Salient Features of Domain Eukarya

 1.3 – Salient Features of Kingdoms of Domain Eukarya

The Domain Eukarya consists of the kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
It includes all eukaryotic organisms, which are made up of complex cells containing a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

1. Kingdom Protista

The Kingdom Protista includes eukaryotes that are unicellular, colonial, filamentous, or simple multicellular.
“Simple multicellular” means that they do not have multicellular sex organs.

There are three major types of protists, grouped according to their characteristics:

Major Groups of Protists

1. Protozoa (Animal-like Protists)

   • These are unicellular and heterotrophic.

   • They usually feed on other organisms or organic matter.

   • Examples: Paramecium, Amoeba, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma.

2. Algae (Plant-like Protists)

   • These have cell walls made of cellulose and contain chlorophyll, enabling photosynthesis.

   • They are autotrophic.

   • Examples: Euglena, Diatoms.

3. Myxomycota and Oomycota (Fungi-like Protists)

   • These have hyphae-like structures and are saprophytic (feed on decaying organic matter).

   • Examples: Slime molds, Water molds.

Pathogenic Protists

Certain protists are parasitic and cause diseases such as:

• Malaria – caused by Plasmodium

• Amoebic dysentery – caused by Entamoeba histolytica

• Sleeping sickness – caused by Trypanosoma

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