Question

a scientist would like to demonstrate that cells are the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. which of the following experiments should she perform?

a. add several seeds to pots with soil and monitor the growth of the plants

b. place individual cells in a petri dish with food and monitor their ability to grow

c. observe whether organisms appear in a sealed container of broth after it is boiled

d. observe samples of plant tissue under a microscope at a high magnification

Explanation:

To demonstrate cells are the basic unit of living organisms, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Monitoring plant growth from seeds doesn't directly show cells as the basic unit, as it focuses on whole - plant growth.
• Option B: Placing individual cells in a Petri dish and monitoring growth shows that cells can function independently (grow), which supports the idea that cells are the basic functional unit.
• Option C: This experiment (broth in a sealed container after boiling) is related to the theory of spontaneous generation, not to showing cells as the basic unit of living organisms.
• Option D: Observing plant tissue under a microscope at high magnification can show cells, but it doesn't demonstrate their functional aspect as well as option B does.

Answer:

B. place individual cells in a Petri dish with food and monitor their ability to grow