Before we delve into the world of live microorganisms, we are going to review key information that you have learned.  Look at Google Classroom for specific assignments, and follow the directions for each part.  Material here will help you navigate through the waters!

Key idea: Protists are part of the kingdom protista!

  • Kingdom Protista is like the "dumping ground" of organisms! 
  • It contains eukaryotes that do not fit into any other kingdom.
  • Most are single-celled, but there are a few that are multi-celled.
  • They contain a nucleus.
  • They contain other membrane-bound organelles.
  • Anything found in this kingdom cannot be classified as plant, animal or fungi.

Key Idea: Protists are classified into three (3) groups.

Group 1 - Animal-like Protists

  1. Animal-like protists have the ability to move on their own.
  2. Animal-like protists are consumers meaning they eat other consumers and producers. 
  3. The scientific term for this type of protist is heterotroph. 

Group 2 - Plant-like Protists

  1. Plant-like protists get food through photosynthesis.
  2. Photosynthesis is when they use sunlight to make their food.
  3. The scientific term for this type of protist is photoautotroph or autotroph. 

Group 3 - Fungi-like Protists

  1. Fungi-like protists absorb food from dead organic matter.
  2. Most fungi-like protists, but not all, have pseudopods to move.
  3. The scientific term for this type of protist is heterotroph. 

Key Idea: How Protists Move
  1. Pseudopods
  • This means "false feet or foot".
  • Movement is caused by cytoplasm moving in a specific direction.  The cell membrane bulges, and the cytoplasm goes into that area moving the organism.
​      2. Cilia
  • Cilia are hair-like projections.
  • Cilia are very thin and extend outward from the body of the organism.
  • Cilia wave or move back and forth and this moves the protist.  
      3. Flagella
  • Flagella are whip-like tails.  
  • The flagella moves like a propeller and pushes the protist along.

Key Idea: All organisms in the Kingdom Protista prefer moist or wet environments.