Question 10
What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?
Some characteristic features of Euglenoids are as follows.
• Euglenoids (such as Euglena) are unicellular protists commonly found in fresh water.
• Instead of cell wall, a protein-rich cell membrane known as pellicle is present.
• They bear two flagella on the anterior end of the body.
• A small light sensitive eye spot is present.
• 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.
• They have both plant and animal-like features, which makes them difficult to classify and hence they are called as connecting link between plants and animals.
