Excavates Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is one characteristic of excavates?

Move via flagella (correct)

Have a rigid cell wall

Aerobic

Photosynthetic

What are the three clades of excavates?

Diplomonads, Parabasalids, Euglenozoans

Diplomonads have multiple nuclei.

True

What is an example of a Diplomonad and what does it cause?

Giardia, causes diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

All known species of Parabasalids are aerobic.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Parabasalid?

Trichomonas vaginalis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Euglenozoans?

Have distinctive mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major groups that Euglenozoans divide into?

Euglenids and Kinetoplastids Signup and view all the answers

All Euglenids are marine.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of Euglenids?

Have a photo receptor called an eyespot Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Kinetoplastids?

One flagellum, single large mitochondrion Signup and view all the answers

What disease does Trypanosoma cause?

Sleep sickness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Excavates

Excavates are defined by a feeding groove and movement via flagella.
They are heterotrophic and possess modified mitochondria.
This group is divided into three main clades: Diplomonads, Parabasalids, and Euglenozoans.

Diplomonads

One of the largest clades in the excavate category.
Includes both free-living and symbiotic species.
Characterized by having two nuclei and multiple flagella.
Example: Giardia, which can cause diarrhea from drinking untreated water.

Parabasalids

Another significant clade among excavates.
Anaerobic and all known species are either symbiotic or parasitic.
Example: Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted parasite that can cause symptoms primarily in males.

Euglenozoans

A diverse clade characterized by unique mitochondria.
Utilize flagella for movement.
Exhibit mixed nutritional strategies, known as mixotrophy.
Divides into two main groups: Euglenids and Kinetoplastids.

Euglenids

Predominantly found in freshwater environments.
Possess 1-3 flagella and can photosynthesize but may switch to heterotrophy in dark conditions.
Many lack a rigid cell wall and feature a photo receptor called an eyespot.
Named after the genus Euglena.

Kinetoplastids

Have a single flagellum and a large mitochondrion known as a kinetoplast.
Include both free-living and symbiotic species.
Example: Trypanosoma, which causes sleeping sickness as a parasitic symbiont.

Description

Test your knowledge of excavates with these flashcards! This quiz includes definitions and examples of key terms related to the clades of excavates, including Diplomonads and their characteristics. Perfect for students studying biology or microbiology.