Euglena from a paddy field

After being collected from a paddy field, the sample was put on DNB agar plate (diluted nutrient broth with agar) with a drop of distilled water for 4 days, and then observed. A Euglena cell is swimming among bacterial cells. Its body appears less flexible than other kinds of Euglena cells.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This organism belongs to genus Euglena.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

As the cell length is shorter than 100μm, this is a medium-sized Euglena.

Genus Euglena is identified by the following characteristics: body shape, surface appearance, shape of the chloroplasts, and shape of the paramylon body.

We can clearly see the long, narrow cell shape with a sharply tapered rear end in this video, but other features are not clear enough to determine the species of this Euglena. Euglena caudata and Euglena anabaena have a similar cell shape but their bodies are softer and more malleable.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

The Euglena cell in this video is neither soft nor flexible. I have often taken photos of similar types of Euglena, but still have not been able to identify them.

Sampling Date : 22 September 2006

Sampling Site : KASHIMADAI paddy field  Google Map