Protists
By: Emmy Price
EUGLENA
Euglena - DIC Microscope, 1250x / Differential Interference Contrast
How do they eat?
Euglena eat by the chloroplasts inside itself making food through photosynthesis.
How do they reproduce?
The euglena reproduces through a process called mitosis where it splits in half with warm water and sunlight.
How do they move?
Euglena move by its flagellum which looks like a wire sticking out of the front end of the euglena propelling it forward.
How do they respond to their environment?
When euglena does not have enough light to make food through photosynthesis it preys on other organisms like amoeba and paramecium. Also, the eyespot helps to detect light for photosynthesis to occur.
VOLVOX
Volvox under microscope
How do they eat?
The volvox uses its chlorophyll to make food through photosynthesis.
How do they reproduce?
The volvox has small dark green balls called daughter colonies.
How do they move?
The volvox beats its two flagella against each other so the volvox spins forward like a rolling ball.
How do they respond to their environment?
The volvox live together in colonies. These are made up of 500-50,000 cells.
AMOEBA
Amoeba in motion
How do they eat?
Amoeba surround tiny particles of food with psuedopods. (bubble like vacuole)
How do they reproduce?
Amoebas reproduce asexually. They divide in two by binary fission.
How do they move?
Amoebas extend their cytoplasm into long finger-like things called pseudopods. They are also known as "false foot".
How do they respond to their environment?
Amoeba can turn into cysts when the conditions are bad.
PARAMECIUM
paramecium moving
How do they eat?
The cilia on the paramecium almost sweep up food and some water comes through the oral groove.
How do they reproduce?
Paramecium reproduce both asexually and sexually. They go through a process called conjugation.
How do they move?
The cilia on the side of the paramecium moves it, acting like oars pulling it forward and to sides.
How do they respond to their environment?
Paramecium play a roll in the carbon cycle because the bacteria they eat has often come off of decaying plants.