Question

Protozoa are

• A. unicellular
• B. multicellular
• C. eukaryotic
• D. prokaryotic

Hint:

Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic organisms, distinct from multicellular animals and prokaryotic organisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

Protozoa are classified under the kingdom Protista and exhibit distinct characteristics that are crucial for understanding their classification. Let us analyze each provided option to determine why "unicellular" and "eukaryotic" are correct.

1. Unicellular: Protozoa are primarily unicellular organisms. This means that their entire biological structure and function are carried out within a single cell. Unlike multicellular organisms, protozoa do not have specialized tissues or organs.
2. Multicellular: This option is incorrect for protozoa as they do not form complex structures made up of multiple cells. Protozoa remain single-celled throughout their life cycle, though some may form colonies that can be seen as a group of unicellular organisms rather than a multicellular entity.
3. Eukaryotic: Protozoa are eukaryotic, which means they have a true nucleus enclosed in a membrane, along with other membrane-bound organelles. This distinguishes them from prokaryotes, such as bacteria, which do not have a true nucleus.
4. Prokaryotic: This is incorrect for protozoa. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, which is characteristic of organisms like bacteria and archaea, not protozoa.

In conclusion, given the characteristics of protozoa, the correct options are "unicellular" and "eukaryotic." Protozoa, despite being single-celled, have complex cellular structures typical of eukaryotic cells, distinguishing them from prokaryotic organisms.