Question

Plant cell walls are composed of cellulose, while fungal cell walls are composed of chitin. A group of scientists hypothesize that despite their biochemical differences, cellulose in fungal cell walls serves similar functions. Which of the following observations would best support the alternative hypothesis described here?

A. Experimental data showing similar structural features in plant and fungal cells.
B. Evidence of cellulose synthesis in fungal cells.
C. Observations of fungal cells lacking a cell wall.
D. Studies demonstrating the complete absence of cellulose in fungal cell walls.

Answer 1

To support the hypothesis that cellulose in fungal cell walls serves similar functions as in plant cell walls, evidence of cellulose synthesis in fungal cells would be the best observation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The alternative hypothesis states that despite their biochemical differences, cellulose in fungal cell walls serves similar functions. To support this hypothesis, the best observation would be evidence of cellulose synthesis in fungal cells (option B), as it would indicate that fungal cell walls can perform similar functions to plant cell walls. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls, so if fungal cells are able to synthesize cellulose, it suggests that they may serve similar purposes, such as providing structural support or protection.