Plant-like Protists *First ‘plants’ General Characteristics: eukaryotic, unicellular to multicellular , diverse live primarily by photosynthesizing and at times heterotrophically ingesting thrives in all types of aquatic environment Euglena spp.

Basic Characteristics of Plant-like Protists Chlorophyll and accessory pigments allow to harvest and use the energy from sunlight Euglenophytes (Euglenophyta) are plant-like protists that have two flagella, but no cell wall About half of dinoflagellates (Pyrrophyta) are photosynthetic; the other half live as heterotrophs Members of the phylum Chrysophyta are a diverse group of plant-like protists that have gold-colored chloroplasts Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) produce thin, delicate cell walls rich in silicon (Si)—the main ingredient in glass

Euglenophyta Euglenoids (type specimen Euglena); with paramylon oils Chlorophyll a, b, and c, accessory pigments include carotenoids No cell wall, has flexible proteinaceous pellicle When grown in the dark, Euglena’s chloroplasts disappear and it becomes heterotrophic; chloroplasts reappear upon exposure to light; 2 flagella

Model Reproduction for Protists

Euglena

Pyrrophyta / Dinoflagellata Fire Protists (Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum); with starch and oils Chlorophyll a and c, accessory pigments include carotenoids Has cell plates of cellulose and silica Some forms are bioluminescent; colorful blooms form red tides (HAB’s); 2 flagella

Structure

Pyrodinium

Chrysophyta Golden Protists (Peroniella; Diaphanoeca); with chrysolaminarin oils Chlorophyll a and c, accessory pigments include high carotenoids Cell wall has pectin compounds with siliceous materials With flagella (1-2) while some groups are aggregated Golden colored chloroplasts

Bacillariophyta Structure Diatoms (Navicula; Synedra); with high oil content Chlorophyll a and c, accessory pigments include high carotenoids Siliceous in nature Non-motile or with pseudopodia Diatomaceous earth; glasslike, ornate shells in two halves; often mixed with Chrysophyta