Question

Pigments of euglenoids are identical to (a) Bacteria (b) Diatoms (c) Dinoflagellates (d) Higher plants

Short answer

The pigments of euglenoids are identical to those of higher plants.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

In this first step, it's important to understand what is being asked. The question wants to know which of the given choices of organisms have pigments that are identical to those of euglenoids.

Recalling Information about Euglenoids

Remember that Euglenoids are a type of single-celled flagellate Eukaryotes. They are mostly photosynthetic like plants. The pigments in euglenoids participate in photosynthesis, as in plants.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Since we know that euglenoids share similarities with higher plants due to their photosynthesis process, it can be inferred that their pigments must also be similar. So, according to the given options, higher plants is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Pigments

Pigments are essential components in organisms that perform photosynthesis. In euglenoids, these pigments allow them to capture light energy, which is crucial for their survival. The primary pigments found in euglenoids are chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Similar to those in higher plants, these pigments are responsible for their green color. Their main role is to absorb light most efficiently in the blue and red parts of the light spectrum.

Chlorophyll a is also found in all photosynthetic organisms, making it a universal pigment that plays a key role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll b acts as an accessory pigment, it broadens the range of light a plant can use for energy by catching additional light energy and passing it to chlorophyll a.

• Both pigments are crucial for capturing light energy.
• Their similarity to plant pigments highlights the evolutionary connection between euglenoids and higher plants.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which euglenoids and other photosynthetic organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. For euglenoids, this process is similar to that in higher plants, involving two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.

In the light-dependent reactions, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll pigments and other accessory pigments. This energy is then used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a by-product and producing ATP and NADPH, which are energy carriers.

In the Calvin cycle, ATP and NADPH are utilized to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This cycle doesn't require light directly and can take place during day or night. Photosynthesis allows euglenoids to eat like plants and to thrive in their environments.

• Photosynthesis in euglenoids occurs similarly to higher plants.
• They are autotrophs, producing their own food through this process.

Higher plants

Higher plants, also known as vascular plants, include familiar species such as trees, grasses, and flowers. These plants have specialized systems such as roots, stems, and leaves, which aid in transporting nutrients and water throughout the plant. Like euglenoids, higher plants contain chlorophyll a and b pigments essential for photosynthesis.

Unlike simple algae or photosynthetic organisms, higher plants have a complex structure that supports their growth and adaptation in a wide range of environments. Their vascular systems enable them to transport water and solutes efficiently, allowing these plants to grow taller and spread over large areas.

• Higher plants have sophisticated systems supporting photosynthesis.
• They share similar pigments to euglenoids, highlighting evolutionary links.

Single-celled flagellate eukaryotes

Euglenoids are a fascinating group of organisms due to their single-celled, flagellate structure. As eukaryotes, they possess a defined nucleus and organelles. The presence of flagella, a whip-like structure, allows them to move in their aquatic environments towards light, optimizing their photosynthetic efficiency.

These organisms occupy a unique niche, sometimes being classified as both plant-like and animal-like. Their plant-like characteristics include the ability to photosynthesize, leading to their comparison with higher plants. The animal-like features are evident in those euglenoids that can ingest food particles by phagocytosis when light is unavailable.

• Euglenoids bridge characteristics between plants and animals.
• Their flagella help them seek optimal conditions for photosynthesis.