Sarcomastigophora

Sarcomastigophora

Sarcomastigophora is a taxonomic group of protozoa, which includes the subgroups Sarcodina and Mastigophora. These organisms are characterized by their use of pseudopodia or flagella for locomotion and feeding.

Classification

The Sarcomastigophora are divided into two main subgroups:

• Sarcodina: These are primarily amoeboid organisms that move and feed using pseudopodia. Examples include Amoeba and Radiolaria.
• Mastigophora: These are flagellated organisms that move using one or more flagella. Examples include Trypanosoma and Giardia.

Morphology

Sarcomastigophora are typically unicellular and vary greatly in shape and size. They may be free-living or parasitic. The cell body contains a single nucleus and a variety of organelles, including mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum. The surface of the cell may be naked or covered with a shell or test.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Sarcomastigophora is primarily asexual, through binary fission or multiple fission. Some species also reproduce sexually, through a process known as conjugation.

Ecology

Sarcomastigophora are found in a wide range of habitats, from freshwater and marine environments to soil and even inside other organisms as parasites. They play important roles in nutrient cycling and as part of the food chain.

Medical Importance

Some Sarcomastigophora are pathogenic to humans and other animals. For example, Trypanosoma causes African sleeping sickness, and Giardia causes giardiasis.

Giardia lamblia, a flagellated protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis.

See Also

• Protozoa
• Amoeboid
• Flagellate

References

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