Structure and Function
Since Euglena is a eukaryotic unicellular organism, it contains the major organelles found in more complex life. This protist is both an autotroph, meaning it can carry out photosynthesis and make its own food like plants, as well as a heteroptoph, meaning it can also capture and ingest its food. When acting as a autotroph, the Euglena utilizes its chloroplasts (which gives it the green colour) to produce sugars by photosynthesis, when acting as a heterotroph, the Euglena surrounds the particle of food and consumes it by phagocytosis, or in other words, engulfing the food through its cell membrane. Due to this adaptation, many Euglena are considered mixotrophs: autotrophs in the light and heterotophs in the dark. Locomotion comes in the form of either the rotating flagellums, or the flexible pellicle membrane.
On the right is a diagram of a Euglena displaying its Organelles, which include:
Flagellum- A long, mobile filament that the Euglena uses to propel itself in its environment
Reservoir- The part used for storage of nutrients
Stigma- A light sensitive-spot that allows the Euglena to detect light, so that it may move towards it in order to conduct photosynthesis
Chloroplast- Organelle that allows the organism to conduct photosynthesis
Contractile Vacuole- Expels excess water into the reservoir, or else the cell would burst
Pellicle- Stiff membrane made of proteins and somewhat flexible, can also be used for locomotion when crunching up and down or wriggling
Nucleus- The central organelle which contains DNA and controls the cell's activity, contained within the Nucleolus
On the right is a diagram of a Euglena displaying its Organelles, which include:
Flagellum- A long, mobile filament that the Euglena uses to propel itself in its environment
Reservoir- The part used for storage of nutrients
Stigma- A light sensitive-spot that allows the Euglena to detect light, so that it may move towards it in order to conduct photosynthesis
Chloroplast- Organelle that allows the organism to conduct photosynthesis
Contractile Vacuole- Expels excess water into the reservoir, or else the cell would burst
Pellicle- Stiff membrane made of proteins and somewhat flexible, can also be used for locomotion when crunching up and down or wriggling
Nucleus- The central organelle which contains DNA and controls the cell's activity, contained within the Nucleolus
Diagram retrieved from http://www.infovisual.info/02/001_en.html
Videos
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Videos retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl0TzaWUQWk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3sgoy22Ij4