Euglena

American  

[yoo-glee-nuh] / yuˈgli nə /

noun

1. a genus of green freshwater protozoans having a reddish eyespot and a single flagellum, found especially in stagnant waters.

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euglena British  

/ juːˈɡliːnə /

noun

1. any freshwater unicellular organism of the genus Euglena , moving by means of flagella and typically having holophytic nutrition. It has been variously regarded as an alga or a protozoan but is now usually classified as a protoctist (phylum Euglenophyta )

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euglena Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅-glē′nə /

1. Any of various unicellular protist organisms of the genus Euglena that live in fresh water, have a cylindrical or sausage-like shape, and move by means of a flagellum. Euglenas contain chloroplasts and can produce their own food by photosynthesis. They can also absorb nutrients directly into the cell from the environment. Euglenas have no rigid covering or cell wall, such as the cellulose cell walls of green algae or plants, over the membrane enclosing the plasma of their cells. They also have a reddish, light-sensitive eyespot which helps them navigate in relation to light sources. In warm weather, euglenas multiply rapidly and form scum on the surfaces of bodies of water.

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Other Word Forms

• euglenoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of Euglena

1895–1900; < New Latin < Greek eu- eu- + glḗnē the pupil, eyeball, socket of a joint

Example Sentences

Euglena gracilis, often regarded as a “superfood,” is a promising microalga with many health and nutritional benefits.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

This study, which was co-authored by Dr. Kengo Suzuki from Euglena Co.,

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

Part c shows an oval Euglena, which has a narrow front end.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In the dark, the chloroplasts of Euglena shrink up and temporarily cease functioning, and the cells instead take up organic nutrients from their environment.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Euglena viridis the dabbler calls them, which seems unnecessary information.

From Certain Personal Matters by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)