A medical researcher has isolated a chemical from cigarette smoke.When the scientist mixes a small amount of the substance with living human cells,the chemical damages unsaturated fatty acids in the cells' plasma membranes.He is able to prevent this damage by adding vitamin E to the mixture of the chemical and cells.Based on this information,the scientist has

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chemical in cigarette smoke damages unsaturated fatty acids in the cells' plasma membranes, indicating that it is an oxidant. The addition of vitamin E prevents this damage, suggesting that the chemical causes oxidative stress. This experiment has only been conducted in vitro, which means it has been performed in a controlled laboratory environment using isolated cells. Therefore, the best choice is C, as it is the only option that accurately describes the information given in the scenario. Option A is incorrect because the experiment was conducted under controlled conditions. Option B is incorrect because vitamin E is an antioxidant, not a prooxidant. Option D is not supported by the given information because the experiment did not involve testing a cure for lung cancer.

A Medical Researcher Has Isolated a Chemical from Cigarette Smoke