What are the characteristics features of Euglenoids?
Euglenoids (such as Euglena) are unicellular protists commonly found in fresh water. • Instead of the 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 the absence of light, they behave similarly 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.
