What is the Difference Between Protozoa and Bacteria?

Protozoa and bacteria are both microorganisms, but they have distinct differences in their structure, size, and other characteristics. Here are the main differences between protozoa and bacteria:

Cell Structure: Protozoa are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a true nucleus containing chromosomes, while bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, which do not have a true nucleus and have a ring of DNA wrapped by cellular machinery enclosed in a fatty membrane.
Size: Protozoa are generally larger than bacteria, with a cell size ranging from 10 to 52 micrometers.
Nutrition: Protozoa can be both heterotrophic (obtaining energy from organic compounds) and autotrophic (producing energy from photosynthesis or chemosynthesis), while bacteria are usually heterotrophic.
Mobility: Protozoa can move with the help of flagella, pseudopodia, or cilia, while bacteria move using flagella.
Habitat: Protozoa can inhabit various places such as soil, water, plants, or animals, while bacteria are commonly found in soil, plant root systems, and other environments.
Pathogenicity: Some protozoa are pathogenic, causing diseases like malaria and amebiasis, while some bacteria can also be pathogenic, causing diseases like tuberculosis and strep throat.

In summary, protozoa are larger, eukaryotic organisms with a true nucleus and can have various modes of nutrition and movement, while bacteria are smaller, prokaryotic organisms that lack a true nucleus and generally obtain energy from organic compounds.