Anatomy of Protozoa

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction to protozoa. 2. Diversity of protozoa. 3. 4. Free living protozoa. 4. Kinetoplatids. 5. Intestinal protozoa. 6. Apicomplexa. 7. Plasmidum. 8. Microsporida. 9. Pathogenic protozoans.

Deciphering the Greek roots results in defining protozoa as first (proto) animals (zoa). Generally protozoa are unicellular organisms with a few species exhibiting colonial forms. For the most part the protozoa can be distinguished from other unicellular eukaryotes. However, sometimes confusion and controversy do occur. The protozoa are a very diverse group and it is difficult to formulate definitions and descriptions, which will include the majority of this group.

Protozoa exhibit a wide variety of morphologies. There is no one shape or morphology which would include a majority of the protozoa. Shapes range from the amorphous and ever changing forms of amoeba to relatively rigid forms dictated in part by highly ordered cytoskeletons or secreted walls or shells.

Protozoa are found virtually everywhere. As a group the protozoa are extremely adaptable. Individual species, though generally have very specific niches. Like all other organisms, protozoa must be able to acquire and metabolize nutrients from their environment.

This book provides authentic and comprehensive information on the phylum protozoa. General characters and classification and brief description of other important types of the phylum have been dealt with complete, authentic and up to date account. This book will be a dependable source of reference to students, researchers, academics and all those concerned with the subject.