Question

a few unidentified seeds were found in a sealed clay jar during an archaeological dig. radiocarbon dating showed that the seeds were 725 years old. when the seeds were planted, plants grew from them. based on cell theory, what statements can confidently be made regarding these unidentified plants and seeds? ☐ both the seeds and mature plants are composed of cells. ☐ living cells inside the seeds divide to generate the new plant cells. ☐ molecules in the dead seeds assemble spontaneously into cells. ☐ the plants are made of cells, but their seeds do not contain cells.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option using cell theory (all living things are made of cells, cells come from pre - existing cells):

Option 1: Both the seeds and mature plants are composed of cells.

Cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells. Seeds are part of the plant (a living organism) and mature plants are also living. So, both the seeds and mature plants must be made up of cells. This statement is consistent with cell theory.

Option 2: Living cells inside the seeds divide to generate the new plant cells.

According to cell theory, cells arise from pre - existing cells. When a seed germinates, the living cells within the seed undergo cell division to produce new cells that will develop into the new plant. So this statement follows cell theory.

Option 3: Molecules in the dead seeds assemble spontaneously into cells.

Cell theory says that cells come from pre - existing cells, not from spontaneous assembly of molecules. Also, the seeds were able to grow into plants, which means the cells in the seeds were alive (or at least had the potential to be alive), not dead. So this statement is incorrect.

Option 4: The plants are made of cells, but their seeds do not contain cells.

Since seeds are part of the plant (a living thing) and all living things are made of cells, seeds must contain cells. This statement goes against cell theory, so it is incorrect.

Answer:

• Both the seeds and mature plants are composed of cells.
• Living cells inside the seeds divide to generate the new plant cells.