Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 85: Answer and Explanation

Question: 85

In the early 1990s, a scientist found an extremely large virus that infected an amoeba. The scientist noted that the size and composition of the virus's capsid outer coating was very similar to the protein structure of the nuclear membrane of a eukaryote, which is an organism with a clear nucleus. The scientist hypothesized that the modern cell nucleus may itself have originated from a similar viral infection.

Which finding, if true, would most support the scientist's hypothesis?

• A. Confirmation that the same virus has successfully reproduced in a new environment
• B. Experimental confirmation that the inner components of a virus are similar to those of a cell nucleus
• C. Observation of the destruction of a large virus by specially-designed antiviral medication
• D. A scientific literature review that found other scientists investigating amoeba biology in recent decades

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) Experimental confirmation that the inner components of a virus are similar to those of a cell nucleus would give further evidence that the modern cell nucleus originated from a viral infection. Choices (A), (C), and (D) would not relate to origin of the cell nucleus.