Paramecium sp.

Eukaryota; Alveolata;Ciliophora; Oligohymenophorea; PeniculidaParasitic/Free-living: free-living, stagnant warm waterSolitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: ciliaHeterotrophic/Autotrophic: heterotrophicRelationship: mutualism with algae/bacteriaModes of reproduction: asexual/sexual(conjugation)

Parameciapropel themselves by whiplash movements of their cilia, which are arranged in tightly spaced rows around the outside of their body. Species ofParameciumrange in size from 50 to 330 micrometres (0.0020 to 0.0130in) in length. Cells are typically ovoid, elongate, foot- or cigar-shaped. The body of the cell is enclosed by a stiff but elastic membrane (pellicle), uniformly covered with simplecilia, hairlikeorganelleswhich act like tiny oars to move the organism in one direction. Nearly all species have closely spaced spindle-shapedtrichocystsembedded deeply in the cellular envelope (cortex) that surrounds the organism.

Paramecium (Conjugation)

Paramecium (fission)

Stentor sp.

Eukaryota; Alveolata;Ciliophora; Heterotrichea; Heterotrichida; StentoridaeParasitic/Free-living: free-living, freshwater environmentsSolitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: cilia (heterotrichs)Heterotrophic/Autotrophic: omnivorous heterotrophsRelationship: photosynthetic relationship w/ algaeModes of reproduction: asexual(binary fission)/sexual(conjugation)

Stentoris a genus of protozoan that is found in slow moving or stagnant fresh water.The description is fitting the microorganism because the organism is shaped somewhat like a trumpet, with small end flaring out to form a much larger opening at the other end. The narrow end can elaborate a sticky substance that aids the protozoan in adhering to plants. At the other end, fine hair-like extensions called cilia beat rhythmically to drive food into the gullet of the organism. The various species of stentor tend to be brightly colored. For example,Stentor coeruleusis blue in color. Other species are yellow, red, and brown. Stentorare one of the largestprotozoafound in water. As a protozoan,Stentoris a single cell. Another feature evident inStentoris known as a contractile vacuole. The vacuole functions to collect and cycle back to the outside ofStentorthe water that flows in to balance the higher salt concentration inside the protozoan. Careful observation of the individual protozoa usually allows detection of full and collapsed vacuoles.

Voticella sp.

Eukaryota; Alveolata;Ciliophora; Oligohymenophorea; Peritrichia; Vorticellidae.Parasitic/Free-living: free-livingSolitary/Colonial: solitary, colonial(not true colonial because they can timely detach from the colony)Method of locomotion: cilia (peritrichs)/filamentHeterotrophic/Autotrophic: heterotrophic (bacteria)Relationship: commensalism (plant detritus, rocks, algae, or animals (particularly crustaceans)Modes of reproduction: asexual(binary fission)/sexual

TheVorticellais a protist (protozoan) and belongs to the Phyllum Ciliophora. It is a very interesting, stalked ciliate with an inverted bell shape. The stalk contains a contractile fibril called a myoneme. When stimulated, it shortens, causing the stalk to coil like a spring.Vorticellausually anchor themselves to small particles of material however, it is not uncommon to see them free swimming. When they undergo fission, they split along the longitudinal axis in a process called budding. When they finally split apart, one keeps the myoneme and the other free swims away and grows its own. The main purpose for the cilia at the top is to sweep food down into the gullet.

Ceratium sp.

Eukaryota; Alveolata; Dinophyceae; Gonyaulacales; CeratiaceaeCommon name: Parasitic/Free-living: free-living, marine and freshwater environmentsSolitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: flagellatedArmor: polysaccharidelHeterotrophic/Autotrophic: mixotrophs (obtaining food both through photosyntheis and phagocytosis)Relationship: Modes of reproduction: asexual

Ceratiumis a genus of the phlyumDinoflagellata. They are easily distingued from other types of dinoflagellates because of their morphological characteristics, described below. They are a relatively harmless group of organisms that play an important role as both predaotrs and prey in their environment. Ceratiumspecies are easily identifiable because of their unique shape. They are covered with an armor-like cell wall, made out of polysaccharidel. The most distinguishing characteristic are the arms (also known as horns), the shape and size of which vary from species to species.Ceratium monocerashas a single, apical horn. The arms helpCeratiumfloat, but prevent them from moving very quickly.Ceratiumcontain peridium. Another important feature is that they contain small plasmids (minicircles).Ceratiumhave two flagella. These wind around the cell body. The flagella each have different movements and shapes. The transverse flagellum beats in a spiral motion. Asexual reproduction is most common inCeratium. However, sexual reproduction is also possible, usually taking place under adverse conditions.

