Protozoa are single-celled, microscopic eukaryotic organisms that can move independently. They are classified into four main phyla: Protozoa, Ciliophora, Sarcomastigophora, and Apicomplexa. Many protozoa are heterotrophic and either free-living or parasitic. They reproduce asexually through binary fission or sexually through conjugation. Some important human diseases caused by protozoan parasites include malaria, amebic dysentery, giardiasis, African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and toxoplasmosis.

2. Characteristics
• Definition- ANIMAL-LIKE PROTISTS
single-celled microscopic organisms that
are noted for their ability to move
independently

3. Characteristics
• Most are heterotrophic
– Break down small molecules or cells in food
vacuoles

4. Characteristics
• Some are free-living and others are
parasitic
Some human diseases
caused by protozoa are
malaria
amebic dysentery,
and
giardiasis

5. Reproduction
• Asexual- usually by binary fission
• Some sexual by conjugation- an exchange
of genetic material

6. Classification
• Domain- Eukarya
• Kingdom- Protista
– Along with algae, slime molds, and water
molds
• Four phyla are usually used
– Protozoa
– Ciliophora
– Sarcomastigophora
– Apicomplexa

7. Adaptations
• Eyespot- localized region of
pigment that can detect
changes in the quantity and
quality of light
• Cyst- dormant form of a
protozoan that has a
hardened outer covering to
help them survive harsh
conditions

9. Phylum Protozoa
• Hundreds of species of ameba
• Live in sand; mud; rocks; and shallow,
slow moving streams and ponds

10. Phylum Protozoa
• Pseudo- false
• Podia- foot
• Pseudopodia- cytoplasmic extensions
pushed out from the amoeba

11. Phylum Protozoa
• Endoplasm-
the inner
portion of the
cytoplasm
• Ectoplasm-
the outer layer
of the
cytoplasm

12. Phylum Protozoa
• Pseudopodia is used for feeding

13. Phylum Protozoa
• Some are covered with a protective shell
or test
• Foraminifera- tests made of calcium
carbonate

14. Phylum Protozoa
• Radiolarians

17. Phylum Protozoa
• Human Disease –
Amebic dysentery

18. Phylum Ciliophora
• 8000 species
• Paramecium-
large group of
ciliates
• Feed on bacteria
and algae
• Covered with
cilia

20. Phylum Ciliophora
• Pellicle- clear elastic layer of protein that
surrounds the cell membrane
• Oral Groove- funnel-like depression lined
with cilia that sweeps food down into the
mouth pore

21. Phylum Ciliophora
• Gullet- forms food vacuoles
• Anal pore- where waste is expelled
• Macronucleus- multiple copies of DNA and
sexual reproduction

22. Phylum Ciliophora
• Micronucleus- exchange during
conjugation
• Reproduction
– Binary fission
– Sexual- conjugation

23. Phylum Ciliophora

24. Phylum Sarcomastigophora
• 2,500 species
• One or more flagella
• Primitive protozoa
• Giardia lamblia

25. Phylum Sarcomastigophora
• Human Disease
– Genus Trypanosoma
• Carried from host to
host by blood sucking
insects

26. Phylum Sarcomastigophora
• Human Disease
– Trypanosomiasis- African sleeping sickness
• Tsetse fly

27. Phylum Sarcomastigophora
• Human Disease
– Chagas’ disease
• Trypanosoma cruzi
• Fever and severe heart damage

28. Phylum Apicomplexa
• 6,000 species
• Adult forms have no means of
locomotion
• Most are parasitic
• Toxoplasmosis- a disease
that usually causes no
problem in an adult but can
harm a developing fetus-
common in domestic cats

29. Phylum Apicomplexa
• Plasmodium- malaria
– Severe chills, fever, headache, sweating,
fatigue, and great thirst
– Vector- female anopheles mosquito