b) Euglenids

The eugleozoans are a group of flagellated organisms who all contain a spiral or crystalline rod inside their flagella. With one exception, all euglenoids are unicellular flagellates. They inhabit freshwater pools and possess either one or two flagella. Some euglenoids have a flexible proteinaceous layer called a "pellicle" rather than a cell wall. This allows their body shape to change as they swim. The euglenoids can photosynthesize and contain chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids. Their carbohydrate reserve is in the form of paramylon. Reproduction is asexual, by longitudinal cell division. Sexual reproduction has not been observed in this group. Examine slide #57 of Euglena sp. Also, refer to Figure 8.

Figure 8: The unicellular flagellate - Euglena sp.

Other Eugenids