Final answer:
The ED 50 is the dose that results in a significant response, which could be therapeutic or adverse, in 50% of a population and is a standard measure in pharmacology to assess drug efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of ED 50
The correct answer to the student's question is D. The ED 50, or Effective Dose-50%, is the dose that produces the desired effect in 50% of the population. This term is commonly used in pharmacology and toxicology to quantify the efficacy of a substance. The LD 50 (Lethal Dose-50%) is related but different, as it refers to the dose that results in the mortality of 50% of the population. The ED 50 is used to indicate the dose of drug or toxin that causes a significant therapeutic response or effect, including potentially adverse effects if they are the measured endpoint, in 50% of the subjects or test animals.