Protozoology is the branch of microbiology that studies protozoa, which are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. These organisms are often found in aquatic environments and can be free-living or parasitic.
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Protozoa are classified based on their movement mechanisms: flagella, cilia, pseudopodia, or non-motile.
Some protozoa can cause diseases in humans, such as malaria caused by Plasmodium species.
Protozoa reproduce through various methods including binary fission, multiple fission, and sexual reproduction.
They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic material in ecosystems.
Many protozoa have complex life cycles that can include both asexual and sexual stages.
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Related terms
Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane.