Wilkerson BIO 2100 Unit 6 Complete Note Guide Acellular Pathogens & Viral Pathogenesis – Graded A+ 2026

USLO6.1 Vocabulary to define Protozoa • Plankton-microorganisms that drift or float in water • Trophozoites-the feeding and growing part of a protozoa life cycle • Cyst-a protozoa with a protective wall to protect it from a harsh environment • Encystment-going from the trophozoite phase to forming a cyst • Excystment-transforming from a cyst to a trophozoite • Schizogony--multiple fission, the nucleus undergoes multiple divisions before the cell divides. • Syngamy-fusion of haploid gametes Helminths • Monecious-having both male and female reproductive organs in a single organism • Dioecious-an organism that is either male or female • Scolex-head region of tapeworms with suckers or hooks • Proglottids-segments that contain reproductive structures, detach when the gametes are fertilized Fungi • Mycoses-illness caused by a fungi • Hyphae-multicellular fungal bodies • Thallus-body of fleshy fungi • Dimorphic-having two physical forms depending on temperature • Chitin-content of fungal cell walls Algae • Agar-solidifying agent used in laboratories • Theca-cellulose plates forming a hard-outer covering of dinoflagellates • Frustules-diatom outer cell walls of crystallized silica Protozoa What are the general characteristics of the Protozoa? Protozoans are found in a variety of environments. Many are classified as free-living while others are parasitic. Protozoans can have a complex life cycle moving from trophozoites to cysts to survive harsh conditions. Additionally, protozoans can reproduce either sexually or asexually. What are some example Protozoa infections? • Malaria - caused by Plasmodium species • Trichomoniasis - caused by Trichomonas vaginalis • Giardiasis - caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia Differentiate the three type of motility-Protozoans are classified based on their motility (mode of movement).