what does a pellicle do in a protozoan?

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what does a pellicle do in a protozoan?

2006-09-24 16:31:26 · 2 answers · asked by yokevi_d_1316_2000 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology

2 answers

The pellicle is a thin layer supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa, protecting them and allowing them to retain their shape.

2006-09-24 16:33:02 · answer #1 · answered by special-chemical-x 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋

The pellicle is a thin layer supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa, protecting them and allowing them to retain their shape.

They vary from flexible and elastic to rigid.

In ciliates and Apicomplexa, it is formed from closely packed vesicles called alveoli. In euglenids, it is formed from protein strips arranged spirally along the length of the body.

***Edit***

Man, someone beat me to that by a hair lol

2006-09-24 23:34:10 · answer #2 · answered by iswd1 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