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 elongated "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 of P. chromatophora is the heterotroph P. ovalis. P. ovalis uses threadlike pseudopods to capture its prey, which it digests internally. Which of the following, if observed, would be the best reason for relabelling 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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If P. chromatophora is observed to have a vacuole with food inside, it would indicate that it is consuming prey in addition to carrying out photosynthesis, making it a mixotroph instead of solely an autotroph. A pigmented central vacuole, a secretory vesicle, and a contractile vacuole do not necessarily indicate a change in its classification as an autotroph.

Use the Following Information to Answer the Question