Eugleniny

Eugleniny is a term used in Polish and some other languages to refer to euglenoids, a diverse group of unicellular flagellates within the phylum Euglenozoa. They are widely distributed in freshwater and soil, with some species in marine environments. The organisms are typically small, motile, and exhibit considerable metabolic versatility, ranging from photoautotrophy to heterotrophy, and often a mixotrophic lifestyle.

Morphology and physiology: Most euglenoids have a flexible cell body bounded by a pellicle, which allows shape changes and movement. They possess one or two anterior flagella; one is usually longer and used to propel the cell. Many species carry a light-detecting eyespot (stigma) near the base of the flagellum to sense light for phototaxis. Photosynthetic euglenoids contain chloroplasts acquired by secondary endosymbiosis and typically contain chlorophylls a and b along with assorted accessory pigments. Non-photosynthetic species lack plastids. Energy storage is often in the form of paramylon, a β-1,3-glucan, stored as granules.

Ecology and behavior: Euglenoids can switch between photosynthesis and ingestion of prey, enabling survival in fluctuating environments. They contribute to primary production in aquatic systems and participate in microbial food webs.

Reproduction and life cycle: Reproduction is predominantly asexual by binary fission; sexual reproduction is rarely observed and not well characterized in many species.

Taxonomy and significance: Within Euglenozoa, the class Euglenoidea includes the well-known genus Euglena, as well as Phacus and Lepocinclis. Euglenoids are widely used in education and research to study photosynthesis, flagellar motion, and plastid evolution, and can serve as bioindicators of water quality.