Euglena

A euglena is a one-celled alga with both plant and animal characteristics.

It has chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll and makes its own food when sunlight is available.

Its eyespot responds to light which helps the euglena find areas with sunlight needed for photosynthesis.

In the absence of light, a euglena acts like an animal and captures nutrients from the environment.

A euglena moves by whipping its flagellum around like a little motor. A star-like structure called the contractile vacuole helps to remove excess water.