Asked by aiden

When you use toothpaste, part of a protist is helping to smooth and clean your teeth. Which part of the protist and type of protist are most likely responsible for this benefit to humans?
cell walls; plant-like
flagellum; plant-like
spores; fungus-like
cilia; animal-like

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
cell walls; plant-like

Diatoms are plant-like protists whose cell walls (frustules) are made of silica. Fossilized diatom shells (diatomaceous earth) are used as a mild abrasive in some toothpastes to help smooth and clean teeth.