Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the ancestral origin of chromalveolates?

Chromalveolates are derived from a common ancestor that engulfed a photosynthetic red algal cell, stemming from a secondary endosymbiotic event.

What are the two main subgroups of chromalveolates?

Alveolates and stramenopiles.

What is the defining feature of alveolates?

The presence of an alveolus, a membrane-enclosed sac, beneath the cell membrane.

Can you name three types of alveolates?

Dinoflagellates, apicomplexans, and ciliates.

What type of diversity do dinoflagellates exhibit?

Diverse morphological forms; they can be photosynthetic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic.

How do dinoflagellates move?

Using two perpendicular flagella that fit into grooves between their cellulose plates.

What is bioluminescence in dinoflagellates?

The ability to emit light when jarred or stressed, often creating visual effects in the water.

What phenomenon does a bloom of certain dinoflagellates create?

Red tide, which can tint the ocean and release toxic substances harmful to marine life.

What are apicomplexans known for?

Being parasitic, with a specialized structure called an apical complex that facilitates infection of host cells.

Which genus of apicomplexans causes malaria?

The genus Plasmodium.

What is a characteristic feature of ciliates?

Being covered in hair-like cilia that aid in movement and feeding.

How does Paramecium ingest food?

By using an oral groove to capture and digest food particles.

What are the two types of nuclei found in Paramecium?

Macronucleus and micronucleus.

What role does the micronucleus play in Paramecium reproduction?

It is essential for sexual reproduction, undergoing meiosis to produce haploid micronuclei.

What happens during conjugation in Paramecium?

Two cells exchange genetic material, leading to the formation of new diploid micronuclei and eventually four new daughter cells.