Index >> Eukaryotes Microbes >> Characterstics of Protozoa

Characterstics of Protozoa
(1) Largest organisms included in microbial world.
(2) Except a few, they lack chlorophyll or other photosynthetic pigments.
(3) Though unicellular, but able to perform all functions characteristic of multicellular organisms.
(4) Mostly live in water, damp soil or mud, in drainage ditches or puddles, in ponds or ocean.
(5) A great diversity in form

(6) Cells enclosed by a membrane which in some cases surrounded by a pellicle containing chitin like material for rigidity. Cell wall, however, is absent. True nucleus, flagella, cilia are present. Freshwater forms take in water by osmosis and eliminate it via organelles called contractile vacuoles.