Protista

Study Guide

Terms

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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.

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