Diversification of Eukaryotes (Protists)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the diversity and characteristics of eukaryotes, particularly focusing on protists and their ecological significance.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with cells that have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Nuclear envelope

A membrane barrier that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells.

Multicellularity

Organisms formed from multiple cells, evolved many times among eukaryotes.

Mitosis

A form of asexual reproduction where one cell divides to produce identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of gametes.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotes that are not classified as plants, animals, or fungi.

Paraphyletic

A group that contains a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Endosymbiosis theory

The theory proposing that mitochondria originated from a symbiotic relationship between a host cell and a bacterium.

Amoeboid motion

Movement characteristic of amoebas, occurring through the extension and retraction of pseudopodia.

Dinoflagellates

A group of protists known for their two flagella and role in harmful algal blooms.

Heterotrophic protists

Protists that cannot produce their own food and must consume organic material.

Autotrophic protists

Protists that can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Life Cycle

The sequence of events that occur as an individual grows, matures, and reproduces.

Syngamy

The fusion of gametes during fertilization.