Question

A marine biologist discovers a new species of green algae, which, under the microscope, appears to be multinuclear. Which of the options is likely true of these algae?
a. It is coenocytic.
b. It is a complex multicellular organism.
c. It lives suspended in the water column.
d. It harbors parasites.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) It is coenocytic.

Explanation:

Coenocytic refers to a cell which is characterised by multiple nuclei in it. The multinucleate condition arises when the cell undergoes mitosis division in which only the karyokinesis takes place but no cytokinesis occurs.

Since no cytokinesis occurs, therefore, no cell gets separated and multiple nuclei share one cytoplasm.

In the given question, the green algae which are characterised by the multiple nuclei are, therefore, coenocytic algae like in the seaweed Codium.

Thus, Option-A is the correct answer.