Question 13

(Multiple Choice)

Use the following information to answer the question.
Paulinella chromatophora is one of the few cercozoans that is autotrophic, carrying out aerobic photosynthesis with its two specialized structures called "chromatophores." The chromatophores are contained within vesicles of the host cell, and each is derived from a cyanobacterium, though not the same type of cyanobacterium that gave rise to the chloroplasts of algae and plants.
The closest living relative to P. chromatophora is the heterotroph P. ovalis. P. ovalis uses threadlike pseudopods to capture its prey, which it digests internally. Which of the following characteristics, if observed, would be the best reason for reclassifying P. chromatophora as a mixotroph instead of an autotroph?


A) a pigmented central vacuole, surrounded by a nucleomorph
B) a vacuole with food inside
C) a secretory vesicle
D) a contractile vacuole

Answer