Which of the following unicellular organisms has a macronucleus for trophic function and one or more micronuclei for reproduction?
- Euglena
- Amoeba
- Paramecium
- Trypanosoma
Answer
(3) Paramecium
Solution
As per NCERT, ciliated protozoans (e.g. Paramecium) are aquatic, actively moving organisms because of the presence of thousands of cilia.
⇒ Ciliates are characterised by nuclear dimorphism: a large macronucleus controls trophic (vegetative, metabolic) functions, and one or more small micronuclei take part in reproduction (conjugation).
⇒ Euglena, Amoeba and Trypanosoma have a single type of nucleus.
Answer: (3)