Protozoans
Protozoans
Protozoans (pronounced: pro-toe-zo-ans) are a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are motile. Originally, protozoans were defined as single-celled organisms with animal-like behaviors, such as motility and predation.
Etymology
The term "Protozoan" comes from the Greek words "protos" meaning first and "zoon" meaning animal. It was first used in 1820 by German naturalist Georg August Goldfuss.
Classification
Protozoans are classified into several groups based on their mode of movement and life cycle. These include:
- Amoebae: These are protozoans that move by means of pseudopods.
- Flagellates: These are protozoans that move by means of one or more flagella.
- Ciliates: These are protozoans that move by means of cilia.
- Sporozoans: These are protozoans that are non-motile, the adult form is intracellular.
Medical Importance
Protozoans can cause a variety of diseases in humans. Some of these include:
- Malaria: This is caused by Plasmodium species, which are sporozoans.
- Amoebiasis: This is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, an amoeba.
- Giardiasis: This is caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate.
- Trypanosomiasis: This is caused by Trypanosoma species, a flagellate.
Related Terms
- Eukaryotic organisms
- Amoebae
- Flagellates
- Ciliates
- Sporozoans
- Malaria
- Amoebiasis
- Giardiasis
- Trypanosomiasis
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Protozoans
- Wikipedia's article - Protozoans
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