Do you know what structure the protozoan cell has? If not, then this article is for you.
What science studies the cell?
This science is called cytology. It is a branch of biology. She can answer the question of what structure the cell of protozoa has. Also, this science studies not only the structure, but also the processes that occur in the cell. This is cellular respiration, metabolism, reproduction and photosynthesis. The method of protozoa propagation is simple cell division. Some protozoan cells are able to carry out photosynthesis - the production of organic matter from inorganic. Cellular respiration occurs when glucose is broken down. This is the main function of simple carbohydrates in the cell. When they are oxidized, the cell receives energy.
Who are the simplest?
Before considering the question of what structure the protozoan cell has, let's look at what these "creatures" are.
These are organisms that consist of one cell. They are also called eukaryotes, since there is a nucleus in their cells. The protozoan cell is in many ways similar to the cell of a multicellular organism.
Classification
There are six types of protozoa:
- ciliates;
- radiolarians;
- sunflowers;
- disputes;
- sarcozhgutikonosy;
- flagellates.
Representatives of the first type inhabit saline reservoirs. Some species can also live in the soil.
Sporozoans are mainly represented by parasites of vertebrates.
Radiolaria, like ciliates, live in the oceans. They have solid shells of silicon dioxide, from which some rocks are formed.
The peculiarity of solar cells is that they move with the help of pseudopodia.
Sarkozhgutikonosy also use this method of movement. Amoeba and many other protozoa belong to this type.
Flagella are represented by many different organisms that use flagella to move. Some species of such protozoa can live in water bodies, and some are parasites. In addition, many representatives of this type have chloroplasts in their cells. Such protozoa themselves produce the essential nutrients for life through photosynthesis.
What structure does the protozoan cell have?
The cell structure can be divided into three main parts: the plasma membrane, the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The number of nuclei in protozoan cells is one. In this they differ from bacterial cells that do not have nuclei at all. So, we will consider in detail each of the three components of the cell.
Plasma membrane
The structure of the protozoan cell necessarily provides for the presence of this component. She is responsible for maintaining cell homeostasis, protects it from environmental influences. The plasma membrane consists of three classes of lipids: phospholipids, glycolipids and cholesterol. Phospholipids prevail in the membrane structure.
Cytoplasm: how is it arranged?
This is the whole part of the cell, with the exception of the nucleus, which is located inside the plasma membrane. It consists of hyaloplasm and organelles, as well as inclusions. Hyaloplasm is the internal environment of the cell. Organoids are permanent structures that perform certain functions, and inclusions are inconstant structures that perform basically a storage function.
Protozoan cell structure: organoids
In the protozoan cell there are many organoids that are characteristic of animal cells. In addition, unlike the cells of multicellular organisms, most protozoan cells have organelles of movement - all kinds of flagella, cilia and other structures. The presence of such formations boasts very few cells of multicellular animals - only sperm.
Organoids that are present in protozoan cells include mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, an endoplasmic reticulum, and a Golgi complex. The cells of some protozoa also contain chloroplasts, which are characteristic of plant cells. Consider the structure and functions of each of them in the table.
Protozoa Organoids| Organoid | Structure | Functions |
| Mitochondria | They have two membranes: external and internal, between which there is an intermembrane space. The inner membrane has outgrowths - cristae or ridges. All the basic chemical reactions take place on them. What is inside both membranes is called a matrix. In these organoids, their own ribosomes, inclusions, mitochondrial RNA, and mitochondrial DNA are present. | Energy production. In these organoids, the process of cellular respiration occurs. |
| Ribosomes | Consist of two subunits. Do not have membranes. One of the subunits is larger than the second. Ribosomes unite only in the process of functioning. When the organoid is not functioning, the two subunits are separated. | Protein synthesis (translation process). |
| Lysosomes | They have a rounded shape. They have one membrane. Inside the membrane are enzymes that are necessary for the breakdown of complex organic substances. | Cellular digestion. |
| Endoplasmic reticulum | Tubular shape. | Participates in the metabolism, is responsible for the synthesis of lipids. |
| Golgi complex | A stack of disk-shaped tanks. | Serves for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids. Modifies and classifies proteins. |
| Chloroplasts | Possess two membranes with intermembrane space between them. In the matrix are thylakoids, combined into piles (grains of lamellae. In addition, the matrix contains ribosomes, inclusions, RNA and DNA. | Photosynthesis (occurs in thylakoids). |
| Vacuoli | Many protozoa that inhabit freshwater bodies have contractile vacuoles (spherical organoids with one membrane) | Pumping out excess fluid from the body. |
In addition, protozoan cells are equipped with motion organoids. It can be flagella and cilia. Depending on the species, the body may have either one or several flagella.