Fungus-like protists feed via phagocytosis. Which description best fits this feeding method?

• A. Ingesting solid particles by engulfing them
• B. Absorbing dissolved nutrients through membranes
• C. Photosynthetic energy capture
• D. Absorbing inorganic minerals

Answer: (A)

Phagocytosis is bulk ingestion of solid particles by the cell membrane, wrapping around the particle and pulling it into the cell to form a vesicle. Fungus-like protists feed by this method, surrounding bacteria or other small solid food and engulfing them for digestion inside the cell. This distinguishes it from osmotrophy, which is the absorption of dissolved nutrients across the membrane; from photosynthesis, which is autotrophic energy capture; and from simply absorbing inorganic minerals, which doesn’t involve engulfing solid food. Therefore, ingesting solid particles by engulfing them best matches phagocytosis.