Lecture Notes on Lab Safety, Microscopy, and Microscopic Life

These flashcards cover the key concepts from the lecture on lab safety, microscopy, and the study of microscopic life, particularly focusing on protists and their diverse characteristics.

What is the purpose of studying protists in this module?

To learn about protists, their classification, and to identify various microscopic organisms using microscopy.

Why was the 'Kingdom Protista' revised?

The 'Kingdom Protista' was revised because it was found to not be a monophyletic group using modern molecular techniques.

What are the three types of locomotion found in protists?

Flagella, cilia, and pseudopodia.

What is monophyly?

The condition of being a clade composed of a common ancestor and all of its lineal descendants.

How do protists manage water balance?

Using special organelles called contractile vacuoles to expel excess water.

What unique feature allows Euglena to detect light?

The stigma, or eyespot, which helps them sense light direction.

What is a dichotomous key?

A system used to identify organisms based on their characteristics by making successive choices between two options.

What is phagocytosis?

The process by which a cell engulfs solid food items by extending its membrane.

What molecules are cilia and flagella composed of?

Microtubules, which are hollow tubes made of the protein tubulin.

What are the two types of nuclei present in Paramecium?

A polyploid macronucleus and one or more diploid micronuclei.

What are rotifers commonly known as?

Wheel animalcules.

What adaptations make tardigrades special?

Tardigrades can survive extreme conditions like near absolute zero, the vacuum of space, and high pressures.