Which aspects of the biology of zooxanthellae are controlled by their coral hosts?
A) their cell wall chemistry
B) their population growth rate when free-living
C) the release of photosynthetic products from their cells
D) the rate at which they absorb sugars from their hosts
E) their mortality rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The release of photosynthetic products from zooxanthellae cells is controlled by their coral hosts through the regulation of nutrient exchange between the host and symbiont.

Answer: D
 The rate at which zooxanthellae absorb sugars from their coral hosts is also controlled by the host, as the availability of sugars in the host's tissues and the activity of transporters that move sugars across the symbiotic interface can affect the rate at which sugars are delivered to the symbiont.

Which Aspects of the Biology of Zooxanthellae Are Controlled by Their