An individual mixotroph loses its plastids, yet continues to survive. Which of the following statements best explains this organism's continued survival?
A) It relies on photosystems that float freely in its cytosol.
B) It must have gained extra mitochondria when it lost its plastids.
C) It engulfs organic material by phagocytosis or by absorption.
D) It has an endospore.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mixotrophs can obtain energy and carbon from both inorganic sources (like photosynthesis) and organic sources. If a mixotroph loses its plastids, it can no longer perform photosynthesis, but it can continue to survive by relying on its ability to ingest organic material through phagocytosis or absorption.

An Individual Mixotroph Loses Its Plastids, Yet Continues to Survive