The Fine Structure of the Cortex of the Protist Protoopalina australis (Slopalinida, Opalinidae) from Litoria nasuta and Litoria inermis (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) in Queensland, Australia

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Abstract
The ultrastructural appearance of cortical structures of Protoopilina australis is described. With respect to kinetosomal architecture and the supports of the surface folds, Protoopalina australis has an ultrastructural identity similar to other opalines. However, microfibrillar tracts and regular arrays of cortical vesicles—evident in Opalina and Cepedea—are absent from the binucleate genera. This new insight, combined with the recent discovery of a new genus (Protozelleriella) is used to revise our understanding of the evolution of slopalines and we favour a common origin for the multinucleate genera Opalina and Cepedea.