Question Details

The cell walls form two thin overlapping shells in which group of organisms such that they fit together

Options

A

Chrysophytes

B

Euglenoids

C

Dinoflagellates

D

Slime moulds

Correct Answer :

Chrysophytes

Solution :

The correct option is Chrysophytes.

To understand why this is correct, let us break down the features of cell walls in different groups of protists:
1. Chrysophytes: This group includes diatoms and golden algae. Diatoms are characterized by unique cell walls made of silica (hydrated silicon dioxide). The cell wall consists of two thin, overlapping shells called frustules—an upper epitheca and a lower hypotheca. These two shells fit together tightly like the lid and base of a soap box. Because the cell wall is embedded with silica, it is highly durable and indestructible, leading to large deposits known as "diatomaceous earth" over millions of years.
2. Euglenoids: Instead of a rigid cell wall, euglenoids possess a protein-rich outer layer called a pellicle, which makes their body flexible.
3. Dinoflagellates: These organisms typically have stiff cellulose plates on the outer surface of their cell wall, rather than overlapping shells.
4. Slime moulds: During their vegetative phase, slime moulds lack cell walls entirely (forming a multinucleate mass of protoplasm called a plasmodium). Spores do develop true cell walls, but they do not form overlapping shells.

Therefore, the characteristic of cell walls forming two thin overlapping shells that fit together like a soap box is unique to Chrysophytes.

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