Eukaryotic Microbes: Algae, Protozoa, Fungi, and More

Eukaryotic Microbes

Organisms with complex cells and membrane-bound organelles.

Algae

Photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms in Kingdom Protista.

Phycology

The study of algae and their characteristics.

Diatoms

Unicellular algae, key phytoplankton in aquatic systems.

Dinoflagellates

Unicellular, flagellated algae causing red tides.

Desmids

Symmetrical green algae, found in freshwater.

Multicellular Algae

Large seaweeds like kelp and green scum.

Medical Significance of Algae

Some algae cause rare infections and release toxins.

Protothea

Alga causing protothecosis, a rare human infection.

Protozoa

Unicellular eukaryotic organisms, studied in protozoology.

Trophozoite Stage

Motile, feeding, and dividing stage of protozoa.

Cyst Stage

Non-motile, dormant survival stage of protozoa.

Amoebae

Protozoa moving by pseudopodia, causing dysentery.

Ciliates

Protozoa moving with cilia, complex and diverse.

Pellicle

Flexible outer covering of some protozoa.

Contractile Vacuoles

Organelles regulating water balance in protozoa.

Pseudopodia

Temporary projections used by amoebae for movement.

Cytosomes

Cell structures for ingestion in protozoa.

Phycotoxins

Toxic compounds released by certain algae.

Symbiotic Relationship

Mutual coexistence between different organisms.

Pinocytosis

Process of ingesting fluids in protozoa.

Micrometers

Unit of measurement for protozoan size.

Freshwater

Habitat for many algae and protozoa.

Photosynthesis

Process by which algae produce energy.

Cellulose

Main component of cell walls in algae.

Fungal Infections

Diseases caused by fungi affecting humans.

Medical Importance of Fungi

Fungi can cause infections and produce toxins.

Flagellates

Protozoa that move using whiplike flagella.

Kinetosome

Structure anchoring flagella in cytoplasm.

Trypanosoma brucei

Causes African sleeping sickness, transmitted by tsetse fly.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Protozoan causing trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease.

Giardia intestinalis

Causes persistent diarrheal disease, often from contaminated water.

Nonmotile Protozoa

Protozoa lacking pseudopodia, flagella, or cilia.

Sporozoa

Class of nonmotile protozoa, includes Plasmodium spp.

Plasmodium spp.

Causes malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Causes cryptosporidiosis, severe diarrhea in AIDS patients.

Oocysts

Infectious form of Cryptosporidium in drinking water.

Babesia spp.

Causes babesiosis, a malaria-like disease.

Cyclospora cayetanensis

Causes cyclosporiasis, linked to contaminated food.

Toxoplasma gondii

Causes toxoplasmosis, often asymptomatic in healthy individuals.

Fungi

Diverse organisms classified in the kingdom Eumycota.

Mycology

The study of fungi and their characteristics.

Saprophytes

Organisms that decompose organic material, recycling nutrients.

Chitin

Polysaccharide in fungal cell walls, providing structure.

Hyphae

Filamentous structures that form the mycelium of fungi.

Septate Hyphae

Hyphae divided by septa, allowing compartmentalization.

Aseptate Hyphae

Continuous hyphae without septa, forming a multinucleate structure.

Budding

Asexual reproduction method in fungi, producing new cells.

Sporangium

Sac-like structure producing asexual spores in fungi.

Conidiophore

Fungal structure producing conidia, a type of asexual spore.

Sexual Spores

Spores formed by the fusion of gametes.

Taxonomy of Fungi

Classified by type of sexual reproduction and spores.

Zygomycotina

Common bread moulds and food spoilage fungi.

Chytridiomycotina

Not true fungi; lives in water and soil.

Ascomycotina

Sac fungi including yeasts like Candida.

Basidiomycotina

Includes fleshy fungi like mushrooms and toadstools.

Deuteromycotina

Fungi Imperfecti; lacks discovered sexual form.

Candida albicans

Causes yeast infections; part of Deuteromycotina.

Yeasts

Unicellular fungi; reproduce through budding.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Baker's yeast; ferments sugar to alcohol.

Moulds

Filamentous fungi; reproduce via spores.

Dimorphic Fungi

Exist as yeast at 37°C, mould at 25°C.

Microsporidia

Obligate intracellular parasites; cause GIT infections.

Fleshy Fungi

Large fungi; includes edible and toxic varieties.

Mycoses

Fungal infections; can be superficial or systemic.

Superficial Mycoses

Infections affecting outermost skin layers.

Cutaneous Mycoses

Infections affecting dermis; includes tinea infections.

Tinea pedis

Athlete's foot; a type of cutaneous mycosis.

Tinea unguium

Infection of fingernails and toenails.

Tinea capitis

Scalp infection; a type of cutaneous mycosis.

Tinea barbae

Infection of face and neck.

Tinea corporis

Infection of the trunk of the body.

Tinea crusis

Infection of the groin area.

Dermatophytes

Fungi causing tinea infections; named by infection site.

Mycotoxins

Toxins produced by fungi; can cause diseases.

Pseudohypha

Yeast structure resembling hyphae; formed by yeasts.

Chlamydospores

Thick-walled, sporelike structures produced by some yeasts.

Hyphae

Cytoplasmic filaments that form the mycelium.

Aerial Hyphae

Hyphae extending above the surface for reproduction.

Vegetative Hyphae

Hyphae that grow beneath the surface.

Candida albicans

Opportunistic yeast causing thrush and vaginitis.

Candidiasis

Infection caused by Candida, affecting mucous membranes.

Local infection

Infection that may lead to systemic issues.

Subcutaneous mycoses

Infections in dermis from traumatic implantation.

Madura foot

Severe fungal infection with grotesque appearance.

Systemic mycoses

Infections affecting internal organs, often severe.

Conidia

Asexual spores of fungi, inhaled from environment.

Respiratory infection

Lung infection resembling tuberculosis from inhaled fungi.

Blastomycosis

Fungal infection affecting lungs and skin.

Coccidioidomycosis

Fungal disease from inhaling spores in soil.

Cryptococcosis

Fungal infection often affecting immunocompromised individuals.

Histoplasmosis

Lung infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.

Zygomycosis

Infection by bread molds in immunocompromised patients.

Mucormycosis

Severe fungal infection caused by Mucor species.

Biochemical tests

Methods to identify yeasts in clinical specimens.

Miniaturized tests

Commercial tests for rapid yeast identification.

Lichens

Symbiotic organisms of algae and fungi, non-pathogenic.

Mutualism

Symbiotic relationship benefiting both organisms involved.

Antibacterial properties

Ability to inhibit bacterial growth, found in lichens.

Slime molds

Organisms with fungal and protozoal characteristics.