The diversity of protists is truly remarkable. They vary dramatically in size and shape, in their ecological roles, and in their significance to humans. In this activity you will research and explore some of this protist variety. [Go To Nelson Science]
1. Search for and view online video clips of protists moving and feeding using (i) flagella, (ii) cilia, and (iii) pseudopodia (extensions of their cytoplasm; singular: pseudopod). Describe how these structures allow protists to move and feed.
2. Investigate the life cycle of Plasmodium vivax. Describe how this parasite makes use of mosquitoes, liver cells, and blood cells to complete its life cycle.
3. Potato blight is an important plant disease that causes billions of dollars in crop losses every year. It was also the main cause of the famous Irish Potato Famine. Do research and answer the following questions:
A. Which protist is responsible for this disease? How does the protist affect potato plants? K/U T/I
B. Genetic engineers have recently inserted a gene from another plant into potatoes to create potatoes that are resistant to the disease. What plant did scientists take this gene from? T/I
Protistologists
Scientists who specialize in research on protists are called protistologists. To find out more about becoming a protistologist, Go To Nelson Science
KEY:
T/I: Thinking & Investigation
K/U: Knowledge & Understanding
C: Communications
A: Application
Research This
Protistology.
Skills: Researching, Analyzing, Evaluating, Communicating
SKILLS HANDBOOK A2.1, A5.1
The diversity of protists is truly remarkable. They vary dramatically in size and shape, in their ecological roles, and in their significance to humans. In this activity you will research and explore some of this protist variety. [Go To Nelson Science]
1. Search for and view online video clips of protists moving and feeding using (i) flagella, (ii) cilia, and (iii) pseudopodia (extensions of their cytoplasm; singular: pseudopod). Describe how these structures allow protists to move and feed.
2. Investigate the life cycle of Plasmodium vivax. Describe how this parasite makes use of mosquitoes, liver cells, and blood cells to complete its life cycle.
3. Potato blight is an important plant disease that causes billions of dollars in crop losses every year. It was also the main cause of the famous Irish Potato Famine. Do research and answer the following questions:
A. Which protist is responsible for this disease? How does the protist affect potato plants? K/U T/I
B. Genetic engineers have recently inserted a gene from another plant into potatoes to create potatoes that are resistant to the disease. What plant did scientists take this gene from? T/I