A field biologist finds an unfamiliar single-celled organism in a sample from the surface of a marshy area. What observations or tests would make it possible to determine whether it is a protozoan, fungus, or alga? Assume the PCR machine at the field
station is not working, but all other equipment is.
What will be an ideal response?
The presence of a cell wall would indicate the organism is either a fungus, or an alga.
The presence of pigments is an indication it is a photosynthetic organism, and if it has a cell wall, it is an alga. The identification would be further confirmed if the organism is diploid (observed during mitosis).
An organism with a cell wall but no pigments is probably a fungus. This identification can be verified by observing that the organism is haploid.
If the organism is a single-celled eukaryote without a cell wall, it is likely a protozoan. Motility (with flagella, cilia or pseudopodia) would help confirm this identification, although the absence of observable motility does not rule out protozoa.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Synthesis
Section: Algae
Learning Outcome: 12.7, 12.13, 12.22
You might also like to view...
Which of the following processes does not generate genetic variation during sexual reproduction?
A. Crossing over B. Random fertilization C. Independent assortment D. All of the processes above generate genetic variation
Why is energy lost when herbivores eat primary producers?
A) Primary producers have energy stored in indigestible substances. B) Primary producers cannot produce once eaten. C) Digestion takes place so rapidly that very little energy is absorbed. D) Most primary producers contain no usable energy for herbivores.
The eastern indigo snake often makes its home in abandoned gopher tortoise burrows. How would you characterize this relationship and its effect on each member?
A. parasitism: positive for snake, negative for tortoise B. amensalism: negative for snake, neutral for tortoise C. commensalism: neutral for snake, neutral for tortoise D. amensalism: neutral for snake, negative for tortoise E. commensalism: positive for snake, neutral for tortoise
Root hairs are the extensions of the
a. apical meristem. b. epidermis. c. pericycle. d. vascular bundles. e. root cap.