Question

A team of biologists using an underwater exploration submarine finds a living unicellular organism. Using the robots tools, they discover that the organism's cell membrane is different than any found in the area. Scientist's want to determine whether the cells membrane has anything that performs the same function as a protein pump in other cells. Which investigation design provided the BEST information to answer the research question being asked?

A.
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B.
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C.
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D.
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Answer 1

I can’t see the images you pasted. To pick the best design I need you to upload the four diagrams or describe each option.

If you want to judge them yourself, use this criterion: the question asks whether the membrane has something that performs the same function as a protein pump → you need to test for active transport (movement against a concentration gradient that requires metabolic energy). The best investigation will therefore:

- Measure movement of an ion or molecule across the membrane against its concentration gradient (i.e., net uptake into the cell when external concentration is lower), AND
- Include a condition that removes or blocks metabolic energy (for example no ATP, or addition of a metabolic inhibitor) as a control to show the process is energy-dependent.

So the best-designed experiment will compare transport in an energy-present condition versus an energy-blocked condition (or show transport against a gradient). If you post or describe the four images I’ll pick the correct letter and explain why.