[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Plant-like protists are known as algae. They are a large and diverse group. Plant-like protists are autotrophs. This means that they produce their own food. They perform photosynthesis to produce sugar by using carbon dioxide and water, and the energy from sunlight, just like plants. Unlike plants, however, plant-like protists do not have true stems, roots, or leaves. Learn more about plant-like protists in this learning module produced by CK-12.