[Campbell Biology P.668] Based on the "Evidence of Algal Ancestry" section and Figure 29.2, ... | Practice Question

Based on the "Evidence of Algal Ancestry" section and Figure 29.2, which of the following statements correctly describes a key piece of evidence supporting charophytes as the closest relatives of plants?

  • A: Both plants and charophytes possess linear sets of proteins for cellulose synthesis, unlike noncharophyte algae.
  • B: Charophytes and plants share distinctive circular rings of proteins embedded in the plasma membrane that synthesize cellulose for the cell wall.
  • C: Noncharophyte algae have circular rings of proteins for cellulose synthesis, which are absent in charophytes and plants.
  • D: Only plants have specialized proteins for cellulose synthesis, while algae lack these structures entirely.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'the cells of both plants and charophytes have distinctive circular rings of proteins embedded in the plasma membrane Figure 29.2 ; these protein rings synthesize the cellulose found in the cell wall.' In contrast, 'noncharophyte algae have linear sets of proteins that synthesize cellulose.' This unique shared trait between charophytes and plants is a key piece of evidence for their close relationship.