Constructivist-Based Module 1

Lesson 3
Protozoa
Take the challenge!

In this lesson, you are expected to attain the following lesson objectives:
a. list the defining characteristics of protozoa;
b. point out the survival mechanisms of protozoa; and
c. distinguish the medically important protozoans based on their
representatives and descriptions.

Introduction

Hi, how are you? Welcome to Lesson 3 of Module 2. In this lesson, we are going
to explore the field of protozoa. Are you ready? Let us start now.

Activity

1. Form groups of 5.

2. Have at least ten words or phrases that you believe best describe your experiences
with protozoa. Allow the members to share their respective encounters with protozoa.
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3. Trim down your answer by having only those that are not redundant. Have the final list
of your responses.
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Analysis

Accomplish the following tasks below.

Out of your list of responses, create a paragraph that would provide descriptions of the
protozoa.

Abstraction

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PROTOZOANS

 The term ‘protozoa’ denotes the first animals. However, protozoa are very
different from animals. First, some protozoan organisms are photosynthetic
 Second, these organisms have complex life cycles that allow them to be from
one host and then transfer to another host

For these two main reasons, the term protozoa are accurately
understood as ‘animal-like nutrition’

Lifecycle of
Protozoans
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This type of organism can reproduce asexually by the means of fission or

budding. However, there is another way for these organisms to reproduce.
Through Schizogony, a nucleus will undergo multiple divisions. When the nuclei
are formed, a small portion of cytoplasm would concentrate around each nucleus,
then all would separate into individual daughter cells.

Aside from reproducing asexually, some protozoan organisms such as the

Paramecium is capable of reproducing sexually via conjugation, while others are
also capable of producing gametes.

Reproduction by Fission

Fig. 2.8 (27)

Fig. 2.9 (28)

Survival Mechanisms of Protozoans

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A. ENCYSTMENT

If conditions are not right for life to exist, these

organisms can produce a cyst. This structure is a
protective capsule that permits protozoans to survive
outside its host especially when food, moisture,
oxygen level, and temperatures are not suitable or
when noxious chemicals are also present.

B. NUTRITION

 Protozoans are mostly aerobic heterotrophs. However, intestinal

protozoans are also capable of anaerobic growth.
 All protozoans inhabit areas with enough supply of water. Some
are capable of food transport, while others possess a protective
covering or a pellicle.
 Even though protozoans have different ways of getting nutrition
inside their cells, their digestion takes place in vacuoles, and
wastes are eliminated through the anal pore.

Medically important Protozoans

Below are the following examples of eukaryotic protozoa:
WITH FEEDING GROOVES

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 Most are spindle-shaped and flagellated.

 This superkingdom includes two phyla with no mitochondria and phylum Euglenozoa.

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Giardia intestinalis Found in the small intestine of humans and other
animals.
Excreted in the feces as a cyst.
Can survive outside the host.
2. Trichomonas vaginalis Can be found both in the vagina and the male urinary
tract.
Can be transmitted by sexual intercourse but can
also be from toilet facilities and towels.

EUGLENOZOA
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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 Disk-shaped mitochondria
 Devoid of sexual reproduction

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Euglenoids Photoautotrophs with a pellicle.

Some are also chemoautotrophs.
They can move because of a flagellum at the
anterior end.
2. Hemoflagellates Are blood parasites.
They are transmitted by bites of insects and
can be found in the circulatory system of an
infected host.

AMOEBAE

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 Moves by using projections of the cytoplasm known as pseudopods

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. E. histolytica The only pathogenic ameba in the human

intestine causes amebic dysentery.
Uses lectins to attach to the galactose of the
plasma membrane and causes cell lysis.

2. E. dispar A common non-pathogenic amoeba.

Does not possess lectins.

3. Acanthamoeba Can infect the cornea.

Can cause blindness.

4. Balamuthia The causative agent of granulomatous amebic

encephalitis (brain abscesses).
Often affects immunocompromised persons.
A free-living organism found in water.
Is not transmitted from human to human.

APICOMPLEXA
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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 These organisms are not motile in their mature forms and are obligate parasites.
 The organelles in that respective location contain enzymes that can penetrate the
tissues of the hosts.

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Plasmodium vivax The causative agent of malaria.

2. Babesia microti The causative agent of fever and anemia in

immunocompromised individuals.

3. Toxoplasma gondii A parasite that involves cats is also dangerous

to pregnant women as it causes congenital
infections.

4. Cyclospora cayetanensis A newly identified apicomplexan parasite is

responsible for 600 cases of diarrhea in both
the United States and Canada.

CILIATES

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 These organisms possess cilia which are arranged in precise rows over the surface of
the cell.
 These cellular structures are very amazing since a unison movement allows an
organism o bring food particles to its mouth.

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Balantidium coli The causative agent of severe, and rare

dysentery.

Fig. 2.10 (29)

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SLIME MOLDS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

 These organisms are closely related to amebae and are placed in the phylum
Amoebozoa.

COMMON REPRESENTATIVES DESCRIPTIONS

1. Cellular Slime Molds Eukaryotic organisms resemble amebae.

These organisms live and grow by ingesting
fungi and bacteria using phagocytosis.
Scientists continue to be interested in Biologists
since unfavorable conditions allow this taxon to
aggregate and form a single structure

2. Plasmodial Slime Molds This plasmodium (mass of protoplasm) moves

like a giant amoeba, and it engulfs organic
debris and even bacteria
Muscle-like proteins that form microfilaments
account for its movement
When this taxon is grown in a laboratory setting,
cytoplasmic streaming.
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Application

Instruction: Have your group with at least 5 members before you proceed with the
activity. Please read and comprehend the given context and the task, and work
cooperatively with your other comembers.

Context:
You have applied as a medical volunteer at Doctors without Borders. Afterward,
you were assigned to work in a specific rural area of India. When you arrived at that
place, the town's Health Officer informed you about the current statistics on diseases like
Giardia enteritis, Amoebic, and Balantidial dysentery. The numerical figures for the
illnesses were relatively high. It's as if an epidemic has set foot in the area.

Furthermore, you immediately went to see the people in the area and conducted
an ocular inspection. Your team has discovered that the whole community is practicing
‘open defecation’ in the river where they get their water supply.

Task:
Create a simple three-page project plan to present a proactive solution to slow
down the increase of affected individuals.

Assessment

Instruction: Read and understand the questions. Carefully think and construct your
thoughts before putting them into writing.

A. Essay:
1. Describe the protozoan through its distinguishing featured life cycle.

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2. Cite the difference between encystment and nutrition as part of the protozoan’s
survival mechanisms.
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B. Fill the Frayer Diagram Model below with the required data.

Identify a disease that is caused by a parasitic protozoan by using the designated Frayer
Diagram Model.

Pathogen (Causative Agent of

Distinguishing Features of the Pathogen

a Disease)

Disease

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Tips for Preventing it

Source of Human Infection

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Very good! You just finished Lesson 3 of this Module 2! Should you have any
questions or queries regarding this lesson, please do not hesitate to reach out to your
instructor.
Are you ready to take your next lesson? Lesson 4 will deal with fungi. Enjoy your
lesson.