Euglena Under a Microscope - Eukaryota

Euglenas are neither plants nor animals despite the fact that they have characteristics of both. They are classified under the Protists Kingdom together with other similar single-celled organisms.

They contain chloroplast which they can use to produce energy through photosynthesis. However, unlike algae, they can also ingest bacteria and small microbes for energy and nutrients.
Euglena have a small red organ on its head that helps it detect light sources. It will move towards the light in a spiraling movement, being able to get a 360 view of its surroundings.

There are thousands of species of Euglena, some are beneficial while others can overpopulate lakes and ponds resulting in killing off water animals because of their high nitrogen waste.
One parasitic type of Euglena can infect people and contribute to African sleeping sickness.

Kim Ulvberget

#prostists #euglena #pondlife #flagella #microscope #mikroskop #nature #laboratory #waterbiology #marinebiology #marinbiologi #oslo #universitet #science #microorganism #alkaline #microscopic #ecology #environment #savetheocean #biology #biologi #norge #patolog #patologi #pathology #natur #vann #olympus