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Difficulty: MediumKingdom Protista: Protozoa and Unicellular Algae

In unicellular green algae such as *Chlamydomonas*, which specialized cellular structure located within the cup-shaped chloroplast is primarily responsible for starch synthesis and storage?

  1. PyrenoidAnswer
  2. B
    Contractile vacuole
  3. C
    Stigma
  4. D
    Pellicle

Answer

Pyrenoid
The pyrenoid is a dense protein body located inside the chloroplast of unicellular algae like *Chlamydomonas*. It contains ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) and serves as the locus for starch synthesis and accumulation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary metabolic role described in the question.
The target structure is involved in carbon fixation, starch synthesis, and carbohydrate storage within the chloroplast.
Unicellular green algae like *Chlamydomonas* store photosynthetic products as starch grains around a specific sub-organellar body inside the chloroplast.
2
Evaluate the functional role of organelle sub-structures in *Chlamydomonas*.
The pyrenoid acts as the center for starch formation within the cup-shaped chloroplast.
The pyrenoid contains the enzyme RuBisCO and is surrounded by starch sheaths, differentiating it from light-detecting or osmoregulatory organelles.

Key Concept

Function of the pyrenoid in unicellular green algae
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Kingdom Protista: Protozoa and Unicellular Algae

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