What is Unique About Dinoflagellates?
Dinoflagellates are a large group of single-celled organisms belonging to the kingdom Protista. The vast majority of dinoflagellates are marine plankton. Other dinoflagellates live in bodies of fresh water such as lakes and ponds. Some live as parasites in marine invertebrates such as jellyfish, coral, and even other protists. As a group, dinoflagellates are diverse, with most being microscopic in size and at least one variety, the Noctiluca, approaching a relatively enormous diameter of 2 millimeters. Dinoflagellates locomote by means of two flagella: the longitudinal flagellum, which points toward the rear, and the transverse flagellum, which curves around the body of the organism. The two flagella function separately, the former acting mainly as a rudder, and the latter as the propeller. Some dinoflagellates are bioluminescent, which means they are capable of producing their own light. This phenomenon occurs as a result of a chemical reaction that takes place within the organism, in
