Question

Suppose you are a NASA scientist, and a space probe returns with an object of unknown origin. Describe two tests you would use to help determine if the object could be considered living.

Answer 1

To determine if an object could be considered living, you can perform two tests: examine its cellular structure under a microscope and test for metabolic activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a NASA scientist examining an object of unknown origin returned by a space probe, I would use two tests to help determine if the object could be considered living.

1. Cellular Structure: One test I would use is to examine the object under a microscope to look for cellular structure. Living organisms are made up of cells, which are the basic structural unit of life. If the object shows clear evidence of cellular organization, it could be considered living.
2. Metabolism: Another test I would perform is to determine if the object exhibits any metabolic activity. Living organisms carry out metabolic processes, such as respiration or photosynthesis, to obtain energy. Testing for metabolic activity, such as measuring the consumption of oxygen or production of carbon dioxide, could provide evidence of life.