What mechanism do protozoa use for locomotion?

Protozoa primarily utilize cilia and flagella as their main mechanisms for locomotion. Cilia are short, hair-like structures that cover the surface of some protozoa and beat in coordinated waves, allowing the organism to move through its environment. Flagella, which are longer and fewer in number, also aid in movement by propelling the protozoa in a whip-like manner.

Both cilia and flagella are composed of microtubules arranged in a specific structure, which allows for their motility. These structures are integral to various protozoan lifestyles, enabling them to navigate through liquids, access food sources, escape predators, or find suitable environments for survival.

While cytoplasmic streaming is a process seen in some cells for the movement of cellular components and nutrients, it is not specifically a mechanism for locomotion in protozoa. Photosynthesis is a process used by certain organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy and is not related to movement. Similarly, cell division is a reproductive mechanism, not a method of locomotion. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why cilia and flagella are regarded as the primary means of movement for protozoan organisms.