A student hypothesized that if the concentration of a solute in a solution surrounding a sample of cells is increased, the number of shriveled cells in the sample will also increase. To investigate this hypothesis, the student peeled off the lower epidermis from four leaves to use as cell samples and placed the samples in separate Petri dishes containing solutions of varying concentrations of sucrose. After 30 minutes, the student viewed the samples using a microscope and counted the numbers of shriveled and unshriveled cells. The student recorded the data in the table.

Question

Based on the results, which statement correctly describes the rationale for whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected?
Responses

The hypothesis should be accepted because a large number of cells from each sample was counted.
The hypothesis should be accepted because a large number of cells from each sample was counted.

The hypothesis should be rejected because the number of cells counted in each sample was different.
The hypothesis should be rejected because the number of cells counted in each sample was different.

The hypothesis should be accepted because the percentage of shriveled cells increased as the sucrose concentration increased.
The hypothesis should be accepted because the percentage of shriveled cells increased as the sucrose concentration increased.

The hypothesis should be rejected because the percentage of shriveled cells showed little difference for 1%, 4%, and 8% sucrose solutions.
The hypothesis should be rejected because the percentage of shriveled cells showed little difference for 1%, 4%, and 8% sucrose solutions.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The hypothesis should be accepted because the percentage of shriveled cells increased as the sucrose concentration increased.

This statement directly supports the student's hypothesis that an increase in the concentration of solute (sucrose) in the surrounding solution corresponds to an increase in the number of shriveled cells, which typically indicate that water has moved out of the cells due to osmosis. The observation of increased percentages of shriveled cells at higher sucrose concentrations yields evidence in favor of the hypothesis.