Question

This taxonomic group of living organisms is primarily comprised of unicellular eukaryotes. The cells of organisms in this group have a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and include both autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms.
Which taxonomic group of organisms is described above?

• A. Kingdom Plantae
• B. Kingdom Fungi
• C. Kingdom Animalia
• D. Kingdom Protista
• E. Domain Bacteria

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Kingdom Protista

A. Plantae is the kingdom of multicellular and photoautotrophic organisms which grow indefinitely. The body is differentiated into root, stem and leaves. Mode of nutrition is autotrophic due to presence of chlorophyll. Cell wall is present which is made up of cellulose.

B. Fungi is a kingdom of heterotrophic organisms. Fungi have filamentous forms called hyphae.

C. Kingdom Animalia comprises multicellular organisms having eukaryotic cells. Cell wall is absent and the mode of nutrition is heterotrophic.

D. Kingdom Protista consists of unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Cell wall may or may not be present. A well defined nucleus is present. The cytoplasm contains a variety of membrane bound organelles like mitochondria, plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, etc. Mode of nutrition may be autotrophic or heterotrophic depending upon the organisms.

E. Domain bacteria consists of prokaryotic organisms which lack a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Mode of nutrition is autotrophic ( photosynthetic and chemosynthetic) and heterotrophic.

So, the correct answer is 'Kingdom Protista'.