Chapter 19, Problem 2A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About microscopic protozoans found in the gut of insects.

Introduction:

Protozoans are the animal-like protists. Organisms belonging to the Kingdom Protista are eukaryotes. A eukaryotic organism or a eukaryotic cell is characterized by the presence of membrane-bound organelles and the presence of the 80S ribosome. Although these organisms are eukaryotes, they are not considered as fungi, plants, or animals as they follow a different mode of reproduction.

Explanation of Solution

Protozoans follow a heterotrophic mode of nutrition and are thus characterized as heterotrophs. In the heterotrophic mode of nutrition, an organism is unable to synthesize their food and depend on others for obtaining nutrients and energy. Protozoans generally ingest other protozoans, algae, and bacteria to obtain energy and nutrition. An example of a protozoan is an amoeba.

Protozoans that live in an insect's gut are categorized as Microsporidia. These organisms are known to cause diseases in insects and thus some of these organisms can act as insecticides to protect different crops. Microsporidia generally infect epithelial tissue of the gut and result in enlargement of that region.

Conclusion

Microsporidia are the microscopic protozoans that live in an insect’s gut.