Question

a microbiologist is in the process of classifying a newly discovered organism. its characteristics include: eukaryotic, unicellular, has a cell wall, autotrophic. which type of organism is it most likely to be? paramecium, amoeba, diatom, slime mold

Explanation:

• Paramecium: It is a unicellular eukaryote but is a heterotroph (does not produce its own food), so it is not the answer.
• Amoeba: Unicellular eukaryote, but it is a heterotroph (it engulfs food particles), so it is not the answer.
• Diatom: Unicellular eukaryote, has a cell wall (made of silica), and is autotrophic (performs photosynthesis).
• Slime mold: Can be unicellular (in some stages) but is a heterotroph (feeds on organic matter), so it is not the answer.

Answer:

C. diatom