Other Organisms Besides Plants &

Animals

FUNGI

PROTISTS

Protists

• It is actually an obsolete term that describes plant-like, animal-like, and fungus-like organisms (mainly unicellular).

Protists• Today, this term is not preferred by

biologists because they have shown that these organisms are either plants, animals, fungi, or belonging to their own unique group.

Today, let’s start with the plant-like organisms /

plant-like protists

ALGAEPlant-like Organisms

Algae• Eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular organisms• Most are aquatic and autotrophic• Have chlorophyll as the main pigment for

photosynthesis• No true roots, stems, or leaves• PRODUCERS of aquatic habitats

Groups of Algae• Green Algae• Red Algae• Brown Algae• Dinoflagellates• Euglenids

Green Algae• Contain chlorophyll in their chloroplasts• Has cell walls made of cellulose• Most scientists today consider them as

plants• Has unicellular and multicellular forms• No true roots, stems, or leaves

Chlorella• Unicellular green algae• High in protein and other nutrients – used

in food supplements• Excessive growth can sometimes cause

problems in lakes, aquaria, etc.

Red Algae• They are red because of the pigment

phycoerythrin• Mostly live in the ocean – seaweeds• Source of carrageenan and agar – gels

that can be used for a variety of purposes

Gulaman (agar-agar)

Nori

Brown Algae• They are brownish because of the pigment

fucoxanthin• Mostly live in the ocean – seaweeds• Largest and the fastest growing of all

seaweeds• Can be a food source

Sargassum

Giant Kelp

Dinoflagellates• Unicellular organisms that could do

photosynthesis though some combine photosynthesis and ingesting food

• Excessive growth (Algal bloom) causes death of marine organisms

Harmful algal bloom (red tide) caused by dinoflagellates

Euglenids• Unicellular organisms with chloroplasts

and flagella

Euglena