Biology Chapter: Kingdom Protista

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary phase of the Diplontic Life Cycle?

Gametic phase

Diploid phase (correct)

Zygotic phase

Haploid phase

What feature distinguishes dinoflagellates from other marine protists?

Presence of a single flagellum

Absence of pigments

Cellulose plates in their cell wall (correct)

Lack of bioluminescence

Which pigments are primarily responsible for the coloration in dinoflagellates?

Melanin and Chlorophyll 'b'

Phycobilins only

Carotenoids and Anthocyanins

Chlorophyll 'a' and Xanthophylls (correct)

What name is given to the phenomenon caused by the rapid multiplication of red dinoflagellates?

Red Tide Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes diatoms from other forms of algae?

Silica-embedded cell walls Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the large accumulation of diatom cell wall deposits?

Diatomaceous earth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is known for secreting toxins that can affect humans?

Gymnodinium Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of histone protein in the chromosomes of dinoflagellates?

Dinoflagellates lack histone proteins entirely. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms are included in the Kingdom Protista?

Dinoflagellates Signup and view all the answers

What type of nutrition is described as ingesting food before digestion in protists?

Holozoic Signup and view all the answers

Which reproductive process in protists involves the fusion of two haploid gametes?

Syngamy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of life cycle is characterized by the formation of gametes by mitosis?

Haplontic Life Cycle Signup and view all the answers

What type of reproduction involves the formation of spores in specific structures?

Asexual reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What type of nutrition do organisms like Euglena exhibit?

Mixotrophic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of gamete fusion is characterized by dissimilar size or structure?

Anisogamy Signup and view all the answers

Which kingdom serves as a link between plants, animals, and fungi due to its characteristics?

Protista Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environment where members of the Kingdom Protista are found?

Aquatic Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of nutrition absorbs nutrients directly from dead organic matter?

Saprophytic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kingdom Protista

Comprises all unicellular eukaryotes primarily found in aquatic environments.
Key groups within Protista include dinoflagellates, chrysophytes (diatoms and desmids), euglenoids, slime moulds, and protozoa.

Main Characteristics of Protista

All protists are unicellular and possess a complex eukaryotic cellular structure.
Show traits of plants, animals, and fungi, bridging the gaps between these kingdoms.
Feature a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nutrition

Holophytic or Photosynthetic: Capable of producing own food through photosynthesis.
Holozoic: Ingestion followed by digestion, resembling animal nutrition.
Osmotrophic or Absorptive: Digestion occurs before ingestion, can be parasitic (living hosts) or saprophytic (dead organic matter).
Mixotrophic: Exhibit more than one nutritional mode, e.g., Euglena.

Movement

Various motility strategies, including flagella (dinoflagellates, euglenoids, protozoans) and cilia (protozoans).

Reproduction

Both asexual and sexual reproduction mechanisms are present.
Asexual Reproduction:
- Binary fission: Division of one cell into two daughter cells.
- Spore formation: Creation of spores in structures called sporangia, that develop into new protists.
Sexual Reproduction:
- Syngamy involves two haploid gametes fusing to form a diploid zygote, with three variations:
  - Isogamy: Morphologically similar gametes fuse.
  - Anisogamy: Morphologically dissimilar gametes fuse.
  - Oogamy: Male gamete is small and motile, while the larger female gamete is immobile.

Life Cycle

Haplontic Life Cycle: Gametes formed by mitosis are haploid and participate in sexual reproduction.
Diplontic Life Cycle: Involves meiosis in a diploid cell, leading to haploid gametes that fuse to create a diploid zygote.

Dinoflagellates

Characterized by two flagella, primarily marine and photosynthetic.
Exhibit color variation due to pigments like chlorophyll "a", "c", and xanthophylls; serve as natural indicators of ecosystems.
Known as "armored algae" due to rigid cell walls composed of cellulose plates.
Display bioluminescence and sometimes cause phenomena like "red tide" through rapid population growth.
Some species can produce neurotoxins harmful to marine life and humans via the food chain.

Chrysophytes

Include diatoms and golden algae (desmids), found in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Known as "pearls of oceans" due to their unique structures and ecological importance.

Diatoms Structure

Exhibit a variety of shapes like circular, rectangular, triangular, elongated, and boat-shaped.
Cell walls consist of two overlapping silica-reinforced shells, making them resilient and forming diatomaceous earth deposits over geological time.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Kingdom Protista, which includes all unicellular eukaryotes primarily found in aquatic environments. This quiz covers various members such as dinoflagellates, euglenoids, and slime molds, along with key characteristics that define these organisms.