Question:

What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?

Updated On: Jul 27, 2024
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Solution and Explanation

Some characteristic features of Euglenoids are as follows.

1. Euglenoids (such as Euglena) are unicellular protists commonly found in fresh water. 
2. Instead of cell wall, a protein-rich cell membrane known as pellicle is present.
3. They bear two flagella on the anterior end of the body.
4. A small light sensitive eye spot is present.
5. They contain photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll and can thus prepare their own food. However, in absence of light, they behave similar to heterotrophs by capturing other small aquatic organisms.
6. They have both plant and animal-like features, which makes them difficult to classify.

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Concepts Used:

Kingdom Protista

Biological Classification: Kingdom Protista

Protista is the kingdom that includes single-celled eukaryotes. They are typically found in the water. In the aquatic ecosystem, algae, for example, are the primary producers. They are eukaryotic creatures with only one cell. They have a true core that is separated from the rest of the cell by the nuclear membrane. They can move by cilia and flagella; they can breathe both aerobically and anaerobically, and they can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Characteristics of Kingdom Protista:

  1. They are eukaryotic, which means they have a nucleus.
  2. Most have mitochondria.
  3. They can be parasites.
  4. They all prefer aquatic or moist environments.

Read More: Biological Classification

Classification of Protista

They are divided into Chrysophytes, Dinoflagellates, Euglenoids, Slime molds, and Protozoans.

Chrysophytes

This category includes diatoms and golden algae. They are found in both freshwater and marine settings. In nature, they are photosynthetic. Their cell walls are made of silica. They are the most important producers in the oceans. Most of them are unicellular flagellates. They are amoeboids.

Dinoflagellates

They are photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea. They can be yellow, green, brown, blue, or red, depending on the cell pigment. The outside surface of their cell walls is covered in cellulose plates, making them rigid.

Euglenoids

They are frequently found in stagnant water and are freshwater creatures. They make use of their photosynthetic nature when exposed to sunshine. They eat smaller organisms when they are deprived of sunshine.

Slime Moulds

They feed on rotting twigs, leaves, and organic waste and are saprophytic. Even in the face of adversity, they can live for a long time.

Protozoans

All protozoans are parasite-eating predators. Amoeboid protozoans, Flagellated protozoans, Ciliated protozoans, and Sporozoans are the four types of protozoans.