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Healthy individuals of Paramecium bursaria contain photosynthetic algal endosymbionts of the genus Chlorella. When within their hosts, the algae are referred to as zoochlorellae. In aquaria with light coming from only one side, P. bursaria gathers at the well-lit side, whereas other species of Paramecium gather at the opposite side. The zoochlorellae provide their hosts with glucose and oxygen, and P. bursaria provides its zoochlorellae with protection and motility. P. bursaria can lose its zoochlorellae in two ways: (1) if kept in darkness, the algae will die; and (2) if prey items (mostly bacteria) are absent from its habitat, P. bursaria will digest its zoochlorellae.
-Which term most accurately describes the nutritional mode of healthy P. bursaria?
A) photoautotroph
B) photoheterotroph
C) chemoheterotroph
D) chemoautotroph
E) mixotroph

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

P. bursaria is a mixotroph because it combines photosynthesis (through its symbiotic algae) for energy and carbon compounds, and heterotrophy by consuming prey items, thus integrating both autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

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