Bacteria, Viruses, Protists and Fungi

Algae

A photosynthetic organism without roots, stems, or leaves. Algae. Algae are simple plants that live in water and make their own food through photosynthesis.

Bacteria

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls. Bacteria. Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that can be found almost everywhere and can sometimes cause infections.

Binary fission

Asexual reproduction where one cell divides into two identical cells. Binary fission. Binary fission is a process in simple organisms, like bacteria, where a single cell splits into two identical cells.

Budding

Asexual reproduction where a new organism forms as an outgrowth of its parent. Budding. Budding is when a new organism grows directly from the body of its parent.

Cilium

Short, hair-like projections that help an organism move. Cilium. A cilium is a tiny, hair-like structure on cells that helps them move or sense their surroundings.

Endospore

A thick-walled structure that protects the DNA of bacteria, this protects the DNA in unfavorable conditions. Endospore. An endospore is a tough, dormant form that some bacteria can take to survive harsh environments.

Flagellum

A long, tail-like structure that helps a cell to move. Flagellum. A flagellum is a whip-like appendage that enables cells, like sperm and bacteria, to swim.

Host

The organism on, or in, which a parasite lives. Host. In science, a host is an organism that provides food or shelter for another organism, like a parasite.

Hyphae

The threadlike tubes that make up the body of a fungus. Hyphae. Hyphae are the long, thin structures that help fungi absorb nutrients from their environment.

Lichen

An organism made up of a fungus and a green alga, in a symbiotic relationship. Lichen. Lichen is a partnership between fungi and algae that live together, benefiting from each other.

Parasite

An organism that lives in or on another organism, harming it in the process, like lice or ticks. Parasite. In simple terms, a parasite is a creature that depends on another living being for survival while causing it harm.

Protist

A unicellular or multicellular organism that is not plant, animal or fungus. Protist. Protists are diverse organisms, often microscopic, that live in water or damp environments and include algae and amoebas.

Protozoan

A one-celled protist that eats other organisms, like an amoeba. Protozoan. Protozoans are single-celled organisms that can move and feed like tiny animals.

Pseudopod

Extension of the cytoplasm that some protists use to move, also called false foot. Pseudopod. A pseudopod is like a temporary foot that some microscopic organisms use to move around or take in food.

Spore

A reproductive cell that can grow into a new plant. Spore. In Science, a spore is a tiny reproductive unit that can develop into a new organism without needing to fuse with another cell.

Virus

Nonliving particle of DNA or RNA within a protein coat, it infects cells to reproduce. Virus. A virus is a tiny agent that can only multiply inside the cells of living organisms.