Protists

= Introduction =  Unlike bacteria which are prokaryotic, protists (Kingdom Protista) are eukaryotic, i.e., are characterized by membrane-bounded organelles. It is very complex and diverse in cellular structure, nutrition and many other characteristics. The concept of one kingdom for such a diverse group is being challenged, for a number of taxonomists are arguing in favor of splitting up the group into six or more kingdoms to reflect obvious evolutionary differences. Cell structural variations include unicellular, filamentous, colonial, and multicellular forms. Members include protozoa, algae, and slime molds. Each of these subgroups are further divided. For example, the heterotrophic protozoa are divided into pseudopods, flagellates, and ciliates based on their locomotion. Protozoa are either heterotrophs (through absorption, ingestion, or parasitism) or autotrophs (through phorosynthesis). Reproduction is usually asexual, but sexual reproduction is also common.
 * Objectives**  Through investigation, students should be able to
 * 1) Appreciate biological diversity amongst protists.
 * 2) Compare and contrast various sub-groups of protists, in terms of cellular structures, locomotory structures, and nutrition.
 * 3) Understand the life history, ecology, habitats, and protective adaptations of selected protists.
 * 4) Review the economic importance of the group Protista.

=Activity 1 = For the following activities, we will view the Amoeba, Euglena, Paramecium, Spirostomum, Stentor, Volvox.

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 * 1) Identify the taxonomic group (Phylum) that each of the above belong to. Choose from chlorophyta, ciliophora, oomycota, myxomycota, phaeophyta, rhodophyta)
 * 2) Identify 2-3 economic uses of any of the protista from those listed above. Please explain.
 * 1) View the protozoa above, using a wet mount slide. Complete the table as shown below. Take a picture with the moticam. You can also take video. YOU ONLY NEED A TOTAL OF 3 IMAGES OR VIDEOS OF ANY PROTIST.
 * Protozoan || Cell shape || Structure/method of locomotion || Other cellular features seen || Unicellular or multicellular? || Interesting observations ||

=Activity 2=

Hydra, and Daphnia (these organisms are not protists, but are interesting to observe and study)

1. State the phyla of hydra 2. State the phyla and class of daphnia 3. View a wet slide(without cover slip-stay on low power) of hydra using a depression slide. Take your probe and gently touch the tentacles and base of the hydra. Turn the light down on your microscope to check for the release of structures. Note the reaction of the organism. Take a picture using the moticam. YOU ONLY NEED A TOTAL OF 3 IMAGES OR VIDEOS OF ANY PROTIST. 4. View a wet slide of the daphnia using the depression slide(stay on low power). Observe body movement internally and externally. Gently probe the daphnia to observe reaction to stimuli. Take a picture using moticam. YOU ONLY NEED A TOTAL OF 3 IMAGES OR VIDEOS OF ANY PROTIST. 5. Place the hydra and the daphnia on the same depression wet slide. Observe the reaction of both species. Is there a predator-prey relationship? Explain

= = What are the purpose of the following structures: pseudopods, cilia, flagella.
 * || Phyla/Class || Traits of Phyla/Class || Reaction to Stimuli || Predator/Prey Relationship || Interesting Observations ||
 * Hydra ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * Euglena ||  ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * HOMEWORK (DUE 11/2):**