Question

Golden algae are a group of protists whose color is due to carotenoid pigments: yellow and brown. Most have two flagella

and all are photosynthetic. A group of students was given a significant sample of one of these (Dinobryon) that is colonial.
Their instructions for the project were to design two or more experiments that could be done with these organisms.

The students decide that for one of their experiments, they want to see whether the organisms can
photosynthesize. Which of the following is the best hypothesis?

A) If the Dinobryon are kept in the dark, one-half will be expected to die in 5 days.
B) If the Dinobryon photosynthesize, they must need no other minerals or nutrients and will be able to live in
distilled water and light alone.
C) If the Dinobryon are able to photosynthesize, the students should be able to extract photosynthetic
pigments.
D) If the Dinobryon can live > 5 days without added food, they must be able to photosynthesize.
E) If the Dinobryon can live without exposure to light for > 5 days, they must be able to photosynthesize."

Answer 1

Option C is the best hypothesis for testing Dinobryon's ability to photosynthesize as it can be directly measured and observed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best hypothesis for testing whether Dinobryon, a type of golden algae, can photosynthesize would be option C: "If the Dinobryon are able to photosynthesize, the students should be able to extract photosynthetic pigments." This hypothesis directly tests for a function of photosynthesis (the presence of photosynthetic pigments) and does so in a way that can be measured and observed, which is a key aspect of a well-structured hypothesis in scientific experiments.