Discomitochondria
Discomitochondria In some classifications, a phylum of protoctists consisting of motile single-celled organisms characterized by disc-shaped cristae in their mitochondria and the absence of sexual reproduction in their life cycles. There are four classes, all of which are traditionally described as flagellate protozoans. The Euglenida comprise mainly photosynthetic organisms, such as Euglena itself, and have a sculpted outer covering (pellicle). The Kinetoplastida are characterized by a large modified mitochondrion (kinetoplast) at the base of the flagellum (undulipodium) and include parasites such as the trypanosomes as well as free-living representatives (e.g. bodos). Members of the third class, the Amoebomastigota, can transform themselves from an amoeboid form into a flagellated form, and back again, depending on the nutrient status of their surroundings. Finally, the Pseudociliata are free-living marine organisms that resemble true ciliates (see Ciliophora) in having rows of cilia on their surface, but lack the two different types of nuclei found in ciliates.
More From encyclopedia.com
Radiolarians , Radiolaria (superclass Sarcodina, class Actinopodea) A subclass of protozoa which possess more or less elaborate skeletons of silica. The cell body i… Chlorophyta , Chlorophyta (klōrŏf´ətə), phylum (division) of the kingdom Protista consisting of the photosynthetic organisms commonly known as green algae. The org… Chlorophyll , Chlorophyta (klōrŏf´ətə), phylum (division) of the kingdom Protista consisting of the photosynthetic organisms commonly known as green algae. The org… Pleomorphism , pleomorphism (pleiomorphism) A form of polymorphism in which distinctly different forms occur at particular stages during the life cycle of an indivi… unicellular , u·ni·cel·lu·lar / ˌyoōnəˈselyələr/ • adj. Biol. (of protozoans, certain algae and spores, etc.) consisting of a single cell. ∎ (of an evolutionary or… Protista , The Kingdom Protista is the most diverse of all six kingdoms. There are more than 200,000 known species of protists with many more yet to be discover…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Discomitochondria