Which example best demonstrates the importance of sex (or genetic recombination) in protists?
A) In Paramecium, if conjugation does not occur, clones typically survive only 350 rounds of cell division.
B) Plasmodial slime molds become dormant during unfavorable conditions and can only be revived by the fusion of male and female gametes.
C) Euglenids produce new individuals primarily through binary fission.
D) The vegetative cells of oomycetes lack flagella and need to enter a reproductive state in order to migrate to new hosts.
E) In Paramecium, reproduction can only occur after exchange of genetic material.

Question

Which example best demonstrates the importance of sex (or genetic recombination) in protists?
A) In Paramecium, if conjugation does not occur, clones typically survive only 350 rounds of cell division. 
B) Plasmodial slime molds become dormant during unfavorable conditions and can only be revived by the fusion of male and female gametes.
C) Euglenids produce new individuals primarily through binary fission.
D) The vegetative cells of oomycetes lack flagella and need to enter a reproductive state in order to migrate to new hosts.
E) In Paramecium, reproduction can only occur after exchange of genetic material.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conjugation in Paramecium involves the exchange of genetic material, which is crucial for genetic diversity and long-term survival, as clones without it survive only a limited number of cell divisions.

Which Example Best Demonstrates the Importance of Sex (Or Genetic