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protozoan
An animal-like eukaryotic organism that consists of a single cell. Well known examples are amoeba, paramecium, and euglena. Protozoa were once considered to belong to the animal kingdom (Animalia) alongside the metazoans; however, this is no longer the case. Today, protozoans are grouped in the Kingdom Protista as animal like protists. Biologists have identified about 65,000 species of protozoa, almost half which are extinct species from fossils.
Chief characteristics
- Protozoa are single-celled microscopic eukaryotic organisms noted for their motility, i.e., ability to move independently
- They live in many different environments; they can drift in the ocean, creep across vegetation in fresh water rivers and ponds, crawl in deep soil, and even reproduce inside the bodies of other organisms
- Most protozoa are heterotrophs, obtaining their nutrients by ingesting small molecules or cells. These particles are usually broken down in food vacuoles, which are membrane-bound chambers that contain digestive enzymes
- Many species of protozoa are free-living. These varieties dwell in any habitat where water or moisture is available at some time during the year, including the soil.
- Many species make up zooplankton, a population of organisms that constitutes one of the primary sources of energy in aquatic ecosystems. They are at the beginning of the food chain
- Other protozoa are parasites. These parasitic protozoa usually have complex life cycles that take place in the cells, tissues, and bloodstream of their host. Several species cause serious human diseases, including malaria, amoebic dysentery, and giardiasis
Classification
Protozoa are members of the Kingdom Protista, along with algae (plant-like), and slime molds and water molds (fungi-like). A convenient way to classify protozoans is based on the way they move. The four phyla of protozoans are:
- Sarcodina: the Sarcodinians, which move by extending their cytoplasm (e.g., amoeba)
- Zoomastigina: the Zooflagellates, which propel themselves by flagella (e.g., trypanosoma)
- Ciliophora: the Ciliaphorans, which by hairlike cilia (e.g., paramecium)
- Sporozoa: the Sporozoans, which don't move by themselves at all (e.g., plasmodium)
Sensory capabilities
Many species of protozoa have physiological mechanisms for monitoring conditions in their environment. Free-living varieties often have a localized region of pigment called an eyespot, which can detect changes in both the quantity and quality of light. Certain protozoan species also sense physical and chemical changes or obstacles in their environment.
Cyst formation
Many protozoans can survive in harsh conditions or severe changes in the environment, such as nutrient deficiency, drought, decreased oxygen concentration, or pH or temperature changes, by forming cysts. A cyst is a dormant form characterized by a hardened external covering inside which metabolic activity has ceased. When favorable environmental conditions return, a protozoan emerges from the cyst state and resumes metabolic activity.
Related category
• ZOOLOGY
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