Which diatom genus produces domoic acid?

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Multiple Choice

Which diatom genus produces domoic acid?

Explanation:
Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by certain diatoms during harmful algal blooms, most notably by the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. When these blooms occur in coastal waters, shellfish that feed on the diatoms can accumulate the toxin in their tissues. Humans consuming contaminated shellfish can develop amnesic shellfish poisoning, which affects memory and the nervous system. The other genera listed are not the typical producers of domoic acid, so the best answer is the genus associated with this specific toxin.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by certain diatoms during harmful algal blooms, most notably by the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. When these blooms occur in coastal waters, shellfish that feed on the diatoms can accumulate the toxin in their tissues. Humans consuming contaminated shellfish can develop amnesic shellfish poisoning, which affects memory and the nervous system. The other genera listed are not the typical producers of domoic acid, so the best answer is the genus associated with this specific toxin.

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