Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to eukaryotic microorganisms and their classification.

Eukaryotic Microorganism

An organism whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike prokaryotes.

Supergroup

A higher taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms, above the kingdom level.

Excavata

A supergroup of protists characterized by a feeding groove and grouped primarily on the basis of molecular data.

Chromalveolata

A supergroup that includes a diverse range of protists like dinoflagellates, brown algae, and diatoms.

Amoebozoa

A supergroup containing amoeboid protists, many of which are parasites.

Opisthokonta

A diverse group that includes fungi and animals, characterized by a rear flagellum in some of its members.

Plasmodium

The genus of parasitic protists that causes malaria.

Ciliates

A group of protozoa characterized by the presence of hair-like organelles called cilia.

Apicomplexan

A group of parasitic protists with complex life cycles, often involving multiple hosts.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

Lichen

A composite organism formed from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.

Cyst

A dormant, resistant form of a protist or microorganism, often used for survival in adverse conditions.

Gametogony

The process of sexual reproduction in some protists.

Trophozoite

The active, growing stage of a protozoan life cycle.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that help in locomotion, found in some protists.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, characterized by their ability to decompose organic matter.

Nematoda

A phylum that comprises roundworms, many of which are parasitic.

Chagas disease

A tropical parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by triatomine bugs.

Euglenozoa

A group within the supergroup Excavata, characterized by flagellated protists including euglena.

Bioluminescence

The ability of certain organisms (like some dinoflagellates) to produce and emit light.

Toxoplasma gondii

A parasitic protozoan that causes the disease toxoplasmosis.

Babesia

A genus of protozoan parasites transmitted by ticks, causing diseases such as babesiosis.

Platyhelminthes

A phylum of flatworms, many of which are parasitic.

Sarcocystis

A genus of protozoan parasites that infect vertebrates, including humans.

Zygomycetes

A class of fungi characterized by the production of zygospores.