Plasmodium and Cellular Slime Molds Quiz

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Why do trypanosomes frequently change their surface protein?

To increase their reproduction rate

To enhance their photosynthetic abilities

To resist antibiotics

To avoid detection by the human immune system (correct)

What is the ecological significance of dinoflagellates?

They play a key role in carbon sequestration

They are known for their high resistance to extreme temperatures

They are important phytoplankton species and many are mixotrophic (correct)

They are crucial for the nitrogen cycle

What is the name of the unicellular parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans?

Trypanosomes (correct)

Diplomonads

Euglenozoans

Parabasalids

Which supergroup do brown algae belong to?

Archaeplastida Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of trypanosomes changing their surface protein to avoid host immunity?

Antigenic variation Signup and view all the answers

Which supergroup includes land plants?

Plantae Signup and view all the answers

How does the plasmodium move?

By extending pseudopodia Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of engulfing and digesting particles called?

Phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

In Dictyostelium discoideum, what happens to the cells that form the stalk of the fruiting body?

They die as they dry out Signup and view all the answers

What can mutations in a single gene in Dictyostelium discoideum lead to?

Conversion of cells into 'cheaters' Signup and view all the answers

How do 'cheating' cells in Dictyostelium discoideum differ from noncheating cells?

They lack a specific surface protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fruiting bodies in cellular slime molds like Dictyostelium discoideum?

To disperse spores for reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of noncheaters in Dictyostelium aggregates?

They deprive cheaters of the chance to exploit them. Signup and view all the answers

How might research on Dictyostelium aggregates contribute to the understanding of multicellularity?

By revealing how recognition systems can prevent cheating and promote cooperation among cells. Signup and view all the answers

Are all protists single-celled organisms? Why or why not?

No, because some protists, like brown algae, are multicellular. Signup and view all the answers

How does the classification of protists usually take place?

According to their cell structure, mode of nutrition, and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of photosynthetic dinoflagellates in coral reefs?

They provide food for coral polyps through photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What significant insight into the evolution of multicellularity can be gained from studying cheaters in Dictyostelium aggregates?

Cheating behavior can threaten the stability of multicellular structures. Signup and view all the answers