Notes on Protist Locomotion Lecture

Overview

• Discussion on protist locomotion appendages.
• Viewing of video clips of protists online due to pandemic constraints on specimens.

Introduction to Protists

• Single-celled eukaryotic organisms.
• Wide variety:
  • Some resemble fungi.
  • Some resemble plants (photosynthetic).
  • Some resemble animals (protozoans, often pathogenic).
• Habitats:
  • Aquatic or moist environments.
  • Can be internal in living organisms (parasitic protists).

Locomotion Appendages

• General Function: Help protists swim through watery environments.
• Types of Appendages:
  1. Flagella
     • Description: Long, whip-like tails that undulate.
     • Quantity: Typically one or two per protist.
     • Function: Movement in opposite direction of flagella sway.
     • Example: Euglena
       • Photosynthetic, green due to chlorophyll.
       • Thin flagella, visible under high magnification.
  2. Cilia
     • Description: Short, numerous hair-like extensions.
     • Function: Rapid waving allows movement.
     • Example: Paramecium
       • Covered in numerous tiny extensions.
  3. Pseudopodia
     • Description: Temporary extensions, "false feet."
     • Function: Movement by extending plasma membrane and cytoplasm.
     • Additional Use: Feeding by wrapping around food.
     • Example: Chaos
       • Blob-like appearance, slow movement through water.

Viewing Instructions

• Videos to view: Euglena, Paramecium, Chaos.
• Unknown protist video for class participation.
  • Participation Question: Identify the appendage used by the unknown protist (flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia).