Questions and Answers
What are plantlike protists commonly called?
algae
Algae include only multi-cellular organisms.
False
In the process of photosynthesis, what substances trap the energy of sunlight?
accessory pigments
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?
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How have various groups of algae adapted to conditions of limited light?
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What are accessory pigments?
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Why are algae such a wide range of colors?
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Euglenophytes are members of the phylum?
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Protists are remarkably similar to zoo-flagellates.
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Protists possess chloroplasts.
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Protists have a cell wall.
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Protists have two flagella.
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What is an eye-spot and what is its function?
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Euglenas have a tough, intricate membrane called a _____
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How do euglenas reproduce?
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Dinoflagellates are members of the phylum?
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Dinoflagellates generally have one flagellum.
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Many species of dinoflagellates are luminescent.
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Most dinoflagellates reproduce by binary fission.
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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?
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What color are the chloroplasts of chrysophytes?
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Chrysophytes are very rare in almost all environments.
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Chrysophytes' cell walls are rich in silicon.
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Chrysophytes generally store food in the form of oil.
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Some chrysophytes form threadlike colonies.
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Diatoms are members of the phylum?
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Diatoms are very rare in almost all environments.
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Diatoms' cell walls are rich in silicon.
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Diatoms are shaped like a petri-dish or flat pillbox.
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
