Question

Which group is incorrectly paired with its description?

(A) diatoms—important producers in aquatic communities

(B) red algae—eukaryotes that acquired plastids by secondary endosymbiosis

(C) apicomplexans—unicellular parasites with intricate life cycles

(D) diplomonads—unicellular eukaryotes with modified mitochondria.

Short answer

1. The option “diatoms—important producers in aquatic communities” iscorrect.

2. The option “red algae—eukaryotes that acquired plastids by secondary endosymbiosis” isincorrect.

3. The option “apicomplexans—unicellular parasites with intricate life cycles” is correct.

4. The option “diplomonads—unicellular eukaryotes with modified mitochondria” is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Protists

Protists are unicellular organisms that are identified with the aid of a microscope. These organisms form symbiotic relationships between diverse organisms. They are eukaryotic creatures that exhibit the presence of a nucleus along with mitochondria in some of them.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Diatoms are protists that are essential creatures in the aquatic ecosystem. These organisms are found in a symbiotic relationship with coral reefs. The corals house them, and in return, these diatoms produce nutrients used for their growth.

Additionally, they are also used as a source of food by aquatic animals.

Thus, diatoms serve as an essential component of the aquatic community.

Therefore, the given option is correct.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Even though many eukaryotes evolved by secondary endosymbiosis, some eukaryotes like red algae evolved from primary endosymbiosis. This evolution did not occur from secondary endosymbiosis. These organisms that arose from primary endosymbiosis have evolved from free-living cyanobacteria.

Thus, endosymbiosis in red algae occurs through primary endosymbiosis.

Therefore, the given option is incorrect.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Apicomplexans are unicellular organisms that exhibit a very intricate life cycle. This is because these organisms have multiple stages, and they exhibit two types of reproduction. The types of reproduction exhibited include sexual and asexual reproduction.

Thus, apicomplexans exhibit a complex lifecycle.

Therefore, the given option is correct.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Diplomonads are unicellular protists that are modified. The mitochondria in these organisms do not exhibit an electron transport chain. Due to this, they do not take part in cellular respiration, and hence they derive energy from glycolysis.

Thus, diplomonads have modified mitochondria.

Therefore, the given option is correct.