Protozoa Characteristics and Classification

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Questions and Answers

What type of locomotion is exhibited by Euglena viridis?

Metabolic movement

Flagellar movement (correct)

Ciliary movement

Amoeboid movement

Which of the following characteristics is NOT true about Euglena viridis?

It can live in brackish water.

It is capable of photosynthesis.

It has multiple nuclei. (correct)

It forms protective cysts under adverse conditions.

What role does chlorophyll play in Euglena viridis?

It helps in locomotion.

It regulates water content.

It assists in respiration.

It facilitates photosynthesis. (correct)

What type of respiration is likely utilized by Euglena viridis?

Both aerobic and anaerobic respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of Protozoa, including Euglena viridis?

Unicellular organization Signup and view all the answers

During unfavorable environmental conditions, what specific structure does Euglena viridis form?

A resting cyst Signup and view all the answers

Euglena viridis is primarily found in which type of environment?

Freshwater pools and moist soils Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Euglena viridis as a connecting link between animals and plants?

It engages in both photosynthesis and heterotrophic feeding. Signup and view all the answers

What role does chronic inflammation play in carcinogenesis?

It is connected to the transition from pre-cancerous conditions to invasive cancer. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do Euglena and paramylon have on infiltrating inflammatory cells in gastric mucosa?

They decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the effects of Euglena and paramylon on gastric cancer?

They decrease replicating cells and angiogenesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which bioactive components of Euglena are suggested to contribute to its anti-carcinogenic effect?

Vitamin C, E, and β-carotene. Signup and view all the answers

What was the finding regarding the effect of Euglena compared to paramylon?

Euglena showed effects at similar or greater levels than paramylon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the long flagellum in Euglena?

To propel the organism forward through water. Signup and view all the answers

During euglenoid movement, how is the creeping motion achieved?

Through waves of contraction passing along the body. Signup and view all the answers

What process primarily allows Euglena to manage excess water and nitrogenous waste?

Contractile vacuole function Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the reproductive process of Euglena?

Euglena reproduce asexually via longitudinal cell division. Signup and view all the answers

What is paramylon in Euglena, and what is its role?

A carbohydrate that helps survive low-light conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of sunlight, how does Euglena obtain nutrients?

By absorbing decaying organic substances via phagocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the encystment process in Euglena viridis?

Extreme environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What structure is involved in Euglena's excretion mechanism?

Contractile vacuole Signup and view all the answers

What type of respiration does Euglena viridis primarily utilize?

Aerobic respiration absorbing dissolved oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the contractile vacuole in Euglena?

To regulate the water content of the body. Signup and view all the answers

During binary fission, which component of Euglena is typically the first to divide?

Blepharoplast Signup and view all the answers

The cyst wall of Euglena viridis is primarily distinguished by what characteristic?

Variability in layer components Signup and view all the answers

What speeds up the flagellar action in Euglena?

A combination of lateral movements and undulating waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cytopharynx in Euglena?

Egestion of waste materials Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the feeding modes of Euglena?

It can switch between autotrophic and saprozoic modes depending on the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception about Euglena's reproduction?

Reports of sexual reproduction are common. Signup and view all the answers

Which process occurs when the flagellated organisms and ciliates become inactive and withdraw their flagella?

Encystment Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of the cyst form for protistan groups in diverse environments?

Widespread dispersal by wind Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the role of cysts in parasitic protozoans?

Cysts are a free-living dispersal stage excreted in the host's feces Signup and view all the answers

What beneficial nutrients does powdered Euglena provide according to Euglena Company?

A combination of plant and animal-based nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What major component of Euglena is part of the β-glucans group?

Paramylon Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant achievement of Euglena Company in 2005?

Cultivation technique for commercially viable Euglena Signup and view all the answers

In climates with distinct cold seasons, what role does the cyst play in the life cycle of certain protists?

It allows for survival and rest during unfavorable conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organism has been noted for its potential application as a fuel source?

Euglena Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phylum: Protozoa

Belongs to the kingdom Protista within the domain Eukarya.
Characterized by unicellular organisms with diverse habits: solitary, free-living, or parasitic.

Euglena viridis

Known as a representative species, considered a link between animals and plants.
Observed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1674, one of the earliest protists observed microscopically.
Forms protective walls as cysts in adverse environmental conditions.

Morphology

Elongated, spindle-shaped body approximately 60 microns long with a blunt anterior and pointed posterior end.
Contains a large nucleus, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a contractile vacuole, and one or two flagella.
Movement facilitated by a whip-like flagellum that can exert lateral forces for propulsion.

Habit & Habitat

Commonly inhabits freshwater and brackish water rich in organic matter, found in pools, ponds, and moist soils.

Feeding Mode

Holophytic (autotrophic) by photosynthesis; stores energy as paramylon.
Saprozoic feeding occurs in low-light conditions where it absorbs decaying organic matter.

Respiration and Excretion

Aerobic respiration that utilizes dissolved oxygen from water; produces oxygen during photosynthesis.
Osmoregulation managed by a contractile vacuole; excess nitrogenous waste eliminated through diffusion.

Reproduction

Asexual reproduction occurs via binary fission with longitudinal cell division.
Rare reports exist on sexual reproduction, primarily through conjugation.

Encystment

Under extreme conditions, Euglena can encyst, forming thick protective walls to enter a dormant state until conditions improve.
Changes during encystment include loss of flagella and organelle rearrangement.

Adaptations

Resistant cysts aid in dispersion; vital for life cycles in various species.
Cysts can survive in hostile environments and are often involved in host infections (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica).

Human Consumption and Health Benefits

Euglena Company introduced Euglena-based food and beverages since 2005 due to high nutritional value.
Contains minerals, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids; utilized to enhance health foods.

Research on Gastric Cancer

Studies indicate that Euglena and its major component paramylon may influence gastric cancer progression.
Administration of Euglena exhibits effects on inflammatory responses and cell proliferation in gastric mucosa.
Findings suggest other bioactive compounds in Euglena, such as vitamins C and E, may contribute to its anti-carcinogenic properties.

Effects on Inflammation and Carcinogenesis

Euglena administration decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in gastric tissue.
Altered expression of cytokines involved in carcinogenesis and cellular migration.
No significant effect on IgA production in the small intestine.

Conclusion

The biological role of Euglena extends beyond nutrition to potential therapeutic effects on cancer, showcasing its importance in both ecological and medical contexts.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various characteristics and classifications of protozoa. This quiz covers aspects such as habitat, morphology, and locomotion methods of these unicellular organisms. Explore the fascinating diversity within the phylum Protozoa.