Protista
Terms
Alternation of generations
-
A reproductive strategy that involves a succession of
haploid and
diploid phases.
Ameboid motion
-
Type of motion in which cytoplas can flow beneath the cell membrane into new
branches called pseudopods, helped by filaments of a structural protein
called actin, causing the cell to move in a given direction.
Cilia
-
Short hair-like projections found on eukaryotic cells that can help the cell
move or can sweep food particles toward the mouth.
Chlorophyll
-
The pigment found in green plants and algae that allows them to undergo
photosynthesis
Chloroplasts
-
The organelles in which photosynthesis takes place in green plants and
algae.
Endosymbiotic theory
-
This theory states that eukaryote organelles may have evolved when large
eukaryotic organisms engulfed but did not digest smaller organisms and a
symbiotic relationship arose.
Isogamus
-
An organism that has only one type of
gamete rather than
separate male and female gametes.
Macronucleus
-
In ciliates, the large nucleus that holds many copies of the cells genetic
material. It is responsible for the growth and metabolism of the cell.
Micronucleus
-
In ciliates, the smaller nucleus responsible for the transmission of genetic
material during sexual reproduction.
Oral groove
-
In ciliates, the membrane structure that functions in food uptake.
Pinocytosis
-
Method of food uptake in which a liquid or small food particle is sucked into an
invagination in the cell membrane, which then folds in on itself and pinches off
from the cell membrane to become a small vacuole.
Phagocytosis
-
Method of food uptake in which a flexible portion of the cell membrane surrounds
a food particle and engulfs it, bringing it into the cell in a vacuole.
Phagocytosis is used to ingest other unicellular organisms or large particles.
Photosynthesis
-
The process in which some organisms can use the energy of light to transform
inorganic materials into usable organic materials.
Plankton
-
Small free-floating organisms in fresh- and saltwater that are a major marine
food source.
Plasmodium
-
The diploid vegatative phase of acellular
slime molds
Pseudoplasmodium
-
The haploid slug-like phase of cellular
slime molds that
gives rise to the fruiting body.
Pseudopods
-
Temporary cytoplasmic protrusions of ameboid cells that function in movement and
food uptake by phagocytosis.
Stigma
-
The light sensative region in euglenoids that allows them to move toward light
sources.
Thallus
-
The leaf-like bodies of algae.
Vacuole
-
A membrane bound portion of the cell usually used for holding materials such as
food and waste.
