MASTIGOPHORA Meaning and
Definition
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Mastigophora is a term that refers to a group of single-celled organisms, often classified as protists, characterized by the presence of whip-like appendages known as flagella. The term "mastigophora" is derived from the Greek words "mastix" meaning "whip" and "phoros" meaning "bearing."
These organisms are understood to be eukaryotic, meaning they possess a membrane-bound nucleus and other cellular organelles. Within the kingdom Protista, mastigophorans are further classified into various taxa based on their specific traits and characteristics.
The primary distinguishing feature of mastigophorans is the presence of one or more flagella, which are long, thread-like structures used for locomotion. Flagella assist in movement by propelling the organism forward, either through a whipping motion or by rotating like a propeller. Depending on the species, mastigophorans may possess one or several flagella, which may be located at the anterior or posterior end of the cell.
Mastigophora encompasses a wide range of organisms, including certain types of protozoans, algae, and other unicellular eukaryotes. While many mastigophorans are free-living, some species are parasitic, infecting host organisms and causing diseases such as giardiasis and trichomoniasis.
As a diverse group of organisms, mastigophorans can be found in various habitats ranging from freshwater bodies to marine environments. They play important ecological roles as primary producers and consumers in food webs, contributing to the overall balance and functioning of ecosystems.
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A subphylum (or class) of Protozoa, embracing cells provided with flagella of various sorts serving for locomotion or the prehension of food; it includes the trypanosomes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTIGOPHORA
- nastigophora
- kastigophora
- jastigophora
- mzstigophora
- msstigophora
- mwstigophora
- mqstigophora
- maatigophora
- maztigophora
- maxtigophora
- madtigophora
- maetigophora
- mawtigophora
- masrigophora
- masfigophora
- masgigophora
- masyigophora
- mas6igophora
- mas5igophora
Etymology of MASTIGOPHORA
The word "Mastigophora" has a Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words: "mastix" which means "whip" or "lash", and "phoros" which means "bearer" or "carrier".
Similar spelling words for MASTIGOPHORA
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