Although choanoflagellates are fundamentally unicellular organisms, they possess genes that code for cadherins and integrins. Which of the following hypotheses regarding the function of these molecules in choanoflagellates is supported by laboratory experiments?
A)Choanoflagellates use adhesion molecules to help capture bacterial prey.
B)The genes are not actually expressed and are simply vestiges of an ancestor that used cadherins and integrins for adhesion.
C)Cadherins and integrins are used for cell adhesion during the formation of temporary multicellular structures to defend against predators.
D)Cadherins and integrins are used for cell adhesion during the formation of complex multicellular structures that are resistant to freezing temperatures.
E)Choanoflagellates are parasites and use cadherins to attach to host organisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Laboratory experiments have shown that choanoflagellates use their adhesion molecules, cadherins and integrins, to help capture bacterial prey. This indicates that these molecules play a functional role in the feeding behavior of choanoflagellates.

Although Choanoflagellates Are Fundamentally Unicellular Organisms, They Possess Genes That