Which of the following characteristics is NOT typical of plant protists?

The characteristic that is not typical of plant protists is the possession of roots. Plant protists, which include groups such as algae, are generally aquatic and do not have true roots like higher plants do. Instead, they may have structures that help them anchor to surfaces or absorb nutrients, but these do not function in the same way as roots in terrestrial plants.

Plant protists are known for their ability to photosynthesize, as they contain chlorophyll and can convert sunlight into energy. This characteristic links them closely to the plant kingdom. Their orientation towards movement is also relevant, especially in some types of algae that can exhibit movement through flagella or other means to ensure they access light or nutrients. Additionally, plant protists share ancestry with plants, as they are part of the evolutionary tree leading to multicellular plants. This evolutionary relationship underscores their shared characteristics and traits.