If you put an autotrophic Euglena species in pond water and placed it in the dark,what would be the most likely outcome?
A) It would produce an excess of photosynthetic pigment.
B) It would produce an excess of photosynthetic pigment and secrete excess sugar compounds.
C) It would die.
D) It would stop using its chloroplasts to synthesize organic compounds and begin feeding on organic material floating in the pond water.
E) Nothing would happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the absence of light, autotrophic Euglena species cannot perform photosynthesis and produce organic compounds using their chloroplasts. Therefore, they have to rely on other sources of nutrition. Since Euglena is a mixotrophic species, it can feed on organic material in the surrounding water in the dark. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that it would stop using its chloroplasts to synthesize organic compounds and begin feeding on organic material floating in the pond water.

If You Put an Autotrophic Euglena Species in Pond Water