Environment & Ecology Practice Question›› General Science ››
Biology
››
Coral Reefs and Zooxanthellae
M
Question 1
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Consider the following :
1. Most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic cells.
2. Photosynthetic cells are called zooxanthellae.
3. Zooxanthellae live within the tissues of the corals.
How many of the above are correct ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Explanation
Most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic cells called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues. The corals and zooxanthellae have a mutualistic relationship. This means there is a positive relationship between two things and both benefit from the relationship. Corals provide the zooxanthellae with a protected environment, and the coral polyp cells produce carbon dioxide and water that the zooxanthellae need for photosynthesis. The zooxanthellae use energy from the sun to turn the carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and help the coral to remove wastes.
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