Kingdom Protista: The Unicellular Eukaryotes

Kingdom Protista

Have you ever wondered where organisms go if they aren't quite plants, animals, or fungi? Welcome to Kingdom Protista, the primary link between the microscopic and macroscopic worlds.

Protists are all single-celled eukaryotes, meaning their cells contain a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They are primarily aquatic, thriving almost anywhere there is moisture. Within this incredibly diverse kingdom, we find three fascinating groups that act surprisingly like plants.

Ever noticed a weird, brightly colored mass slowly crawling across a rotting log? You might be looking at Slime moulds, which are saprophytic (decay-eating) protists.

• Feeding: They move along decaying twigs and leaves, engulfing organic material.
• Plasmodium: Under favorable conditions, they form a massive aggregation called a plasmodium that can grow and spread over several feet!