What is the definition of dinoflagellates in biology?

What is the definition of dinoflagellates in biology?

dinoflagellate, (division Dinoflagellata), any of numerous one-celled aquatic organisms bearing two dissimilar flagella and having characteristics of both plants and animals. Most are marine, though some live in freshwater habitats.

What is the role of dinoflagellates?

Dinoflagellates are an important component of marine ecosystems as primary producers as well as parasites, symbionts, and micrograzers. They also produce some of the most potent toxins known and are the main source of toxic red tides and other forms of fish and shellfish poisoning.

What are dinoflagellates and examples?

Dinophyceae
Syndiniales
Dinoflagellates/Lower classifications

What are 2 examples of dinoflagellates?

Examples of Dinoflagellates

• Pfiesteria piscicida.
• Gonyaulax catenella.
• Noctiluca scintillans.

What are main characters of dinoflagellates?

Neither plant nor animal, dinoflagellates are unicellular protists; most exhibit the following characteristics:

• They are planktonic.
• They are small.
• They are motile.
• Many are thecate, having an internal skeleton of cellulose-like plates.
• Their chromosomes are always condensed.
• Not all dinoflagellates are photosynthetic.

Which is known as golden algae?

The Chrysophyceae, usually called chrysophytes, chrysomonads, golden-brown algae or golden algae are a large group of algae, found mostly in freshwater.

What is the classification of dinoflagellates?

Dinoflagellates Classification Dinoflagellates were classified under kingdom Protista and phylum Dinoflagellata. Some scientists have kept dinoflagellates in the division Pyrrophycophyta (meaning- fire plants). Dinoflagellates are kept in the supergroup Chromalveolata, they seem to have originated from the secondary symbiosis of red algae.

How do dinoflagellates defend themselves from predators?

Dinoflagellates use bioluminescence as a defence mechanism against their predators. Their predators become more vulnerable and in turn become prey of organisms of higher trophic levels. Dinoflagellates sometimes multiply rapidly, resulting in population explosions or blooms.

What is the function of dinoflagellate stigma?

Armored dinoflagellates are limited in how much they can consume; they sometimes surround food sources with a membrane filled with digestive enzymes called a pallium. The dinoflagellate stigma or eyespot may play a role in light reception.

How do dinoflagellates move like a spinning top?

Dinoflagellates move like a spinning top with the help of flagella The cell of dinoflagellates has all common membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, Golgi bodies, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and food vacuoles The nucleus of the dinoflagellates is called dinokaryon.