Zooflagellates are protozoan parasites which possess one to several flagella for locomotion. They are generally uninucleate (occasionally multinucleate), body is covered by a firm pellicle, e.g. Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Trichomonas, etc

The Class of Trypanosoma

Trypanosoma is a genus of parasitic protozoa that belongs to the class Kinetoplastea. This class is a part of the phylum Euglenozoa. Trypanosoma species are known for causing diseases in humans and animals, such as sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock.

Class: Kinetoplastea

The class Kinetoplastea is a diverse group of flagellated protozoa that includes both free-living and parasitic organisms. They are characterized by the presence of a unique organelle called a kinetoplast, which contains extranuclear DNA. Kinetoplastea organisms have a single flagellum or multiple flagella that aid in their motility.

Phylum: Euglenozoa

Kinetoplastea belongs to the phylum Euglenozoa, which is a group of unicellular eukaryotes. Members of this phylum are characterized by the presence of a proteinaceous structure called the paraflagellar rod, which runs alongside the flagellum. Euglenozoans are further divided into two main classes: Kinetoplastea and Euglenophyceae.

Key features of Trypanosoma:

1. Parasitic nature: Trypanosoma species are obligate parasites that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans, livestock, and wild animals.
2. Kinetoplast: Trypanosoma species possess a kinetoplast, a unique DNA-containing structure located near the base of the flagellum.
3. Flagella: They have a single flagellum or multiple flagella that aid in their movement.
4. Disease-causing organisms: Various species of Trypanosoma are responsible for causing diseases in humans and animals, such as African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and Chagas disease.
5. Life cycle: Trypanosoma species have complex life cycles involving both vertebrate hosts and insect vectors, such as tsetse flies.

In conclusion, Trypanosoma belongs to the class Kinetoplastea, which is a part of the phylum Euglenozoa. This parasitic genus is known for causing diseases in humans and animals, and its unique features include the presence of a kinetoplast and flagella.