Question 1: Define protists and list two key features that distinguish them from other microorganisms.

Answer: Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms that are neither plants, animals, nor fungi. They typically have a nucleus and may be unicellular or multicellular. Key features include having a nucleus and a cell membrane.

Question 2: Name one protist that acts as a pathogen and briefly describe how it infects humans.

Answer: Plasmodium species cause malaria by invading red blood cells after being transmitted through mosquito bites.

Question 3: Multiple Choice: Which of the following protists is responsible for causing African sleeping sickness?

Answer: B) Trypanosoma

Question 4: Fill in the blank: The protist that causes diarrhea and is often transmitted through contaminated water is called __________.

Answer: Giardia

Question 5: Explain in your own words how the life cycle of Plasmodium contributes to the spread of malaria.

Answer: Plasmodium has a complex life cycle involving both mosquitoes and humans. When an infected mosquito bites a human, it transmits sporozoites that infect the liver and then invade red blood cells, causing symptoms. The parasite reproduces inside red blood cells and, when another mosquito feeds on the infected person, it ingests the parasites, continuing the cycle. This cycle enables the rapid spread of malaria.

Question 6: Calculate the number of red blood cells infected after 3 cycles if one infected cell infects 4 new cells in each cycle, starting with 1 infected cell.

Answer: Starting with 1 infected cell: Cycle 1: 1 x 4 = 4 Cycle 2: 4 x 4 = 16 Cycle 3: 16 x 4 = 64

Question 7: Describe a safety precaution that should be taken when studying protists that are known pathogens.

Answer: Always wear gloves and practice proper hand hygiene to prevent infection when handling pathogenic protists.

Question 8: Data analysis: A study finds that 70% of patients infected with a certain protist show symptoms within 10 days. What does this suggest about the incubation period of this protist?

Answer: It suggests that the incubation period of this protist is approximately 10 days, as most patients develop symptoms within this time frame.

Question 9: Explain how understanding protist pathogens can help in developing treatments or preventive measures.

Answer: Understanding how protist pathogens infect hosts and their life cycles allows scientists to identify vulnerable stages or structures, develop targeted drugs, and create vaccines. It also helps in designing effective public health strategies to reduce transmission, such as mosquito control programs for malaria.

Question 10: In everyday life, how can knowledge about protists help prevent some common diseases?

Answer: By practicing good hygiene, using clean water, and avoiding mosquito bites, people can reduce the risk of protist-related diseases like malaria and giardiasis.