Question

Opisthokonta includes animals and fungi, as well as protists. Describe the key feature of this phylum, and an example of how an organism in each kingdom uses this feature.

a) Flagellated cells; animals use flagella for locomotion while fungi use them for feeding.
b) Spores; animals produce spores for reproduction, while fungi use spores for dispersal.
c) Chitin; animals use chitin for support while fungi use it for cell walls.
d) Absence of chloroplasts; animals and fungi lack chloroplasts unlike protists.

Answer 1

Opisthokonta is a phylum marked by the presence of a single posterior flagellum in flagellated cells, which aids in locomotion and feeding across animals, fungi, and certain protists.

Correct option is c) Chitin; animals use chitin for support while fungi use it for cell walls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Opisthokonta is a phylum that includes animals, fungi, and certain protists. A key feature of Opisthokonta is the presence of a single posterior flagellum in flagellated cells. This is distinct from other protists, which typically have anterior flagella.

In animals, one example of how this feature is used is by the sperm cells, which use the flagellum for locomotion to reach and fertilize the egg. In fungi, the feature appears in a different form; for instance, Chytridiomycota fungi have flagellated spores called zoospores that use their flagellum for movement, aiding in their dispersal. In protists, such as the animal-like choanoflagellates, the flagellum is used for both locomotion and feeding. These protists have a collar of microvilli surrounding the flagellum which filters and ingests bacteria, a mechanism that is reminiscent of the feeding system found in sponge collar cells.