Pyrodinium sp. Domain: EukaryotaPhylum: AlveolataClass: DinophyceaeOrder: Gonyaulacales

Pyrodinium bahamensecan be found in the ocean near the shoreline of many countries throughout the world, though they are more common in the northern hemisphere.Pyrodinium bahamenseare spherical with armored plates surrounding it known as thecal. The thecal is covered with defensive pores known as trichocysts. When agitated, they respond by glowing. It has one horizontal spanning flagellum and one vertical propeller like one for locomotion. When conditions become unfavorable, they become a cyst and stay like that until conditions improve.Pyrodinium bahamenseforemost recognizable aspect would be the red coloring it gives tides during blooms. Its chlorophyll gives it the red coloring and the ability to photosynthesize.Aside from being consumed by larger plankton-feeding creatures,Pyrodinium bahamenseis also preyed upon by another dinoflagellate,Noctiluca Scintillans. They also utilize bioluminescence as another defense when an agitating force is applied to them to scare the predator.

Parasitic/Free-living: free-living, ocean (causes Harmful Algal Bloom/HABs)Solitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: flagellatedArmor: thecal (trichocysts)Relationship: parasitism

Monocystis sp.

Common name: earthworm parasiteParasitic/Free-living: parasitic: earthworm, seminal vesicle, feeds on sperm Solitary/Colonial: solitaryRelationship: parasitism

MonocystisIs a monogenetic parasite which means its life cycle is completed in a single host that is earthworm. The motile infective stage is asporozoitewhich is haploid and enters the sperm morula of earthworm to feed and grow. This spindle shaped stage is calledtrophozoite,which eventually differentiates into agamontor gamete producing cell orgametocyte. The process is calledgamontogamy.

Euglena sp.

Eukaryota-Euglenozoa-Euglenida-Euglenales-Euglenaceae-EuglenaA. Common name:B. Parasitic/Free-living: free-living, freshwater pools and ditchesC. Solitary/Colonial: solitaryD. Method of locomotion: flagellaE. Armor:F. Heterotrophic/Autotrophic: mixotrophG. Relationship:H. Modes of reproduction: asexual

Euglenais a genus of singlecelled, free living microorganisms that show both plant and animallike characteristics. The majority ofEuglenaspecies are green due to the presence of chloroplasts containing chlorophyllsaandb. Members of the genusEuglenaare found widely in nature, inhabiting freshwater pools, ponds and lakes. Euglenaare able to use photosynthesis and heterotrophic oxidative assimilation as interchangeable and apparently equivalent sources of carbon and energy.

Trypanosoma sp.

Protista; Protozoa; Kinetoplastida; Trypanosomatidae; TrypanosomaParasitic/Free-living: parasitic: humans, bloodstream, haemolytic anemia, tsetse fly/triatomid kissing bugSolitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: flagellaRelationship: parasitismThe trypanosomes are transmitted byhaematophagous insectvectors including thetsetse flyandtriatomidkissing bug.

