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Microbiology - The Protozoa

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    Study Guide Microbiology – The Protozoa 1. Classification of Protozoa Protozoa are single - celled, eukaryotic organisms . According to the Whittaker system of classification , all protozoa belong to the kingdom Protista . Protozoa are mainly classified based on how they move . Because of this, different microbiologists may refer to these groups as either phyla or classes . Despite the difference in naming, the basis of classification remains the same. There are four major groups of protozoa , each defined by a distinct method of movement. 1. Mastigophora – Flagellated Protozoa Members of this group move using one or more flagella . • Flagella are long, whip - like structures • They help the organism swim through liquid environments Common examples include: • Euglena • Chlamydomonas These organisms are often found in water and may have both plant - like and animal - like characteristics. 2. Sarcodina – Amoeboid Protozoa Protozoa in this group move by extending pseudopodia , which are temporary projections of cytoplasm. • Pseudopodia help in movement • They also help in feeding , by surrounding food particles

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    Study Guide Examples include: • Amoeba • Arcella These organisms usually live in freshwater, soil, or moist environments. 3. Ciliophora – Ciliated Protozoa Members of this group move using cilia , which are short, hair - like structures covering the surface of the cell. • Cilia beat in a coordinated manner • They allow fast and controlled movement Examples include: • Paramecium • Vorticella Ciliates are often more complex than other protozoa and are commonly found in aquatic habitats. 4. Apicomplexa – Non - motile Protozoa Protozoa in this group do not use flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia for movement. • Most are parasitic • They are adapted to life inside host cells A well - known example is: • Plasmodium , which lives inside red blood cells and causes malaria

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    Study Guide Figure 1 An array of protozoa showing representatives of the four major groups . Key Points to Remember • Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes • All protozoa belong to kingdom Protista • Classification is mainly based on mode of movement • The four major groups are: o Mastigophora o Sarcodina o Ciliophora o Apicomplexa

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