Eukaryotic Supergroups and Endosymbiosis

Flashcards covering key terms related to eukaryotic supergroups, definitions, and concepts of endosymbiosis.

Excavata

A supergroup of unicellular organisms characterized by a feeding groove and sometimes parasitic behavior.

SAR

A supergroup containing Stramenopiles (photosynthetic with unequal flagella), Alveolates (with sacs under membrane and cilia/flagella/parasites), and Rhizaria.

Archaeplastida

A supergroup that includes photosynthetic organisms such as plants and some algae, as well as fungi.

Unikonta

A supergroup that includes amoebas, slime molds, and animals.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Endosymbiosis

A process where one cell lives inside another, leading to the incorporation of organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts from once-free bacteria.

Secondary endosymbiosis

A process when a eukaryote with a chloroplast is consumed by another eukaryote, leading to increased diversity in protists.