A spore is a small structure, usually a single cell, produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms. In the right environment, a single spore can develop into a new, individual organism. During observations of soil samples, scientists find tiny structures that appear to be spores. Which experiment could the scientists use that would best determine if these tiny structures are spores?
Answers
Answer:
My best guess is C
Explanation:
Choice A is false.
- Yes, we can indeed test for carbon and other macromolecules of life, but that doesn't necessarily prove that these tiny structures are spores. Also, water and salt are nonliving, so the explanation itself is wrong.
Choice B is false.
- We can place the sample into the water, but almost anything will change shape or mass once placed into an aqueous solution, which isn't the best choice.
Choice C is correct.
- All living cells come from pre-existing cells is part of the cell theory. Reproduction, whether sexual or asexual, is one of the characteristics of living things. I am pretty sure that spores are living things as they are only being inactive for the time being. Therefore, this might be the best possible experiment to determine whether they are spores or not.
Choice D is false.
- Everything is composed of atoms, so you determine anything by doing that. Moreover, a high-powered microscope (light) cannot see something as small as an atom -- only an electron microscope can see that.
Hope that helps.