What is the Difference Between Chromista and Protista?

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The main difference between Chromista and Protista lies in the fact that Chromista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic species such as algae, diatoms, oomycetes, and protozoans, while Protista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular eukaryotic species such as protozoa, protophyta, and molds.

Chromista is characterized by the presence of plastids containing chlorophyll c and lying within an extra (periplastid) membrane in the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Members of Chromista also possess tripartite or bipartite rigid tubular hairs, known as cilia. Some popular members of this kingdom include kelp, seaweeds, brown algae, and red algae.

On the other hand, Protista is a diverse group of unicellular organisms that include protozoa, protophyta, and molds. These organisms can be heterotrophic or autotrophic and may contain chlorophyll pigments.

In summary:

  • Chromista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic species, including algae, diatoms, oomycetes, and protozoans.
  • Protista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular eukaryotic species, such as protozoa, protophyta, and molds.
  • Chromista species possess plastids containing chlorophyll c and cilia.
  • Both kingdoms contain organisms with chlorophyll pigments and can be heterotrophic or autotrophic.

Comparative Table: Chromista vs Protista

Chromista and Protista are both biological kingdoms that include eukaryotic species, but they have distinct features and characteristics. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Feature Chromista Protista
Definition Chromista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic species such as algae, diatoms, oomycetes, and protozoans. Protista is a biological kingdom comprised of unicellular eukaryotic species such as protozoa, protophyta, and molds.
cell type Chromista includes both unicellular and multicellular organisms. Protista includes only unicellular organisms.
Pigments Chromista kingdom has organisms that have chlorophyll a, c, and carotenoids, and phycobilin pigments. Protista kingdom has organisms that have chlorophyll a, b, and c pigments.
Plastids Chromista members possess plastids that lie within an extra periplastid membrane in the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Plastids are not a common feature in Protista.
Cilia Chromista members have either tripartite or bipartite rigid tubular hairs like structures. Cilia are not a common feature in Protista.

In summary, Chromista is a biological kingdom that includes both unicellular and multicellular eukaryotic species with distinct pigments, plastids, and cilia, while Protista is a biological kingdom that includes only unicellular eukaryotic species without these features.