Chapter 2 Protists and Fungi Vocabulary

algae Any of various plantlike protists. Diatoms and seaweed are kinds of algae.

diatom A single liter of ocean water may contain millions of diatoms. A microscopic, one-celled type of algae with a glasslike cell wall. A single liter of ocean water may contain millions of diatoms.

ethanol A kind of alcohol used to make medicines, food products, and various other items. Ethanol is a flammable liquid.

fermentation A chemical change in which an organism breaks down sugar to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol or lactic acid.

fungus/fungi (plural) Any of a large group of organisms that feed on dead organisms or that are parasitic. A mushroom is a fungus.

multicellular Made up of more than one cell. Some protists are multi-cellular.

plankton Organisms, generally microscopic in size, that float or drift in the ocean. Plankton is a source of food for fish.

protist Any of a large group of mostly single-celled, microscopic organisms. Amoebas and algae are protists.

protozoan Protists that have traits like those of animals. Some have a method of locomotion to obtain food; however, some do not move on their own.

saprophyte An organism that lives on dead or decaying material. Molds are saprophytes.

spore A reproductive cell that can develop into a new organism. Ferns and mushrooms produce spores.