Learning Objectives 5a Flashcards
Summarize the general characteristics of unicellular eukaryotic parasites
Unicellular, lacking a cell wall, has a nucleus.
Define binary fission
A type of asexual reproduction, separation of a parent cell into two new daughter cells
Define budding
A type of asexual reproduction in which a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud.
Define conjugation
An exchange of genetic material by joining to exchange DNA. Conjugation is a form of eukaryotic sexual reproduction
Define schizogony
The nucleus of a cell divides multiple times before the cell divides into many smaller cells.
Identify challenges associated with classifying unicellular eukaryotes
They are a polyphyletic group, meaning they lack a shared evolutionary origin. They are scattered across many taxonomic groups within the domain Eukarya.
Explain the taxonomic scheme used for unicellular eukaryotes and what are the three clinically significant supergroups
They are divided into six supergroups which are then scattered into subgroups. Amoebozoa, Excavata, Chromalveolata.
Describe the process and components of locomotion in eukaryotes
Many protists have whip-like flagella or hair-like cilia that can be used for locomotion. Other protists use cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia (false feet) to attach the cell to a surface, allowing the cytoplasm to flow into the extension moving itself forward.
Explain why parasitic worms are a part of microbiology.
Many species of these worms are identified by their microscopic eggs and larvae.
Explain the lifecycle of nematodes, the infective stages, and what hosts are important outside of humans.
Unsegmented worms. They often have limited digestive tracts, nervous systems and locomotor abilities. They may have complex reproductive cycles with several different life stages.
What is the most common nematode infection in the United States?
Pinworm
Explain the lifecycle of trematodes, the infective stages, and what hosts are important outside of humans.
Non segmented flatworms that have an oral sucker that attaches to inner walls of intestine, lungs and large blood vessels or the liver. They have complex life cycles often with multiple hosts. They burrow through the skin into the blood, migrate to the lungs, the liver, then the organs.
Explain the lifecycle of cestodes, the infective stages, and what hosts are important outside of humans.
Segmented flatworms that may have suckers or hooks at the head region. Hooks attach to small intestine. Body is made of segments called proglottids that contain reproductive structures which detach when the gamete is fertilized.
