pellicel
A pellicle is a thin, flexible, yet rigid outer layer that surrounds certain protozoa and other microorganisms. It provides structural support and protection, maintaining the cell's shape and preventing it from bursting in hypotonic environments. Unlike a cell wall, the pellicle is typically composed of proteinaceous material and is flexible enough to allow for some degree of movement, such as amoeboid locomotion or changes in shape during feeding.
The structure and composition of the pellicle can vary significantly among different species. In ciliates, for