what are protozoa
single celled eukaryotes
simple structure complex physiology and biochemistry
half found in the gut
advantages of life in the gut
easy access via the mouth
easy exit via faeces
ready source of nutrition
protected from external environment
disadvantages of life in the gut
extremes of pH
digestive enzymes
gut immune system
temporary survival outside of the gut
trophozoites
feeding form
cysts
non feeding stage with protective cyst all allowing survival in the environment
important pathogens
E. histolytica
G. duodenalis
C. hominis