Lecture Notes on Protists and Their Classification

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the classification of protists, their structures, and associated ecological impacts.

Protists

Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, classified into various groups.

Excavata

A group of ancient protists that includes diplomonads and parabasalids, characterized by their modified mitochondria.

Diplomonads

Unicellular organisms with modified mitochondria (mitosomes), two equal-sized nuclei, and multiple flagella.

Parabasalids

Unicellular organisms with reduced mitochondria (hydrogenosomes) and typically exhibit anaerobic metabolism.

Euglena

A genus of euglenozoans that are often found in freshwater and possess both autotrophic and heterotrophic capabilities.

Ciliates

A group of alveolates that use cilia for movement and prey on bacteria and algae; they have two types of nuclei.

Macronucleus

The type of nucleus in ciliates that provides nuclear RNA for vegetative growth.

Micronucleus

The reproductive nucleus in ciliates that does not express its genes.

Dinoflagellates

Alveolates that are key producers in aquatic environments, some of which are bioluminescent or cause harmful algal blooms.

Eutrophication

A process where excess nutrients in water lead to algal blooms, often resulting in decreased oxygen levels.

Apicomplexans

Parasitic alveolates equipped to attach to and penetrate host cells, including Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria.

Malaria

A serious infectious disease caused by Plasmodium, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Malaria distribution

Areas where malaria is prevalent, significantly affecting younger populations in Africa.

Stramenopiles

A group of protists that includes flagellated organisms, many of which are important global producers.

Diatoms

Single-celled stramenopiles with cell walls made of silica; they are important in aquatic ecosystems.

Cercozoans

A group of Rhizaria that includes amoebae, some of which exhibit unique feeding structures.

Radiolarians

A type of Rhizaria characterized by their internal skeletons made of silica.

Foraminifera

Rhizarians that are found in marine and freshwater environments, known for their porous shells.

Rhodophyta

Also known as red algae, these organisms are characterized by red pigments and can form large multicellular structures.

Chlorophyta

Green algae that resemble plants, storing sugar as starch and having cell walls made of cellulose.

Charophyta

A group of green algae that are closely related to higher plants in terms of evolutionary history.

Amoebozoans

Fungi-like protists that include slime molds and are characterized by their heterotrophic mode of nutrition.

Pseudopodia

Temporary projections of eukaryotic cells, particularly amoebozoans, used for movement and feeding.

Contractile vacuole

A specialized organelle in some protists that helps regulate water balance.

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in algae in an aquatic system, often caused by nutrient overloads.

Brevotoxins

Toxins produced by certain dinoflagellates that can affect marine life and humans.