Protozoans Quiz: Ciliates and More

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Questions and Answers

What is a unique characteristic of ciliates such as Paramecium?

They lack any specialized structures for locomotion.

They possess a flexible body shape for better movement.

They have a single nucleus for metabolic processes.

Their body is covered by rows of cilia used for swimming. (correct)

Which structure is essential for the locomotion of Amoeba?

Flagella

Pseudopodia (correct)

Tentacles

Cilia

Which structural feature is characteristic of Euglena?

Chloroplasts for photosynthesis (correct)

Dual nuclei for metabolism

Cilia for movement

A rigid cell wall

What distinguishes Phylum Apicomplexa from other protists?

They possess apical complexes for host tissue penetration. Signup and view all the answers

How do protozoans like Paramecium obtain their nutrients?

By ingesting bacteria through a specialized mouth structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of Paramecium in the phylum Ciliophora?

It possesses various specialized organelles. Signup and view all the answers

How does Amoeba move?

It uses pseudopodia for movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the structure of Euglena accurately?

It has chloroplasts and an eyespot. Signup and view all the answers

Which phylum does Amoeba belong to?

Phylum Rhizopoda Signup and view all the answers

What type of nutrition do protozoans primarily exhibit?

Heterotrophic and some mixotrophic. Signup and view all the answers

Which vacuole in Amoeba is responsible for excreting excess water?

Contractile vacuole Signup and view all the answers

In which habitat can protozoans be found?

In diverse habitats including both aquatic and terrestrial. Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive carbohydrate does Euglena produce?

Paramylon Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of ciliophora among protozoans?

They possess cilia for movement. Signup and view all the answers

How do amoebas primarily move?

Through pseudopodia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the structure of euglena?

They have a flexible pellicle and contain chloroplasts. Signup and view all the answers

In the classification of protists, which of the following is not one of the five supergroups?

Mycetozoans Signup and view all the answers

How do protozoans primarily obtain their nutrients?

By engulfing food particles Signup and view all the answers

What defines multicellular algae in terms of structure?

They lack true stems, leaves, or roots. Signup and view all the answers

Which habitat is most commonly associated with algae?

Freshwater and marine environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between algal cells and protozoan cells?

Algal cells possess cell walls and vacuoles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Topic 11: Domain Eukarya 1: Protista

Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, commonly single-celled, but sometimes multicellular.
They are not part of plants, animals, or fungi.
Protists vary greatly in their organization, some being single-celled, multicellular, or forming filaments or colonies.
Not all are microscopic; some can be as large as 200 meters.
Common size range from 5 µm to 2 or 3 mm.
Some are parasitic, and some are free-living algal protists.

Learning Outcomes

Describe the general characteristics of Protista
State the classification of Protista into two major phyla of algae and four major phyla of protozoa
Describe the unique characteristics of algae
Describe the unique characteristics of protozoa
State the importance of Protista

Subtopic 11.1: General Characteristics of Protista

Members of domain Eukarya
Eukaryotic, having a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
Algae, protozoa, water molds, and slime molds
Primarily aquatic
Diverse body forms, types of reproduction, modes of nutrition, and lifestyles

Subtopic 11.2: Classification of Protista

Protist classification is evolving, with molecular analysis and ultrastructure data revealing phylogenetic relationships.
Data suggests protists are paraphyletic.
Currently, protists and other eukaryotes are split into five informal supergroups: Excavates, Chromalveolates, Rhizarians, Archaeplastids and Unikonts.

Subtopic 11.2, Algae

Algae are photosynthetic organisms.
Contain chlorophyll, used for photosynthesis
Can be either unicellular or colonial, the latter occurring as aggregates of cells.
Found in salt or fresh waters, or on the surfaces of soil or rocks.
Multicellular algae have tissues but lack true stems, leaves, or roots
Two Major Phyla:
Phylum Chlorophyta (green algae): Most are aquatic, some terrestrial
Contain chlorophylls a and b, store food as starch
Examples: Chlamydomonas, Volvox
Phylum Phaeophyta (brown algae): Many familiar seaweeds
Contain chlorophylls a and c, carotenoids like fucoxanthin
Examples: Fucus, has blades, stipe, and holdfast
Body (thallus), which may lack roots, stems, or leaves with blade, stipe and holdfast

Subtopic 11.2, Protozoa

Heterotrophic
Mixotrophic
Generally motile with flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia for movement
Strictly non-multicellular, existing as single cells or colonies
Diverse, widespread in aquatic and terrestrial habitats
Classification:
Phylum Euglenophyta (e.g., Euglena): Freshwater, some photosynthetic (autotrophic), some ingest or absorb food (heterotrophic)
Phylum Rhizopoda (e.g., Amoeba): Use pseudopodia, heterotrophs
Phylum Ciliophora (e.g., Paramecium): Covered in cilia, heterotrophs
Phylum Apicomplexa (e.g., Plasmodium): Parasitic, spore-forming, lack locomotion

Subtopic 11.3: Importance of Protista

Major components of plankton, primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
Play a basic role in food chains
Provide food and oxygen to other organisms
Seaweeds are a food source, providing essential nutrients.
Examples: Kelp, Laminaria, Porphyra
Spirulina is a source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, and enzymes
Chlorella is a source of protein, fats, vitamins, and contributes to growth and tissue repair
Eutrophication: Excess nutrients cause algal blooms, which deplete dissolved oxygen, harming aquatic organisms.
Red tides: Dinoflagellates produce neurotoxins, causing poisoning in shellfish and affecting marine life
Human health: Some protists cause diseases, such as malaria in humans, caused by parasitic protists.

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Description

Test your knowledge on unique characteristics of protozoans, focusing on ciliates like Paramecium, Amoeba's locomotion structures, and distinctions within Phylum Apicomplexa. This quiz explores the nutritional methods of various protozoan types and their structural features.