Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumKingdom Protista: Protozoa and Unicellular Algae

Match each unicellular protist listed on the left with its defining cellular or reproductive characteristic on the right.

  • *Paramecium*Exhibits nuclear dimorphism with a polyploid macronucleus and diploid micronucleus, and reproduces sexually via conjugation.
  • *Euglena*Possesses a light-sensitive stigma and photoreceptor enabling mixotrophic nutrition and positive phototaxis.
  • *Plasmodium*Undergoes schizogony (multiple fission) as an intracellular parasite within host red blood cells.
  • *Chlamydomonas*Contains a single large cup-shaped chloroplast with a pyrenoid dedicated to starch synthesis.

Answer

*Paramecium* matches with nuclear dimorphism and conjugation; *Euglena* matches with mixotrophic nutrition guided by a stigma; *Plasmodium* matches with schizogony in host erythrocytes; *Chlamydomonas* matches with a cup-shaped chloroplast containing a pyrenoid.
Each protist is correctly paired based on its definitive organelle or biological process: *Paramecium* possesses nuclear dimorphism (macro- and micronucleus) and undergoes conjugation; *Euglena* relies on a photoreceptive stigma for mixotrophy; *Plasmodium* multiplies via schizogony inside host blood cells; and *Chlamydomonas* utilizes a single cup-shaped chloroplast with a central pyrenoid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cellular feature of *Paramecium*
*Paramecium* is unique among protozoans in maintaining dual nuclei (macronucleus for metabolism, micronucleus for conjugation).
Nuclear dimorphism is a hallmark structural trait of the phylum Ciliophora.
2
Identify the nutritional/sensory feature of *Euglena*
*Euglena* uses its eyespot (stigma) to detect light for photosynthesis while retaining heterotrophic capabilities in darkness.
This dual mode defines mixotrophic nutrition in flagellated euglenoids.
3
Identify the life cycle strategy of *Plasmodium*
*Plasmodium* reproduces by rapid asexual multiple fission (schizogony) inside erythrocytes.
As a non-motile sporozoan parasite, schizogony is its primary mode of intra-host proliferation.
4
Identify the organelle structure of *Chlamydomonas*
*Chlamydomonas* has a single cup-shaped chloroplast harboring a starch-synthesizing pyrenoid.
This chloroplast arrangement is characteristic of unicellular green algae (Chlorophyta).

Key Concept

Structural, nutritional, and reproductive diversity among Protozoa and Unicellular Algae
Rate this question

Topics

Kingdom Protista: Protozoa and Unicellular Algae

More questions from this topic