Final answer:
The null hypothesis posits no difference between observed and expected frequencies of interphase and mitosis, whereas the alternative suggests there is a significant difference. The chi-square value is calculated using the formula based on observed and expected values. The critical value is found using a chi-square table and comparing against the calculated chi-square.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question involving chi-square values, let's break down the steps:
Firstly, we need to state the null and alternative hypotheses:
- The null hypothesis (H0) would likely state that there is no significant difference between the observed and expected frequencies of interphase and mitosis in the onion cell cycle.
- The alternative hypothesis (H1) would suggest that there is a significant difference.
Secondly, to calculate the chi-square values, use the formula χ² = ∑ [(o - e) ² / e], where 'o' is observed frequency and 'e' is the expected frequency. Since we don't have the actual data, we'd calculate this by taking each observed value, subtracting the corresponding expected value from Table 3, squaring the result, and then dividing by the expected value. Do this for each stage (interphase and mitosis) and then sum the values to get the chi-square values.
Lastly, to find the critical value for the chi-square test, identify the degrees of freedom, which is typically the number of categories minus one, and then consult a chi-square table at the desired significance level to see if the calculated chi-square value exceeds the critical value. If it does, the null hypothesis is rejected.
Without actual values or a specified significance level, I cannot calculate an exact chi-square or critical value. However, this explanation provides the steps a student should take to perform their analysis.