Identifying dinoflagellates vs euglenoids

Practice question

Question

A microscopic aquatic eukaryote has two flagella, stiff cellulose plates and photosynthetic pigments. Which observation would most strongly identify it as a dinoflagellate rather than a euglenoid?

Options

Choose one · Correct answer highlighted

The two flagella are one short and one long. One flagellum is longitudinal and the other is transverse. Correct The organism lacks a cell wall and possesses a pellicle. It becomes heterotrophic when deprived of sunlight.

Explanation

Most dinoflagellates possess two differently oriented flagella: one lies longitudinally and the other transversely in a furrow between the cellulose plates. Euglenoids instead have a flexible pellicle and two flagella described as one short and one long.

Share this question

Discussion

Comments

0 comments

Please log in to join the discussion.

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion.

Related blogs

Guides and insights connected to this topic

Cell Biology 31 Aug 2026

Muscle Cells (Myocytes): Types, Structure, Functions and Disorders

Learn about the three types of muscle cells: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Understand their structure, functions, and role in movement and body processes.

Cell Biology 31 Aug 2026

Nerve Cells (Neurons): Types, Structure, Action Potential, Functions and Disorders

Learn about nerve cells (neurons), their types, structure, action potential, functions, and disorders. Understand how neurons transmit information in the nervous system.

Cell Biology 31 Aug 2026

Animal Cell Culture: Types, Cell Lines, Procedure, Applications, Advantages and Disadvantages

Learn how animal cells are grown in labs, the types of cell lines used, and their roles in research, vaccines, and therapies.