StercorarianStercorarian trypanosomes develop in theposterior gutof the insect and infectivemetatrypanosomesare excreted in thefaecesof the insect onto theskinof the host.They can thenpenetratethe tissues, gaining access through skin abrasions or mucous membranes. The metatrypanosomes then multiply within the reticulo-endothelial system of the host, laterdisseminatingthroughout the organs invading host cells residing within parasitophorous vacuole. These vacuoles acidify and subsequently releasetrypomastigotesinto the cell cytoplasm. These then develop intoamastigoteswhich divide several times eventually transforming back into trypomastigotes that rupture the host cell. From here they may invade other cells or enter the bloodstream where the opportunity may arise to infect the insect vector. The amastigotes may also burst the host cell and invade other cells.T. cruzi, the trypanosome ofmost human importance, is a typical Stercorarian trypanosome and utilises thetriatomid kissing bugas its vector among others. Disease in dogs may also occur.T. theileriinfects cattle and is transmitted bytabanid flies,stable flies,ticksandmosquitoes.SalivarianSalivarian trypanosomes develop in theanterior gutof their vector, theTsetse fly.Development occurs in theproboscisand midgut, formingepimastigoteswhich then invade thehypopharynxand develop intotrypomastigotesand theninfective metatrypanosomesform.These are then innoculated into the mammalian host through abitebefore a blood meal.Trypanosomosisaffects the lymphoid and haematopoeitic systems of a wide range of hosts.Salivarian SpeciesT. bruceiaffectsall domestic mammals, including small and farm species, and humans. It also causes a specificskin disease in donkeys.T. vivaxinfects ruminants, horses and camels causing significant disease.T. equiperdumcausesvenerealequine diseasedourine. It is the only trypanosome that does not immediately require an insect vector for transmission, being spread through coitus.T. simiaecauses fatal pyrexia inpigswhileT. congolenseis milder in the same species.T. congolensecan also affectdogs and catscausing acute fever, anaemia and neurological signs.T. evansialso affects all domestic mammals.Stercorarian SpeciesT. cruzioccurs inSouth Americawhere it is transmitted by a triatomid (kissing) bug and infects armadillos, possums and humans. It is known asChagas Disease. A similar acute disease is thought to be caused byT. cruziin dogs in the USA.T. melophagumandT. theileriarenon-pathogenicspecies present in theUKinfecting cattle, buffalo and antelope. Stress and concurrent disease are thought to be contributors to the development of clinical disease fromT. theileri.

Amoeba sp.

Eukaryota; Protista; Protozoa; SarcodinaA. Common name:B. Parasitic/Free-living: free-living (ponds,salt water,soil)/ parasite(animals)C. Solitary/Colonial: solitaryD. Method of locomotion: pseudopodsE. Armor: porous cell membraneF. Heterotrophic/Autotrophic: autotrophicG. Relationship: commensalismH. Modes of reproduction: asexual (binary fission)

Amoebas, like all protists, are single-celled organisms. Cells are the building blocks for all life forms. "Single-celled" means that amoebas have only one cell for their entire body. A human body has more cells than you can count. The inside of an amoeba is a jelly-like fluid called cytoplasm. Bits of food and other materials float around in the protoplasm. Amoebas are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. They live in water, including lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and puddles. Some can even live in the bodies of animals. The most important part of an amoeba might be the pseudopod (pronounce it "sudopod"). The psuedopod is used to help the amoeba move, and also to eat. It is a part of the amoeba's body that it can stretch out and pull itself with. Or, to eat, the amoeba stretches out the pseudopod, surrounds a piece of food, and pulls it into the rest of the amoeba's body. Amoebas reproduce (make more amoebas) by a process called binary fission. This means that one amoeba can split in half and make two identical new amoebas. Amoebas eat algae, bacteria, other protozoans, and tiny particles of dead plant or animal matter. They spend most of their time attached to the bottom or to plants. Sometimes they float freely in the water. They do this as a "swarm." All the amoebas of the same species will unattach from the bottom or plants and float around until they land in a new place and re-attach. Animals that eat amoeba include plankton feeders, such as mussels and water fleas

Entamoeba hystolitica

Eukaryota; Amoebozoa; Archamoebae; Conosa; Tubulinea; Amoebida; Entamoebidae; E. histolyticaA. Common name:B. Parasitic/Free-living: parasite: humans/primates, digestive tracts, amoebiasisC. Solitary/Colonial: solitaryD. Method of locomotion: pseudopodF. Heterotrophic/Autotrophic: heterotrophic (dead cells)G. Relationship: parasitismH. Modes of reproduction: asexual (binary fission)

Entamoeba histolyticais an anaerobic parasitic protozoan that infects the digestive tract of predominantly humans and other primates. It is a parasite that infects an estimated 50 million people around the world and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Analysis of the genome allows new insight into the workings and genome evolution of a human pathogen.Transmission of the parasite occurs when a person ingests food/water that has been contaminated with infected feces. The infectionE. histolyticais called Amebiasis (or Amoebiasis). Cysts of the parasite are the viable form outside the host. They can survive weeks in water, soils and on foods under moist conditions. Once inside the host, cysts divide into four trophozoites in the small intestines.E. histolyticastrains have been isolated from foreigners outside the U.S., homosexual men, patients with HIV and cynomolgus monkeys.

