A protozoan cyst is a dormant cell stage with a protective outer wall that develops from a trophozoite to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Protozoan Cyst

A trophozoite is the active feeding and growth stage of a protozoan's life cycle, during which it feeds on small food particles like bacteria.

Google

Protozoans are nonphotosynthetic, motile, unicellular eukaryotic organisms that inhabit diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments. While many live independently as free-living organisms, others are parasitic pathogens that cause disease in hosts, or beneficial symbionts that assist their hosts with metabolic functions.

"Animal-Like" Protozoans

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Protozoans can reproduce either sexually or asexually

Reproduction of Protozoans

- Plasmalemma
- Pellicle
- Ectoplasm
- Endoplasm
- Cytostome
- Cytoproct
- Flagella
- Cilia
- Contractile Vacuoles

Structures of Protozoan Cells

Trophozoite

Holozoic protozoans are heterotrophic organisms that ingest whole food particles through phagocytosis.

Holozoic Protozoans

Saprozoic protozoans are heterotrophic organisms that ingest small, soluble food molecules from their environment.

Saprozoic Protozoans

Many protists move through their environment using whip-like flagella, hair-like cilia made of microtubules, or cytoplasmic extensions called pseudopodia.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After