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Most Euglenoidea (syn. Euglenophyceae) possess numerous green plastids. Some species are red, many - heterotropic - ones a colorless. Carbon hydrate storage material is paramylon deposited outside the plastids in form of grains or clods. The 2 flagellae with mostly unequal length originate in the apical saccula flagellae. The long flagellum with numerous delicate hairs. Fresh water species with pulsatile vacuole. Most phototropic species need supplementary substances (e.g. vitamin B12) and are therefore called auxotropic. Prolonged culture in darkness can lead to a switch from auto- to heterotrophy. Phototaxis is co-ordinated by the sensoric paraflagellar body and the light-absorbing stigma. Most species live in fresh water and are indicative of its polytropic state.
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to see images, please click on the thumbnails below
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Euglena tripteris |
Euglena oxyuris |
Short video of the motile behaviour of a non-determined euglenophycean.
Probably Astasia sp. |
Phacus (?) |
Phacus longicauda |
This page last updated April 12, 2007.