7) Mode of Nutrition—Protists can be classified into two categories as far as their nutrition (ability to obtain energy) is concerned—AUTOTROPHS and HETEROTROPHS. The plant-like protists, predominantly referred to as algae, can create their own energy by the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires specialized organelles called chloroplasts filled with chlorophyll to trap light energy from the sun. Once that light energy is trapped, light energy can be used to break the bonds between water and carbon dioxide to convert it into oxygen and glucose (food/energy for the cell/organism). All algae are autotrophs because they can create their own energy. The animal-like protists referred to as protozoa cannot create their own energy…just like you! They can only get their energy from the life process, cellular respiration, that takes place in the mitochondria of every cell. They must eat or consume other organisms and through cellular respiration, they will convert glucose and oxygen into water, carbon dioxide and mechanical energy that fuels all their cells. All protozoans are heterotrophs (as are you!). Based on what you read above, create a graphic organizer or illustration to show you understand the two ways protists can obtain food/energy—be sure to include organelles, life processes and other specifics.
7) Mode of Nutrition—Protists can be classified into two categories as far as their nutrition (ability to obtain energy) is concerned—AUTOTROPHS and HETEROTROPHS. The plant-like protists, predominantly referred to as algae, can create their own energy by the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires specialized organelles called chloroplasts filled with chlorophyll to trap light energy from the sun. Once that light energy is trapped, light energy can be used to break the bonds between water and carbon dioxide to convert it into oxygen and glucose (food/energy for the cell/organism). All algae are autotrophs because they can create their own energy. The animal-like protists referred to as protozoa cannot create their own energy…just like you! They can only get their energy from the life process, cellular respiration, that takes place in the mitochondria of every cell. They must eat or consume other organisms and through cellular respiration, they will convert glucose and oxygen into water, carbon dioxide and mechanical energy that fuels all their cells. All protozoans are heterotrophs (as are you!). Based on what you read above, create a graphic organizer or illustration to show you understand the two ways protists can obtain food/energy—be sure to include organelles, life processes and other specifics.