Question

Pellicle is a flexible, protein-rich layer found in:

• A. Slime mould
• B. Chrysophytes
• C. Euglenoid / Euglena
• D. Sporozoa

Hint:

Remember: \[ \boxed{\text{Euglenoids} \rightarrow \text{Flexible pellicle}} \] They are photosynthetic in the presence of light but become heterotrophic in the absence of light, making them mixotrophic organisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Euglenoids are unicellular protists that lack a cellulose cell wall. Instead, they possess a flexible, protein-rich covering called the

pellicle, which provides protection as well as flexibility. The most common example of a euglenoid is: \[ \boxed{\textit{Euglena}} \]

Step 1: Understand the structure of Euglenoids.
Unlike plant cells, Euglenoids do not possess a rigid cell wall. Their outer covering is \[ \boxed{\text{Pellicle}} \] which is composed mainly of proteins. This enables the organism to change its shape while moving.

Step 2: Analyse the given options.

• Slime moulds do not possess a pellicle.

• Chrysophytes possess cell walls rather than a pellicle.

• Euglenoids possess a flexible pellicle.

• Sporozoans are parasitic protozoans without a pellicle.
Thus, only Euglenoids have this characteristic covering.

Step 3: Choose the correct option.
Hence, \[ \boxed{\textbf{Option (C)}} \] is the correct answer.