Arcella sp.

Eukaryota; Amoebozoa; Tubulinea; Arcelinida; Arcellidae, ArcellaParasitic/Free-living: free-living (freshwaterpools,eutrophicwaters,marshes,mosses, as well as wet foliage)Solitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: pseudopodsArmor: chitinous, umbrella-shaped test (shell)Heterotrophic/Autotrophic: heterotrophic (diatoms, unicellulargreen algaeor animal protozoa such asflagellatesandciliates)

Arcellaspecies have more or less umbrella-shaped shells with a central invaginated aperture from where lobopodia, finger-like pseudopods, emerge. Arcella species inhabit freshwater pools, eutrophic waters, marshes, mosses, as well as wet foliage. Few species can also be found in soils.

Opalina ranarum Eukaryota; Stramenopiles; Slopalinida

Parasitic/Free-living: parasitic: frogs/toads, cloacal areaSolitary/Colonial: solitaryMethod of locomotion: flagellaHeterotrophic/Autotrophic: heterotrophic (pinocytosis)Relationship: commensalismModes of reproduction: asexual (binary fission)/ sexual (syngamy)

Opalinais agenusofprotozoafound in theintestinesoffrogsandtoads. They lack mouths andcontractile vacuoles, they are covered with nearly equal flagelliformcilia, and they have numerous nuclei, all similar. All the species are obligate endosymbionts, most likely commensal rather than parasitic, in cold-bloodedvertebrates. Its body is leaflike in shape. They lackcytostomes. They aresaprozoic, consuming dead matter, which suggests theircommensal role.

Volvox sp.

Plantae; Chlorophyta; Chlorophyceae; Volvocales; Volvocaceae; VolvoxCommon name:Parasitic/Free-living: free-livingSolitary/Colonial: colonialMethod of locomotion: flagellaModes of reproduction: asexual

They live in a variety offreshwater habitats. Volvoxis the most developed in a series of genera that form spherical colonies. The cells swim in a coordinated fashion, with distinct anterior and posterior poles. The cells haveeyespots, more developed near the anterior, which enable the colony to swim towards light. The individual algae in some species are interconnected by thin strands ofcytoplasm, called protoplasmates. They are known to demonstrate some individuality and working for the good of their colony, acting like one multicellular organism.

Foramineferan speciesA. Common name:B. Parasitic/Free-living: free-livingC. Solitary/Colonial: solitaryD. Method of locomotion: amoeboidE. Armor: calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/ agglutinated sediment particlesF. Heterotrophic/Autotrophic:G. Relationship:H. Modes of reproduction

Plasmodium

Plasmodium, commonly known as themalaria parasite, is a largegenusofparasiticprotozoa. thus species of the genus are known asplasmodia. Infection with plasmodia is known asmalaria, a deadly disease widespread in thetropics. Plasmodiumis one of the oldest known parasites; its long history suggests a long, adaptive relationship with the human host. Today cases of the disease are increasing in non-malarious countries as more people travel to Africa, India, Brazil, and some Asian nations, where the mosquito vectors are most prevalent. Symptoms of the disease may go unnoticed or misdiagnosed; clinical signs include fever, chills, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, pulmonary and renal dysfunction, neurologic changes. Untreated malaria may result in death.

Cell Structure and MetabolismWhile the four major species ofPlasmodiumdiffer in some ways from each other, they all share the same complex life cycle involving the insect (mosquito) vector and the human host. When an infected Anophele mosquito bites a human, sporozoites are injected with the saliva. Inside the host's liver cell thePlasmodiumcell undergoes asexual replication. The products of this replication, called merozoites, are released into the circulatory system.It requires warm, humid environments for replication in the insect vector, malaria-generating species ofPlasmodiumare generally limited to tropical and sub-tropical locations. Global warming and population migrations do have a bearing onPlasmodium's distribution.