Derek was observing a specimen using a microscope. He observed a single cell on the slide. He noticed it was round in shape, with a nucleus in the middle of the cell, and a structure that the cell could use to move around. Derek concluded he was looking at an animal cell. His lab partner James disagreed and insisted that they were observing a unicellular protist. Who is correct, and which piece of evidence supports the correct claim?

Question

Derek was observing a specimen using a microscope. He observed a single cell on the slide. He noticed it was round in shape, with a nucleus in the middle of the cell, and a structure that the cell could use to move around. Derek concluded he was looking at an animal cell. His lab partner James disagreed and insisted that they were observing a unicellular protist. Who is correct, and which piece of evidence supports the correct claim?

(1 point)
Responses

Derek; the cell has a nucleus and cell membrane
Derek; the cell has a nucleus and cell membrane

James; the cell was isolated by itself on the slide
James; the cell was isolated by itself on the slide

Derek; the cell is round in shape
Derek; the cell is round in shape

James; the cell has a structure that allows it to move independently
James; the cell has a structure that allows it to move independently

Answer 1

James is correct. The piece of evidence that supports James's claim is that the cell has a structure that allows it to move independently. This suggests that it is a unicellular organism, such as a protist, that is capable of independent movement. The presence of a nucleus and cell membrane, which Derek mentioned, can be found in both animal cells and protists, so it does not provide a definitive answer.