OpenStax Biology 2e: Chapter 23 - Protists

cytoplasmic streaming

movement of cytoplasm into an extended pseudopod such that the entire cell is transported to the site of the pseudopod

mixotroph

organism that can obtain nutrition by autotrophic or heterotrophic means, usually facultatively

phytoplankton

diverse group of mostly microscopic photosynthetic organisms that drift in marine and freshwater systems and serve as a food source for larger aquatic organisms

Euglena

Unicellular organism; moves using its flagella; asexual reproduction; have chloroplasts to absorb sunlight

Paramecium

A ciliated (it propels itself via cilia) protist that lives in fresh water and eats other tiny organisms for food.

Amoeba

A type of protist characterized by great flexibility and the presence of pseudopodia.

Eukarya

domain consisting of all organisms that have a nucleus; includes protists, plants, fungi, and animals

Algae

plantlike protists that produce food through photosynthesis using light energy and carbon dioxide

slime molds

Funguslike protists that play key roles in recycling organic material

Dinoflagellates

Group of protists that form "blooms", can be toxic. make up phytoplankton and can be bioluminescent. They generally have two flagella, half are heterotrophic and the other half are photosynthetic, many species are luminescent

Plankton

Tiny organisms that float in the water

Eukaryote

A single or multicellular organism with cells that contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

Protist

A eukaryotic organism that cannot be classified as an animal, plant, or fungus.

Cilia

Hairlike projections that extend from the plasma membrane and are used for locomotion

Flagella

A long, whip-like filament that helps in cell motility.

Pseudopod

A "false foot" or temporary bulge of cytoplasm used for feeding and movement in some protozoans.

Amoebozoans

A member of a clade of protists that includes amoebas and slime molds and is characterized by lobe-shaped pseudopodia.

Rhizaria

the eukaryotic supergroup that predominantly contains organisms that move by amoeboid movement and produce shells

Cilliates

Protozoans named for their hair- like structures called cilia, which provide movement for the protist and sweep food into its mouth

Stamenopiles

a diverse group of protists including water molds, diatoms, golden algae, brown algae

Euglenazoans

unicellular flagellates with flexible outer covering, an ocular eyespot and unique mitochondria