Question

which example best demonstrates the importance of sex (or genetic recombination) in protists?
plasmodial slime molds become dormant during unfavorable conditions and can only be revived by the fusion of male and female gametes.
in paramecium, if conjugation does not occur, clones typically survive only 350 rounds of cell division.
the vegetative cells of oomycetes lack flagella and need to enter a reproductive state in order to migrate to new hosts.
in paramecium, reproduction can only occur after exchange of genetic material.
euglenids produce new individuals primarily through binary fission.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Option 1: Focuses on revival from dormancy rather than general importance of sex/genetic - recombination.
• Option 2: In Paramecium, conjugation (a form of genetic recombination) is crucial as clones without it have a limited number of cell - division rounds. This shows the importance of genetic recombination for long - term survival and viability.
• Option 3: Deals with migration of oomycetes to new hosts in a reproductive state, not directly about the importance of sex/genetic recombination.
• Option 4: Just states a requirement for reproduction in Paramecium but doesn't emphasize the importance as strongly as Option 2.
• Option 5: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, so it doesn't demonstrate the importance of sex/genetic recombination.

Answer:

In Paramecium, if conjugation does not occur, clones typically survive only 350 rounds of cell division.