Question

a scientist thinks that a certain chemical is a mutagen. she exposes plant cells to a large amount of this chemical in the laboratory. which statement best provides evidence that the substance is a mutagen? the cells die within hours of being exposed to the chemical. the cells grow more quickly than those that were not exposed to the chemical. the cells change after being exposed to the chemical, and this change is passed to the next generation of cells. the cells continue to divide at the same rate as before they were exposed to the chemical.

Explanation:

A mutagen is a substance that causes a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. If the change is passed on to the next generation of cells, it indicates a genetic mutation. Cell death or increased growth rate does not necessarily imply a genetic mutation. Cells continuing to divide at the same rate also does not show a genetic change. Only when the cells change and this change is heritable (passed to the next generation) does it provide evidence of a mutagen - induced genetic mutation.

Answer:

The cells change after being exposed to the chemical, and this change is passed to the next generation of cells.