Lecture Notes on Protista and Unicellular Organisms

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Protista and unicellular organisms discussed in the lecture notes.

Protista

The most complex single cells studied in this course, performing all functions of multicellular organisms.

Euglenophyta

A phylum that includes Euglena, a freshwater organism with chloroplasts.

Pellicle

The flexible layer covering Euglena, made of proteinaceous material and plasma membrane.

Euglenoid motion

The unique contortions made by Euglena when it moves.

Diatoms

Photosynthetic microorganisms with silica cell walls, found in marine and freshwater.

Photosynthetic

Organisms that convert light into energy, such as diatoms.

Mastigophora

A phylum of flagellated protistans, including free-living and parasitic organisms.

Trypanosoma brucei

A parasite that causes African sleeping sickness.

Sarcodina

A phylum of amoeboid protistans that use pseudopodia to move and capture prey.

Pseudopodia

Transitory extensions of the amoeba used for movement and feeding.

Foraminifera

Marine protistans with calcium carbonate shells that have holes for pseudopodia.

Ciliophora

Phylum of protists characterized by the presence of cilia for movement and feeding.

Paramecium

A large-celled, free-living protistan covered in cilia.

Oomycota

Phylum of water molds, often seen as cottony colonies on aquarium fish.