Protist

Definition

Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, which can be unicellular or multicellular. They inhabit various environments and can be free-living or parasitic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Protists include organisms such as amoebas, algae, and protozoa.
2. Protozoan protists can cause gastrointestinal infections like giardiasis and amebiasis.
3. Protists can reproduce sexually or asexually through binary fission, budding, or spore formation.
4. Many protists have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts and stages.
5. Protists play crucial roles in ecosystems, including nutrient cycling and forming the base of many aquatic food webs.

Review Questions

• What are some common characteristics of protists?
• How do protozoan protists contribute to gastrointestinal infections?
• Describe the reproductive strategies used by protists.

Related terms

Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

Amoeba:

A type of protist characterized by its ability to change shape through pseudopodia.

Giardiasis:

A diarrheal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia.