Euglenoids Jimi Dodd-o

Basic Information Euglenoids or Euglena belong to the phylum Euglenozoa and are normally found freshwater areas such as ponds and lakes. They are distinguished mainly by the presence of a pellicle rather then a cell wall which is composed of proteinaceous strips underneath the cell membrane, supported by dorsal and ventral microtubules. Currently, over 1,000 species of Euglena have been discovered with some species that did didn’t even have chloroplasts.

Movement Euglenoids use flagella to propel themselves through the water. Euglenoids also use their light sensitive stigma or “eyespot” in order to move toward a light source to photosynthesize.

Nutrition In a lighted area, Euglenoids behave as autotrophs and carryout photosynthesis. However, if they are in areas with very low light, they will behave as heterotrophs and consume small organisms or bacteria through phagocytosis.

Euglenoids reproduce by binary fission. Reproduction Euglenoids reproduce by binary fission.