- Protists are a diverse group of mostly single-celled eukaryotes that are classified into several different kingdoms.
- They exhibit an enormous diversity of structures and metabolic capabilities, including photosynthesis, heterotrophy, and mixotrophy.
- Common protist groups discussed in the document include protozoa, alveolates, stramenopiles, and chlorophytes. Many important parasites are protists, including those that cause malaria, African sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease.