Healthy individuals of paramecium bursaria contain photosynt


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: (1) if kept in darkness, the algae die, and (2) if prey items (mostly bacteria) are absent from its habitat, P. bursaria will digest its zoochlorellae. A P. bursaria cell that has lost its zoochlorellae is said to be "aposymbiotic." It might be able to replenish its contingent of zoochlorellae by ingesting them without subsequently digesting them. Which of these situations would be most favorable to the re-establishment of resident zoochlorellae, assuming compatible Chlorella are present in P. bursaria's habitat?

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Biology: Healthy individuals of paramecium bursaria contain photosynt
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