What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?
Euglenoids are flagellated unicellular; excavate eukaryotic organism of a group that comprises euglena and other organisms of phylum Euglenophyta. These organisms are under kingdom Protista and commonly found in fresh water. Some characteristic features of Euglenoids are: Euglenoids have a protein-rich cell membrane called pellicle. They do not have cell wall. They have two flagella on the anterior part of their body which help them in locomotion. A small light sensitive eye spot or stigma is present in these organisms. They contain chlorophyll (a photosynthetic pigment). Thus they can prepare their own food- a autotrophic characteristic. Again, in the absence of light, they behave like heterotrophic organism and acquire nutrition by capturing other small aquatic organisms. Euglenoids both plant and animal-like features, which makes them unique. So it is difficult to classify them under a particular group and therefore they are called as connecting link between plants and animals. Final Answer Euglena is a most profusely found unicellular, flagellated alga in the North East India. It has a very high potential to generate high value metabolite of carotenoids. It is the only organism which makes a connection between animals and plants.
