A student is using a microscope to observe samples taken from pond water. She notices something that she thinks may be a living thing. Which feature would BEST support that the unknown sample is a living thing?
Biology · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
The feature that would BEST support that the unknown sample is a living thing is the presence of cellular structure or organization.
Living things are characterized by a high degree of organization at the cellular level. They are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life. Cells exhibit various levels of organization, from simple cells in unicellular organisms to complex tissues and organs in multicellular organisms.
If the student observes structures that resemble cells, with a defined cell membrane or cell wall, cytoplasm, and possibly a nucleus or other organelles, it would strongly suggest that the sample is a living thing. This is because the cellular organization is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms.
Other features that support the idea that the sample is a living thing include the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and carry out metabolic processes. However, the observation of cellular structure is a key indicator of life and living organisms.