Question 1: Define protists and describe one key characteristic that distinguishes them from bacteria.

Answer: Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, and one key characteristic that distinguishes them from bacteria is that they have a true nucleus.

Question 2: Name one protist that is known to cause disease in humans and describe the disease it causes.

Answer: The protist Plasmodium causes malaria in humans.

Question 3: Explain how protists such as Plasmodium are transmitted to humans.

Answer: Plasmodium is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Question 4: What mechanism allows some protists to survive in harsh environments?

Answer: Some protists can form resistant cysts that help them survive in harsh conditions.

Question 5: Calculate the number of protist cells in a sample if 500 cells divide every 6 hours, and the initial count is 100 cells after 0 hours. Use the formula N = N0 * 2^(t/T), where N0 is initial cells, t is time in hours, and T is division time.

Answer: N = 100 * 2^(t/6). For t=18 hours, N=100 * 2^(18/6) = 100 * 2^3 = 100 * 8 = 800 cells.

Question 6: Identify two safety precautions that should be taken when studying pathogenic protists in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and working in a biosafety cabinet are important safety precautions.

Question 7: Describe a scenario where studying protists could help improve public health.

Answer: Studying protists responsible for diseases like malaria can help develop better treatments and prevention methods, thereby reducing disease transmission and improving public health worldwide.

Question 8: In a water sample, scientists found a high concentration of a protist known to cause disease. What could be the implications for the local community, and what steps should be taken?

Answer: A high concentration of pathogenic protists in the water could lead to outbreaks of disease such as giardiasis or malaria. The community should be advised to avoid using untreated water, and health authorities should investigate the source of contamination, implement water treatment, and conduct public awareness campaigns about hygiene and disease prevention.

Question 9: Explain how environmental factors like temperature and pH can affect the growth of pathogenic protists.

Answer: Environmental factors such as optimal temperature and pH levels promote the growth of pathogenic protists, while extreme temperatures and pH levels can inhibit their development.

Question 10: Apply your knowledge: How might advances in microscopy technology aid in the study of protists in disease research?

Answer: Advances in microscopy allow scientists to observe protists in greater detail, understand their structures and behaviors, and develop targeted treatments or detection methods.