Question

Clara wrote the following hypothesis for an experiment about acidophilic bacteria. Bacteria cells will stop dividing in a basic (alkaline) environment because of the high pH. Which statement is the best way to restate the hypothesis so that it is more specific? Growing acidophilic bacteria in some environments will cause the cells to stop dividing because of pH. If the pH of their environment is changed, acidophilic bacterial cell division will be affected. If the environment of acidophilic bacterial cells becomes alkaline, the bacteria will stop dividing. The more alkaline an environment, the less cell division will occur in bacteria.

Answer 1

Below option is the best way to rephrase the hypothesis written by Clara, since it provides all of the required information about the research of acidophilic bacteria’s cell division in an alkaline environment. It is stated in a more specific and clear manner, when compared to other given options.  

“If the environment of acidophilic bacterial cells becomes alkaline, the bacteria will stop dividing”.

Hope it helps.