Question

when you use toothpaste, part of a protist is helping to smooth and clean your teeth. which part of the protist and type of protist are most likely responsible for this benefit to humans?
cell walls; plant - like
flagellum; plant - like
spores; fungus - like
cilia; animal - like

Explanation:

• Cell walls (plant - like protists): Plant - like protists (algae) have cell walls. Some algae - derived materials (e.g., diatomaceous earth from diatoms, a type of plant - like protist with silica - based cell walls) can be abrasive. Abrasive materials in toothpaste help smooth and clean teeth by removing plaque and surface stains.
• Flagellum (plant - like protists): Flagella are used for movement. They do not have an abrasive function relevant to tooth - cleaning.
• Spores (fungus - like protists): Spores are for reproduction in fungus - like protists (e.g., slime molds). They are not used for cleaning or smoothing teeth.
• Cilia (animal - like protists): Cilia are used for movement (e.g., in paramecium). They do not have an abrasive property for tooth - cleaning.

Answer:

cell walls; plant - like