payment page
-
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.
