Study GuideMicrobiology–The Protozoa1.Classification of ProtozoaProtozoa aresingle-celled, eukaryotic organisms. According to theWhittaker system ofclassification,all protozoa belong to the kingdom Protista.Protozoa are mainly classified based onhow they move. Because of this, different microbiologistsmay refer to these groups as eitherphylaorclasses. Despite the difference in naming, the basis ofclassification remains the same.There arefour major groups of protozoa, each defined by a distinct method of movement.1. Mastigophora–Flagellated ProtozoaMembers of this group move using one or moreflagella.•Flagella are long, whip-like structures•They help the organism swim through liquid environmentsCommon examples include:•Euglena•ChlamydomonasThese organisms are often found in water and may have both plant-like and animal-likecharacteristics.2. Sarcodina–Amoeboid ProtozoaProtozoa in this group move by extendingpseudopodia, which are temporary projections ofcytoplasm.•Pseudopodia help inmovement•They also help infeeding, by surrounding food particlesPreview Mode
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