Characteristics of Dinoflagellates
- Dinoflagellates are unicellular, eukaryotic organisms.
- Most dinoflagellates are marine, but they are also found in freshwater.
- Their distribution depends on the pH level, temperature, salinity, and depth of the aquatic ecosystem.
- They show three modes of nutrition – phototrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic.
- The flagella are responsible for locomotion and facilitate a spinning top-like motion.
- They possess an organelle called an eyespot that is light-sensitive. It provides them with a sense of direction.
- Dinoflagellates store food in the form of starch.
Dinoflagellates
Dinoflagellates are single-celled eukaryotes that belong to the kingdom Protista. They are considered to be among the most primitive eukaryotes. These organisms are mostly marine and photosynthetic in nature. They have characteristics of both plants and animals. Dinoflagellates are also responsible for phenomena such as red tides and bioluminescence on the ocean surface.