, it utilizes two forms of asexual reproduction. The primary method of reproduction is the broadcasting of young, healthy cells from the interior of the body into the water column. Unlike most cells within the organism, these young cells have yet to develop a dependency on the other cells within the organism. Most cells within Photolimus initially have the ability to perform all essential functions for survival, however depending on their role within the organism different functions become inert and are lost. This process, referred to as assimilation, does not occur within the interior of the body due to its generally central position and moderate exposure to different functions. Thus, these cells are able to survive independently from the rest of the body. When these cells are ejected into the water column, they will drift within the ocean current until they arrive at a solid surface to anchor themselves to. The cells will rapidly multiply and assimilate into different roles gradually, depending on their position within the organism as it grows, eventually resulting in a new Photolimus adult.
The other method of reproduction occurs in the rare event that enough assimilated and unassimilated cells from both the stalk and body of a Photolimus are separated together. If this should occur, the cells will be able to organize into their respective parts should they land on hard sediment or rock quickly enough. Should this occur multiple times from the destruction or injury of one Photolimus, additional Photolimus will grow from the removed components. This method of reproduction is incredibly rare and thus functions as more of a means of survival for the Photolimus cells in the event of separation from the rest of the organism rather than a proper method of reproduction.

Growth Rate & Stages

When a Photolimus gamete is broadcast into the water column, it will continue to divide and attempt to gain nutrients from the water column as if it was still within the original adult organism. Once the "spore" reaches a sufficient mass of cells (usually a barely visible purple speck) it will sink towards the bottom of the water column. The average amount of time required for this process to occur varies with the nutrient density within the water column - the more nutrients available, the faster growth is at all stages of life. When this spore reaches a surface that is firm enough for it to anchor itself to - usually in the form of a microbial mat or rock - the spore will begin to grow upwards into a small tubular structure vaguely resembling a hair or blade of grass. Once the organism reaches a height of about 1/2 a centimeter (usually within a local day), the body and stalk will form via. assimilation of existing cells. From this point onward, specialization will be effectively finalized and the Photolimus will be effectively an adult. However, it will continue to grow for the rest of it's life, eventually reaching an average height of about 5 centimeters should it survive long enough.

Ecology and Habitats

Photolimus lives along the southern coastline of Lamyum throughout the shallow continental shelf, where it grows atop the hard upper soil of the widespread microbial mats and on top of rocks.

General Information

Time Period: Lemuran Period
Scientific Name: Photolimus acus
Kingdom: Chalakium
Phylum: Xenolimae
Lifespan: 8 Vulgur years
Average Height: 5 cm
Habitat: Southern Lamyan Coastline