Protists Study Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why is the protist kingdom known as the 'grab-bag' of organisms?

There are really no places for the organisms in this category.

What are some general characteristics of protists?

Most are unicellular, some are multicellular, many are free-living, some are parasitic, they reproduce asexually, and all are eukaryotic.

What are two groups of fungus-like protists?

Water molds and slime molds.

How do fungus-like protists obtain nutrition?

By external digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the great potato famine?

When a water mold called Phytophthora infestans caused a huge potato famine in Ireland in the 1840s and 50s. Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of plant-like protists?

They have chlorophyll, are predominantly aquatic, are often unicellular, and contribute to oxygen production. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of plant-like protists?

Algae, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and euglena. Signup and view all the answers

Algae come in three colors; red, brown, ______.

green Signup and view all the answers

What do diatoms have in their outer shell?

Silica. Signup and view all the answers

How do dinoflagellates move?

Using two flagella. Signup and view all the answers

What makes euglena unique among protists?

They can perform photosynthesis and also move around and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of animal-like protists?

They are consumers, single-celled, and many can move. Signup and view all the answers

What are some types of animal-like protists?

Amoebas, flagellates, and ciliates. Signup and view all the answers

How do amoebas feed?

Using pseudopods (false feet). Signup and view all the answers

What kind of disease is caused by flagellates?

Giardiasis. Signup and view all the answers

What do ciliates use for motion?

Cilia. Signup and view all the answers

What do some parasitic protists form?

Spores. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protist Kingdom Overview

The protist kingdom is often labeled as the "grab-bag" of organisms due to the lack of specific classification for its diverse members.
Protists include a range of organisms that do not fit into the traditional kingdoms of plants, animals, or fungi.

General Characteristics of Protists

Primarily unicellular but can also be multicellular.
Varied lifestyles include free-living and parasitic forms.
Reproduce asexually, although some can reproduce sexually.
All are eukaryotic, possessing a nucleus and organelles.
Simplicity in structure with no complex tissues.

Fungus-Like Protists

Two main groups: water molds and slime molds.
Obtain nutrition through external digestion processes.

Historical Significance

The great potato famine in Ireland during the 1840s and 50s was caused by the water mold Phytophthora infestans, which devastated the potato crop.

Plant-Like Protists

Possess chlorophyll, allowing them to perform photosynthesis like plants.
Mostly aquatic, with many being unicellular.
Play a crucial role in oxygen production for the atmosphere.

Types of Plant-Like Protists

Include algae, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and euglena.

Algae

Found in three colors: red, brown, and green.
Used in food products as thickeners and in nori (sushi) and agar production.

Diatoms

Have a silica outer shell.
Utilized in products such as toothpaste and silver polish.

Dinoflagellates

Move using two flagella.
Can cause red tides, harmful to wildlife and humans.
Many exhibit bioluminescence.

Euglena

Exhibits both plant-like and animal-like properties.
Capable of photosynthesis and independent movement.

Animal-Like Protists

Characterized as consumers that are typically unicellular and capable of movement.

Types of Animal-Like Protists

Include amoebas, flagellates, and ciliates.

Amoebas

Move and consume using pseudopods (false feet).
Some possess tiny shells, and while many are free-living, some are parasitic, like those causing amoebic dysentery.

Flagellates

Feature flagella for movement.
A specific type causes giardiasis, an infection linked to contaminated water.

Ciliates

Possess numerous tiny hair-like structures called cilia for motion and feeding.
A well-known example is Paramecium.

Parasitic Protists

Include species that form spores, such as Plasmodium vivax, responsible for malaria.
Typically found in tropical, humid areas with poor sanitary conditions.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of protists with these study flashcards. Learn about their characteristics, classifications, and why they are often referred to as the 'grab-bag' of organisms. Ideal for students studying biology or microbiology.