Survey of Protists: The Algae

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture about protists and algae, focusing on definitions and key concepts associated with eukaryotic organisms.

Eukarya

Domain consisting of organisms with membrane-bound nuclei.

Protists

Eukaryotic organisms that are not fungi, animals, or plants.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain organic matter from other organisms.

Multicellular

Organisms consisting of multiple cells.

Algae

Photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms typically lacking multicellular sex organs.

Filamentous

Describes algal species that occur as chains of cells attached end to end.

Colonial algae

Groups of cells attached to each other in a nonfilamentous manner.

Multicellular organization

Characterized by algae with cells of different types and functions.

Brown algae

Marine algae characterized by the brown pigment fucoxanthin.

Volvox

A colonial green alga consisting of Chlamydomonas-like cells bound in a sphere.

Fucus

Rockweed that attaches to rocks in the intertidal zone using a holdfast.

Oogonia

Multicellular female sex organs that produce eggs in Fucus.

Antheridia

Multicellular male sex organs that produce sperm in Fucus.

Alginic acid

Hydrophilic substance derived from brown algae used as an emulsifier.

Carrageenan

A stabilizing agent extracted from red algae used in food and cosmetics.

Diatoms

Unicellular algae that contain chlorophylls a and c and xanthophylls.

Dinoflagellates

Unicellular algae characterized by cellulose plates and two flagella.

Euglenoids

Freshwater unicellular algae lacking a cell wall, with a flexible pellicle.

Pyrenoid

A structure in euglena's chloroplast for concentrating CO2.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment vital for photosynthesis in plants and algae.

Plastids

Organelles in plant and algal cells involved in photosynthesis.

Photosynthetic

Organisms that convert light energy into chemical energy.

Economic importance of algae

Algae are used in food, cosmetics, and industry due to their properties.

Alternation of generations

A reproductive cycle involving both sexual and asexual phases.

Thallus

The vegetative body of algae, which may be attached or free-floating.

Fucoxanthin

Brown pigment responsible for the color of brown algae.

Sargasso weed

A type of brown algae forming floating masses in the Sargasso Sea.

Kelp

Large brown algae that can grow long, often forming underwater forests.

Agar

Substance extracted from red algae, used in microbiological media.

Cell wall

A structure providing support and protection to algae and other cells.

Gelatinous sheath

A covering found on the surface of certain brown algae like Fucus.

Bioluminescent

Describes organisms that produce light, such as some dinoflagellates.

Cryptically colored

Describes animals that have evolved colors for camouflage within their habitat.

Autotrophic

Organisms that produce their own food using light or chemical energy.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume others.

Macrocystis

A giant kelp species that can reach lengths of 100 meters.

Irish moss

A commercially important red alga known for carrageenan production.

Chondrus crispus

Scientific name for Irish moss, a source of carrageenan.

Eco-dependent

Describes species that depend on specific environments for survival.

Cellular organization

The structure and arrangement of cells within an organism.

Plasmids

Circular DNA molecules found in cells, including those of algae.

Spherical matrix

The gelatinous material in which cells of Volvox are embedded.

Synchronicity in movement

Coordinated movement among cells, as seen in Volvox.

Holdfast

Specialized structure used by algae to anchor themselves.

Conceptacles

Swollen tips on Fucus branches containing reproductive structures.

Economic value of diatoms

Diatoms are important for marine ecosystems and are used in various products.

Red tide

Algal bloom caused by dinoflagellates that can be harmful to marine life.

Nutritional modes of Euglena

Euglena can be autotrophic, heterotrophic, or saprophytic depending on conditions.

Diatomaceous earth

Accumulation of diatom cell walls, used in various applications.

Cellulose plates

Unique structural feature of dinoflagellates contributing to their morphology.

Stability in products

The role of alginic acid and carrageenan in maintaining product texture.

Diversity of protists

Protists are a diverse group comprising various eukaryotic organisms.

Life cycle of algae

Algae may go through complex life cycles involving different phases.

Photosynthetic pigments

Compounds that capture light energy for photosynthesis in algae.

Green algae

Group of algae that contains chlorophyll a and b.

Photosynthetic capacity

The ability of an organism to convert light into chemical energy.

Obligately parasitic

Organisms that cannot live independently and depend entirely on hosts.

Flagella

Tail-like structures that aid in the movement of certain protists.

Primary producers

Organisms that produce energy for other organisms in an ecosystem.

Cytoplasmic streaming

Movement of cytoplasm that can help distribute nutrients in cells.

Filamentous structure

A structural characteristic of some algal species, forming long chains.

Cryptic coloration

Adaptation in species to blend in with their surroundings.

Motility in algae

The ability of an organism to move, which varies among algal types.

Asexual reproduction in algae

Reproduction process where organisms produce offspring without sexual fusion.

Marine algae

Algae that primarily grow in ocean environments.

Microhabitats

Small, specialized habitats created by structures like sargasso weed.

Gel-like substance

A thick, jelly-like material found in certain algae aiding buoyancy.

Ecological roles of algae

Algae perform essential roles as producers and as part of food webs.

Environmental adaptations

Changes that organisms undergo to survive in their habitats.

Competition among protists

Interactions between protists that can affect their survival and reproduction.

Distribution patterns of algae

How different algae types are spread geographically in marine and freshwater.

Ecological importance of phytoplankton

Phytoplankton, primarily diatoms, are critical for ocean ecosystems.

Classification challenges

Difficulties faced in organizing protists due to their diverse characteristics.

Secondary metabolites

Organic compounds produced by algae that can have ecological functions.

Green pigment

Coloration that indicates the presence of chlorophyll in green algae.

Adaptive features of eulginids

Special characteristics that allow euglenids to thrive in various environments.

Symbiotic relationships among algae

Interactions between algae and other organisms that benefit both.

Synchronized reproductive strategies

Coordinated methods of reproduction among colony-forming algae.