Flagellates
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Overview
Flagellates are microscopic, unicellular protists that are usually colorless or green. They are characterized by having one or more flagella, which is a hair-like whip organelle. There are many different types of flagellates, and they all have different lifestyles. Some are make up colonies and others live as single cells.
Environment
Flagellates can be found in ponds, lagoons, and even shallow puddles. Wherever there are large amounts of soluble food, flagellates are there.
Examples
Euglena
- Cell Structure
- The nucleus is a membrane bound organelle that contains DNA.
- The plasma membrane is a semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm.
- Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that contains all the organelles.
- Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll which enable photosynthesis and cause their green color.
- The eyespot is a red area that aids in the detection of light.
- The photorecptor is another light sensitive area. It is near the flagellum, and it assists in moving to or away from light.