Photosynthetic algal endosymbionts of the genus chlorella


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.


Which term accurately describes the behavior of Paramecium species that lack zoochlorellae in an aquarium with light coming from one side only?


a. negative chemotaxis
b. positive chemotaxis
c.negative phototaxis
d.positive phototaxis 

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Biology: Photosynthetic algal endosymbionts of the genus chlorella
Reference No:- TGS0101923

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