Question

A contractile vacuole helps protists eliminate excess liquid. This is a "pumping" process which reduces pressure inside the cell and prevents the cell from bursting. What is most likely the source of energy for this process?

a. DNA
b. ATP
c. Lipids
d. Ribosomes

Answer 1

b. ATP

The most likely source of energy for the contractile vacuole's "pumping" process in protists is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy currency of cells and is commonly utilized in cellular processes that require energy, such as active transport mechanisms like pumping excess liquid out of the cell using a contractile vacuole.

Answer 2

The source of energy for a contractile vacuole to pump excess liquid out of a protist cell is ATP, which powers the process of exocytosis to expel wastes and manage osmotic pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely source of energy for a contractile vacuole to pump excess liquid out of a protist cell is ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). This process requires energy to move water against osmotic pressure, and ATP provides this energy during cellular processes. Contractile vacuoles excrete excess water and waste through a process known as exocytosis, during which the vacuoles merge with the cell membrane to expel wastes into the environment. Freshwater protists, like paramecia, have contractile vacuoles to manage osmotic pressure and prevent the bursting of cells by continuously pumping out excess water they absorb from their hypotonic surroundings.