Consider the following data: a) Most ancient eukaryotes are unicellular. b) All eukaryotes alive today have a nucleus and cytoskeleton. c) Most ancient eukaryotes lack a cell wall. Which of the following conclusions could reasonably follow the data presented?
A) The first eukaryote may have been anaerobic.
B) The first eukaryote may have been photosynthetic.
C) The first eukaryote may have been very similar to a plant cell.
D) The first eukaryote may have been capable of phagocytosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data suggest that the first eukaryote lacked a cell wall, but had a nucleus and cytoskeleton. These are characteristics that are consistent with phagocytosis, the process of engulfing and digesting other cells or particles. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the first eukaryote may have been capable of phagocytosis. The data do not provide evidence for choices A, B, or C.

Consider the Following Data: A) Most Ancient Eukaryotes Are Unicellular