23 Protist Characteristics Flashcards
What type of group are Protists classified as?
A paraphyletic group
A paraphyletic group does not include all descendants of its common ancestor.
What is the typical cellular structure of most Protists?
Unicellular and Microscopic
While most are unicellular, some are macroscopic and multicellular.
Where are Protists commonly found?
Abundant in
* soil
* marine environments
* digestive tracts
* vascular tissue of plants
Protists thrive in various ecological niches.
What is a mnemonic to remember the characteristics of eukaryotic cells?
Ninjas Move Carefully, Fighting Crazy Monsters Stealthily & Cunningly
Each letter corresponds to a key feature of eukaryotic cells.
What does the ‘N’ in the mnemonic stand for?
Nucleus (with nuclear envelope & pores)
(N) Ninjas train in a fortified building (Nucleus) with guarded doors (Nuclear Envelope & Pores)—no outsiders allowed!
The nucleus is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells.
What does the first ‘M’ in the mnemonic represent?
Mitochondria (or mitochondrial remnants in some)
Mitochondria are essential for energy production in eukaryotic cells.
What does the first ‘C’ in the mnemonic refer to?
Cytoskeleton (Microtubules & Microfilaments)
The cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates movement within the cell.
What are ‘F’ and ‘C’ in the mnemonic indicative of?
‘F’ stands for Flagella & Cilia (for movement) and ‘C’ stands for Chromosomes (organized by histones)
(F) Ninjas can use whirlwind kicks (Flagella) or fast punches (Cilia) to fight.
(C) Their secret scrolls (Chromosomes) are wrapped around pillars (Histones) for safekeeping.
These components are crucial for cell mobility and genetic organization.
What does second ‘M’ denote in the context of eukaryotic cell characteristics?
Mitosis (for cell division)
Mitosis is a process that allows for cell division and replication.
What reproductive process is represented by the ‘S’ in the mnemonic?
Sexual Reproduction (Meiosis & recombination)
This process is vital for genetic diversity among eukaryotic organisms.
What does the last ‘C’ in the mnemonic refer to?
Cell Walls (variable presence)
The presence of cell walls varies among different eukaryotic organisms.
What is the mnemonic for characteristics of prokaryotes?
🎮: “Ninjas Move Carefully, Fighting Crazy Monsters Stealthily & Cunningly”
N → Nucleus (with nuclear envelope & pores)
M → Mitochondria (or mitochondrial remnants in some)
C → Cytoskeleton (Microtubules & Microfilaments)
F → Flagella & Cilia (for movement)
C → Chromosomes (organized by histones)
M → Mitosis (for cell division)
S → Sexual Reproduction (Meiosis & recombination)
C → Cell Walls (variable presence)
