Diverse Phyla: Key Characteristics of Protists & Algae

This document outlines the defining features of various biological phyla, including protists, algae, and fungi-like organisms, highlighting their unique characteristics and ecological roles.

Phylum Apicomplexa

Unicellular parasites of vertebrates, known for possessing non-photosynthetic plastids (apicoplasts) essential for fatty acid synthesis.

Phylum Bacillariophyta

Non-motile freshwater and marine diatoms, known for glistening when sunlight hits them.

Phylum Chlorophyta

Commonly known as green algae, possessing the same types of chloroplasts as plants.

Phylum Chrysophyta

Marine and freshwater algae, known for their golden and brown carotenoids. Also called Golden Algae.

Phylum Ciliophora

Ciliated protozoans, known for having both a macronucleus and a micronucleus, and possessing an oral groove.

Phylum Dictyostelida

Cellular slime molds, typically solitary amoeboids, known for migrating as a "slug" during part of their life cycle.

Phylum Dinoflagellata

Marine biflagellates, known for their armored bodies and presence of chloroplasts.

Phylum Diplomonadida

Flagellated protists, known for possessing two equally sized nuclei.

Phylum Entamoeba

Typically found in the large intestine, known for feeding by phagocytosis. Note: While some species are parasitic, the phrase "brain-eating" is generally associated with other amoeboid organisms that can affect the nervous system, not the Phylum Entamoeba itself.

Phylum Euglenophyta

Flagellated protists, known for possessing chloroplasts and pellicles (a protein-based covering instead of a cell wall).

Phylum Gymnamoeba

Known for possessing a large nucleus and numerous food vacuoles. Most are bound only by a cell membrane and feed by phagocytosis. The most famous example is Amoeba proteus.

Phylum Kinetoplastida

Flagellated protists, known for possessing kinetoplasts – a mass of DNA contained within a large mitochondrion.

Phylum Myxogastrida

Decomposers, also known as Plasmodial Slime Molds. They are known for their bright yellow or orange color and very large size.

Phylum Oomycota

Aquatic water molds, mostly saprophytes. They are famously known for being responsible for the Irish Potato Famine.

Phylum Parabasala

Flagellated protists, known for possessing multiple flagella and an undulating membrane.

Phylum Phaeophyta

Known as Brown Algae, they thrive in cold marine habitats (e.g., the Pacific Ocean).

Phylum Rhodophyta

Multicellular organisms, known for possessing phycobilins (red-colored chloroplasts). Also called Red Algae, they are famously used as seaweed wrap in sushi.