Life Sciences: Basic structure of Protista

Grade 11
Lesson 3

Presenter: Dr Grizelda van Wyk

 CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANISMS
Scientists
have placed all
the organisms
into specific
groups so that
it is easier to
study them.
There are five
groups called
kingdoms.
 PROTISTA

The Kingdom Protista is a collection of eukaryotic organisms.

Structure and characteristics of Protista:
 Simple unicellular or multicellular organisms
 No tissue differentiation - thallophytes
 Found mainly in water
 SOME ARE AUTOTROPHS AND SOME HETROTROPHS

Autotrophic use Heterotrophic =

simple inorganic obtains energy
through intake &
substances and
digestion of
either light energy
organic
for photosynthesis substances
to synthesise food (animal/plant
tissue
SOME ARE SESSILE OR FREE-FLOATING
Move using cilia, flagella or pseudopodia (false feet)

Flagellum is a whip-
like, protruding
filaments that help
cells or
microorganisms
move; plural of
flagellum is flagella
They can reproduce both sexually and asexually
 PHYTOPLANKTON (PLANT-LIKE PROTISTA)

Mainly unicellular
Occur in aquatic organisms
environments

They contain
chlorophyll and are
autotrophic
 ALGAE
Contain photosynthetic pigment which
gives them a green, red or brown colour

Multicellular
Either unicellular or macroscopic
multicellular organisms
called
seaweed

Algae produces up to 85%

of the earth’s oxygen
 ZOOPLANKTON (ANIMAL-LIKE PROTISTA)

Free living in an aquatic

environment
Mainly unicellular
animals

Some are parasitic and cause

diseases
 MOULDLIKE PROTISTA
 Heterotrophs
 Have cell walls
 Reproduce through spores

SLIME MOULDS
 MOULDLIKE PROTISTA
WATER MOULDS
 QUESTION
Pesticides: DDT and Dieldrin
Many years ago, mosquito-breeding areas were sprayed with pesticides like DDT and Dieldrin. It
was initially very effective against the mosquitoes. However, scientists found that both DDT and
Dieldrin were non-biodegradable and are toxic, causing much harm to the environment and other
organisms. These pesticides covered the sprayed plants, which were eaten by herbivores which in
turn were eaten by carnivores. When the rainwater washed the residues off the plants, they ended
up in the water table. The pesticides collected in rivers and other water masses, affecting the
aquatic plant and animal life. In 1972, the use of these pesticides was banned internationally. The
Department of Agriculture has instituted strict laws to ensure that only pesticides and herbicides that
are approved are used to spray crops and to control mosquitoes. These laws have been put in
place to ensure that there are legal maximum residue limits for the concentrations of pesticides and
herbicides.
[Source: Sivlia education for the nation]
1 Name the mosquito that spreads malaria.
(1)

Female Anopheles mosquito 

2. Why is DDT and Dieldrin no longer an effective way to control mosquito breeding
areas? (1)

They become immune to the DDT and Dieldrin 

3 Provide TWO reasons why DDT and Dieldrin were banned in 1972. (2)

They are non-biodegradable and toxic 

4 Suggest an alternative for the use of pesticides. (1)

Biological control 
QUESTION
5 Mention any THREE strategies that can be followed to prevent mosquitoes from biting us, if
we happen to be a visitor in a high-risk malaria area. (3)
 Remaining indoors during dark 
 Wearing long-sleeved clothes, long trousers and socks 
 Keeping windows and doors closed at night or protecting the areas with screens 
 Sleeping under a mosquito net 
 Using mosquito mats or burning mosquito coils to keep the mosquitoes away 
 Treating clothing with approved insecticides 
• Applying an insect repellent to exposed skin; avoid contact
with lips, eyes, sun burnt or damaged skin 