10. What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?
Characteristic features of Euglenoids
1. Euglenoid is a group of unicellular protists with mixotrophic nutrition (both autotrophic and heterotrophic).
2. Euglenoids lack a cell wall. Their bodies are covered by a proteinaceous membrane called pellicle.
3. Euglenoids contain chlorophyll pigment, so they are photoautotrophic. However, in the absence of light, they behave like heterotrophs. Thus, they have mixotrophic nutrition.
4. Euglenoids possess two flagella at the anterior surface.
5. Euglenoids have both plant-like and animal-like characters. For example, the presence of chlorophyll is a plant character while the absence of a cell wall is an animal character.
6. They capture their food and consume it through phagocytosis, where the outer membrane traps the food.
7. Their red color is typically due to the presence of carotenoids.