This section describes what euglenoids are, where they live, how they reproduce, and how the internal components of the cell are organized. A cross-section through the cell shows how the pellicle is organized as a series of ridges and grooves. The pellicle consists of the plasma membrane, a series of proteinaceous strips underneath the plasma membrane, and groups of microtubules associated with each strip.
Some euglenoids have pellicles with few, longitudinally arranged pellicle strips.
These organisms are usually rigid and do not exhibit metaboly. Other euglenoids have many helically arranged strips. These organisms often exhibit a wriggling motion known as metaboly. Longitudinal vs. Helical Pellicle To see metaboly in action, view the Quicktime movie. Euglenoids have an extensive endomembrane system.