The Origin and Diversification of Eukaryotes

This set of flashcards includes terms and definitions related to the origin and diversification of eukaryotes, focusing on various groups of protists, their characteristics, and life cycles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Apicomplexans

A group of parasitic organisms, all of which have complex life cycles involving infective cells called 'sporozoites'.

Diplomonads

A group of protists that typically have two nuclei and are usually flagellated, such as Giardia lamblia.

Euglenozoans

A diverse group of protists that include animal-like forms and contain chloroplasts, capable of photosynthesis.

Kinetoplastida

A clade under Euglenozoans that includes parasitic organisms like Trypanosoma.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies, which can produce toxins.

Ciliates

A group of protists characterized by the presence of hair-like structures called cilia.

Dinoflagellates

Protists known for their tough plates made of cellulose and can cause harmful algal blooms.

Trypanosoma

A genus of parasites that can cause diseases such as African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans, transmitted via mosquitoes.

Toxoplasma gondii

A protozoan parasite that can cause severe health issues, especially in fetuses.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the fusion of gametes, leading to the development of a new organism.

Sporozoite

An infective cell stage in the life cycle of some parasitic organisms, particularly in Apicomplexans.

Contractile vacuole

A specialized organelle in some protists that expels excess water to maintain osmotic balance.

Eyespot

A light-sensitive organelle found in some protists, such as Euglena, that helps in locating light.

Mixotrophic

An organism that can use both autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

Flagella

Long, whip-like appendages that protrude from the cell body of certain organisms, aiding in locomotion.