Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are plantlike protists commonly called?
What are plantlike protists commonly called?
algae
Algae include only multi-cellular organisms.
Algae include only multi-cellular organisms.
False
In the process of photosynthesis, what substances trap the energy of sunlight?
In the process of photosynthesis, what substances trap the energy of sunlight?
accessory pigments
How does water affect the sunlight that passes through it?
How does water affect the sunlight that passes through it?
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Why does the dim blue light that penetrates deep into the sea contain little energy that chlorophyll a can use?
Why does the dim blue light that penetrates deep into the sea contain little energy that chlorophyll a can use?
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How have various groups of algae adapted to conditions of limited light?
How have various groups of algae adapted to conditions of limited light?
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What are accessory pigments?
What are accessory pigments?
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Why are algae such a wide range of colors?
Why are algae such a wide range of colors?
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Euglenophytes are members of the phylum?
Euglenophytes are members of the phylum?
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Protists are remarkably similar to zoo-flagellates.
Protists are remarkably similar to zoo-flagellates.
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Protists possess chloroplasts.
Protists possess chloroplasts.
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Protists have a cell wall.
Protists have a cell wall.
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Protists have two flagella.
Protists have two flagella.
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What is an eye-spot and what is its function?
What is an eye-spot and what is its function?
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Euglenas have a tough, intricate membrane called a _____
Euglenas have a tough, intricate membrane called a _____
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How do euglenas reproduce?
How do euglenas reproduce?
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Dinoflagellates are members of the phylum?
Dinoflagellates are members of the phylum?
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Dinoflagellates generally have one flagellum.
Dinoflagellates generally have one flagellum.
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Many species of dinoflagellates are luminescent.
Many species of dinoflagellates are luminescent.
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Most dinoflagellates reproduce by binary fission.
Most dinoflagellates reproduce by binary fission.
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Dinoflagellates have their DNA tightly bound with histones.
Dinoflagellates have their DNA tightly bound with histones.
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The yellow-green algae and the golden-brown algae are members of the phylum?
The yellow-green algae and the golden-brown algae are members of the phylum?
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What color are the chloroplasts of chrysophytes?
What color are the chloroplasts of chrysophytes?
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Chrysophytes are very rare in almost all environments.
Chrysophytes are very rare in almost all environments.
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Chrysophytes' cell walls are rich in silicon.
Chrysophytes' cell walls are rich in silicon.
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Chrysophytes generally store food in the form of oil.
Chrysophytes generally store food in the form of oil.
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Some chrysophytes form threadlike colonies.
Some chrysophytes form threadlike colonies.
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Diatoms are members of the phylum?
Diatoms are members of the phylum?
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Diatoms are very rare in almost all environments.
Diatoms are very rare in almost all environments.
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Diatoms' cell walls are rich in silicon.
Diatoms' cell walls are rich in silicon.
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Diatoms are shaped like a petri-dish or flat pillbox.
Diatoms are shaped like a petri-dish or flat pillbox.
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Diatoms are among the most abundant organisms on Earth.
Diatoms are among the most abundant organisms on Earth.
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How do plantlike protists make much of the diversity of aquatic life possible?
How do plantlike protists make much of the diversity of aquatic life possible?
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What is the population of small photosynthetic organisms found at the surface of the ocean of the food chain?
What is the population of small photosynthetic organisms found at the surface of the ocean of the food chain?
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What are the benefits for both the corals and the inter-cellular dinoflagellates that some contain in this symbiotic relationship?
What are the benefits for both the corals and the inter-cellular dinoflagellates that some contain in this symbiotic relationship?
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What is the immediate increase in the amount of algae and other producers that results from a large input of a limiting nutrient?
What is the immediate increase in the amount of algae and other producers that results from a large input of a limiting nutrient?
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How can an algal bloom be harmful?
How can an algal bloom be harmful?
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Study Notes
Plant-Like Protists
- Plant-like protists are commonly known as algae.
- These organisms can be unicellular or multicellular, not exclusively multicellular.
- Accessory pigments play a crucial role in photosynthesis by trapping sunlight energy.
- Water absorbs light energy, affecting photosynthesis in aquatic environments.
- Dim blue light penetrates deep underwater but is less effective for chlorophyll a, which is most efficient at capturing red and violet light.
- Different forms of chlorophyll have evolved among various algae groups to adapt to limited light conditions.
Accessory Pigments and Color
- Accessory pigments absorb light at different wavelengths compared to chlorophyll.
- Algae exhibit a vast range of colors because accessory pigments reflect different wavelengths of light.
Euglenophytes
- Euglenophytes belong to the phylum Euglenophyta.
- These protists are similar to zoo-flagellates, possessing chloroplasts and often two flagella.
- They may lack a cell wall, contrary to some assertions.
- An eye-spot in euglenas consists of reddish pigment and aids in locating sunlight for photosynthesis.
- Euglenas have a tough membrane known as a pellicle and reproduce asexually via binary fission.
Dinoflagellates
- Dinoflagellates are classified under the phylum Pyrrophyta.
- Contrary to some beliefs, they generally have two flagella, not one.
- Many species of dinoflagellates are luminescent and primarily reproduce by binary fission.
- Their DNA is loosely associated with histones, differing from many other organisms.
Chrysophytes
- Yellow-green algae and golden-brown algae are categorized in the phylum Chrysophyta.
- The chloroplasts of chrysophytes display colors of yellow, green, and golden-brown.
- Chrysophytes are relatively rare in diverse environments and store food primarily in oil.
- Their cell walls are not rich in silicon, yet some can form threadlike colonies.
Diatoms
- Diatoms belong to the phylum Bacillariophyta.
- They are abundant in various environments and characterized by cell walls rich in silicon.
- Diatoms have distinct shapes, often resembling petri dishes or flat pillboxes, and are among the most plentiful organisms on Earth.
Ecological Importance
- Plant-like protists are essential for aquatic life, forming the base of the food chain as primary producers.
- Phytoplankton, small photosynthetic organisms found on ocean surfaces, significantly contribute to marine ecosystems.
Coral Symbiosis
- Some corals contain intracellular dinoflagellates, which produce food through photosynthesis.
- This symbiotic relationship benefits corals by providing nutrients while dinoflagellates utilize coral waste.
Algal Blooms
- Algal blooms occur due to a sudden increase in algae and producers from excess limiting nutrients.
- These blooms can be harmful, as they deplete water nutrients and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
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Description
Test your knowledge on plant-like protists, commonly known as algae. This quiz covers their structure, photosynthesis, and specific groups such as Euglenophytes. Discover how their colors are influenced by accessory pigments and light absorption.
