A major function of prokaryotic gas vesicles is
A) to keep the cell's organelles separated during flagellar motion.
B) to serve as a reservoir for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
C) to confer buoyancy on cells by decreasing their density.
D) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic gas vesicles serve as a buoyancy aid for cells by decreasing their density. This allows them to float upwards towards the surface of the water where they can absorb more light for photosynthesis or where there is an oxygen-rich environment for respiration. They do not function to separate the cell's organelles during flagellar motion, nor do they serve as a reservoir for oxygen and carbon dioxide.

A Major Function of Prokaryotic Gas Vesicles Is