ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT An overview on the structure and function of flagellate cell surfaces is presented. Cell surfaces can be simple, that is, consisting only of the plasma membrane. However, in most cases cell surfaces are complex and consist of a plasma membrane and associated extracellular and/or intracellular material. A new classification scheme for cell surfaces of flagellates is presented and illustrated with various examples, and the evolution of the various cell surface types is discussed.
