Which of the following statements regarding protozoa is false? a) Some protozoa lack mitochondria. b) Some protozoa contain chlorophyll. c) Some protozoa are parasitic. d) Malaria is caused by a protozoan.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: b) Some protozoa contain chlorophyll.
Explanation:
Protozoa are a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms that primarily exist in moist environments. They are classified within the Kingdom Protista and exhibit animal-like behaviors, such as motility and heterotrophic nutrition, meaning they obtain nutrients by ingesting organic material rather than producing it through photosynthesis.
Statement a: “Some protozoa lack mitochondria.” – This statement is true. Some protozoa, such as Giardia lamblia, lack typical mitochondria. However, they may contain mitochondrial remnants called mitosomes. These organisms have adapted to anaerobic environments where traditional mitochondrial respiration is not necessary.
Statement b: “Some protozoa contain chlorophyll.” – This statement is false. Protozoa, by definition, are non-photosynthetic organisms. They do not possess chlorophyll and do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, they consume organic matter. The confusion may arise because some protists, such as algae, do contain chlorophyll and are photosynthetic, but these are not classified as protozoa. While some protists blur the lines between animal-like and plant-like characteristics, true protozoa are heterotrophic.
Statement c: “Some protozoa are parasitic.” – This statement is true. Many protozoa are parasitic and can cause diseases in humans and animals. Examples include Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebic dysentery, and Trypanosoma species, which cause African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.
Statement d: “Malaria is caused by a protozoan.” – This statement is true. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium species, which are protozoan parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasite multiplies in the liver and infects red blood cells, causing periodic fevers and other serious complications.
In conclusion, the false statement is b, because protozoa do not contain chlorophyll and are not capable of photosynthesis.
