Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes protists?

Accepted Answer

Protists are eukaryotes that do not belong to the kingdoms of animals, plants, or fungi.

Question 2

Which nutritional strategy is NOT found among protists?

Accepted Answer

Obligate chemolithotrophy using inorganic compounds only

Question 3

What is the main ecological role of protists in aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They function as producers, consumers, and symbionts, forming a crucial part of the microbial loop.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between oomycetes and true fungi?

Accepted Answer

Oomycetes have cell walls made of cellulose, while true fungi have cell walls made of chitin.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotes evolved from prokaryotes by acquiring organelles through engulfment of other cells.

Question 6

Which of the following is a mutualistic symbiosis involving fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhiza, where fungi provide minerals and water to plant roots in exchange for organic carbon.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of filamentous fungi?

Accepted Answer

Filamentous fungi grow as hyphae, which may be divided by septa and collectively form a mycelium.

Question 8

Which of the following is a major advantage of sexual reproduction in fungi?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic diversity, enhancing adaptive potential.

Question 9

Which fungal group is most closely related to animals based on molecular evidence?

Accepted Answer

Chytridiomycota

Question 10

A patient develops a fungal infection after receiving a catheter and antibiotics. Which property of fungi explains their ability to act as opportunistic pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Fungi can survive and proliferate when the host's immune system is compromised.

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of photosynthesis in autotrophic protists?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of saprotrophic fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition of organic matter, including lignin and cellulose, releasing nutrients back into the soil.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of protists in the microbial loop of aquatic systems?

Accepted Answer

Protists consume bacteria and recycle nutrients, facilitating energy flow through the ecosystem.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the composition of fungal cell walls?

Accepted Answer

Fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin and glucan.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of mutualistic symbiosis involving protists?

Accepted Answer

Ciliates in the gut of cockroaches, aiding in the breakdown of wood and interacting with methanogens.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the genetic material of Streptococcus tauri, a protist?

Accepted Answer

It has a single nucleus, a mitochondrion, and a chloroplast, with approximately 9.5 million base pairs of DNA.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the evolutionary impact of fungi on Earth's history?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of fungi enabled the decomposition of recalcitrant plant material, ending coal deposition.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of mycorrhizae?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizae increase plant nutrient uptake by extending the root system and exchanging minerals for organic carbon.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the diversity of fungi?

Accepted Answer

There are approximately 120,000 described species of fungi, but estimates suggest there may be up to 12 million species.

Microbial Diversity: Protists and Fungi (General Biology Study Notes)

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard