61.5.2.Algae

What are protists?

Protists are diverse eukaryotic microorganisms, unicellular or multicellular, and can be autotrophic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic. They are crucial in ecosystems, acting as producers and decomposers, and are found in various environments, using flagella, cilia, or pseudopods for movement.

Protists are NOT __________.

Monophyletic.

Some protists are __________.

Autotrophic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic.

Which type of protists move using one long flagellum?

Euglenids.

What pigment do golden algae contain in addition to chlorophyll?

Fucoxanthin.

What is the primary habitat of diatoms?

Marine or freshwater environments.

What type of reproduction do dinoflagellates primarily undergo?

Asexual reproduction.

Red algae can be found in __________ or __________ water than any other algae.

Deeper; warmer.

What is a holdfast in brown algae?

The structure that anchors the kelp plant to the rocky bottom.

Why are kelp communities important?

They provide ecosystem services and have economic value.

What are the three main types of protists?

Protozoa, algae, and slime molds.

What is the role of protozoa in ecosystems?

Protozoa act as predators controlling bacterial populations.

How do protozoa typically move?

Using pseudopodia, flagella, or cilia.

What is the primary function of phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems?

They produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

Which group of protists is known for causing red tides?

Dinoflagellates.

What is the main characteristic of slime molds?

They can exist as single cells or aggregate into multicellular forms.

How do brown algae primarily obtain their food?

Through photosynthesis as autotrophs.

What are the main components of diatom cell walls?

Silica, which creates intricate patterns.

Name a type of disease caused by protists.

Malaria, caused by the protozoan Plasmodium.

What is a unique feature of euglena?

It possesses both plant-like and animal-like characteristics, including chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

What are the key characteristics of protozoa?

Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic and often exhibit complex behaviors.

How do algae contribute to aquatic ecosystems?

Algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis and serve as a primary food source for aquatic organisms.

What distinguishing feature do slime molds exhibit during their life cycle?

Slime molds can switch between living as single cells and forming multicellular aggregates.

Which protists are known for bioluminescence?

Dinoflagellates are known for their ability to produce light.

What type of environments are diatoms commonly found in?

Diatoms are found in both marine and freshwater environments.

What is the significance of phytoplankton in the food chain?

Phytoplankton are primary producers and form the base of the aquatic food chain.

What do the cell walls of diatoms contain?

Diatom cell walls are made of silica, forming intricate patterns.

How do dinoflagellates primarily reproduce?

Dinoflagellates primarily reproduce asexually.

What kind of pigments do brown algae contain?

Brown algae contain chlorophyll and fucoxanthin, giving them their brown color.