Locomotion in Euglena

Introduction

• Understanding the movement process of Euglena.
• Organisms that move through flagella are known as "flagellar movement".

Flagella

• Euglena and other eukaryotes possess flagella.
• In Euglena, the location of flagella is on the interior side.
• Structure of flagella:
  • Composed by flagellar lips.
  • Moves in a wave-like activity.
  • Moves in a spiral form.
• Function of flagella:
  • Moves Euglena in the forward direction.

Myoneme

• The covering of Euglena is called myoneme.
• It is an active contractile protein.
• It is spread throughout the body.
• Function of myoneme:
  • Changes the direction of Euglena.

Euglenoid Movement

• Direction change with the help of myoneme:
  • Euglena shortens and whitens the interior side.
  • Repeats and whitens the middle part.
  • Finally relaxes.
• Shortens and whitens due to body proteins.
• Direction is changed through the process of contraction and relaxation.

Conclusion

• Understanding the movement process of Euglena is important.
• Both flagella and myoneme play significant roles.