Index >> Eukaryotes Microbes >>Mastigophora - Flagellates

Mastigophora - (Flagellates) - They possess one or more whiplike, undulating flagella to propel the cell forward. The structure of flagellum is similar to that of a sperm cell flagellum, with typical 9+2 arrangement. Undulations sweep down the flagella to the tip, and the lashing motion forces water outward to provide locomotion.

This class includes the largest (about 50%) collection of protozoa. Acommon example is the green flagellate,Euglena gracilis, It has a single nulceus and flagellum, and an elongated cell structure. It occurs in fresh water ponds. It Contains chloroplasts in the cytoplasm, thus photosynthetic. Another example of similar type is Astasia longa . This group also includes some important human parasites infecting nervous, urogenital and intestinal systems.