Euglena Encystment - A Rarely Seen Event

Euglena Encystment - A Rarely Seen Event Euglena, like most protists, are able to form themselves into a cyst when conditions become unfavourable. The process of cyst formation is called ’encystment’. These particular Euglena are not fond of being placed under coverslips and being exposed to high light intensity and heat which causes them to drop their flagella and start forming a protective cyst. This suspended state of animation can get them through all manner of harsh environmental changes to hopefully come out the other side and see light of another day. It’s typical for a protist to use this stage to multiply themselves within the cyst resulting in copies of the parent awaiting good times and reanimation. The process of ’excystment’ back to motile form includes the regrowth of new flagella.