Protists can reproduce both asexually through mitosis and sexually through conjugation or meiosis. Asexual reproduction involves cell division through mitosis, while sexual reproduction involves the exchange of genetic material across a cytoplasmic bridge between two protist cells through conjugation. Meiosis results in four unique haploid daughter cells being formed from the original parent cell.

1. Reproduction in Protists

2. GPS and EQ
• GPS.07.SC.C.S7L3.b. - Compare and contrast
that organisms reproduce asexually and
sexually (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants &
animals).
• E.Q.: How do protists reproduce?

3. Characteristics of Protista
• Eukaryotic (have a nucleus)
• Usually Single Celled
• Live in moist environments
• Reproduce asexually or sexually

4. Three Groups of Protists
•Plant-like: Algae
•Fungus-Like: Water Molds,
Slime Molds
•Animal-Like: Protozoa

5. Protist Reproduction
Asexual
Asexual reproduction
occurs by mitosis.
Sexual
Sexual reproduction
involves the exchange of
genetic material across a
cytoplasmic bridge.
Sexual
Sexual reproduction
involves the exchange of
genetic material across a
cytoplasmic bridge.

6. Mitosis: Asexual Reproduction

7. Conjugation
• Protists can also transfer DNA BETWEEN 2
protist cells (called conjugation).
Sexual
• Protists can also transfer DNA BETWEEN 2
protist cells (called conjugation).

8. What happens in meiosis?
• The events in meiosis are
smooth and continuous:
– Chromosomes double and
thicken.
– Nuclear membrane
disappears.
– Homologous chromosomes
line up a the cell’s center.
– Spindle fibers attach.
– The nuclear membrane
reforms.
– Two cells form that are
identical and diploid.
Meiosis: Sexual Reproduction

9. What happens in meiosis?
• In the second division, the
chromosomes do not double.
– Chromosomes thicken and line up
at cell’s center.
– Spindle fibers attach.
– Chromosomes are pulled to
opposite side of cell by spindle
fibers.
– Four new cells form when the
nuclear membranes reform and
cells separate.
– The four new cells are unique and
haploid so they have half the
number of chromosomes
compared to starting cells.

10. Summary: Compare and Contrast
Reproduction in Bacteria and Protists
Protists
Bacteria