What is a protozoa?

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is a protozoa?

Explanation:
Protozoa are one-celled, eukaryotic organisms that can cause disease in humans. They may live as parasites inside a host or survive freely in the environment. This description captures why they’re distinct from other types of microbes: viruses aren’t cells at all and can’t replicate on their own; bacteria are single cells but are prokaryotic and lack a defined nucleus; multicellular organisms are made of many cells. Protozoa, as single cells with a nucleus and complex internal structures, can lead to a range of illnesses from mild to serious, with examples like malaria, amoebic dysentery, and giardiasis illustrating their impact.

Protozoa are one-celled, eukaryotic organisms that can cause disease in humans. They may live as parasites inside a host or survive freely in the environment. This description captures why they’re distinct from other types of microbes: viruses aren’t cells at all and can’t replicate on their own; bacteria are single cells but are prokaryotic and lack a defined nucleus; multicellular organisms are made of many cells. Protozoa, as single cells with a nucleus and complex internal structures, can lead to a range of illnesses from mild to serious, with examples like malaria, amoebic dysentery, and giardiasis illustrating their impact.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy