You discover a green, filamentous multicellular eukaryote growing at the edge of a pond. How could you determine if the organism is a green alga or a plant?
A) Test for the presence of chlorophylls a and b.
B) Examine the cell walls to see if they are composed of cellulose.
C) See if the organism stores its excess carbohydrates in the form of starch.
D) Determine if the organism protects its zygotes.
E) Determine if the organism protects and nourishes its embryos.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The key difference between green algae and plants in this context is that plants protect and nourish their embryos, a characteristic of embryophytes. While both green algae and plants may have chlorophylls a and b, cellulose in their cell walls, and store excess carbohydrates as starch, only plants have adaptations to protect and nourish their embryos (embryophyte characteristic).

You Discover a Green, Filamentous Multicellular Eukaryote Growing at the Edge