National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

Unicellular organisms that have a nucleus and can swim with cilia are examples of what?

1. Monerans

2. Plants

3. Fungi

4. Protozoans

The correct answer is: Protozoans

Unicellular organisms that possess a nucleus and can swim with cilia are classified as protozoans. Protozoans are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, and many of them exhibit locomotion through cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia. Cilia are small, hair-like structures that protrude from the surface of the cell and beat in coordinated waves, allowing the organism to move through its aquatic environment. This feature is characteristic of certain protozoans such as paramecia, which are well-known for their cilia. In contrast, monerans, which include bacteria and archaea, do not have a nucleus and are prokaryotic. Plants and fungi are multicellular organisms typically classified in other kingdoms. While certain fungi can have unicellular forms (like yeast), they do not have cilia or the same types of locomotion associated with protozoans. Therefore, the unique characteristics of possessing a nucleus and using cilia for movement clearly define protozoans as the correct answer.