Assignment task: While gathering samples from a pond, you discover some microscopic balls. You do not know whether they are living cells, but they are too big to be viruses.
A. Which molecules (NOT ATOMS OR ELEMENTS) could you test for to determine whether these might be cells? - HINT: These should be molecules found in LIVING things but NOT nonliving things. Water is often found in nonliving things, so don't say water.
B. You put the balls into various nutrient mixtures to see what happens. What functions/behaviors might you expect to observe if these balls are truly alive? Base your answer on features shared by ALL living things, not just some!
C. Assuming you had access to an electron microscope, how could you tell whether these balls were prokaryotic or eukaryotic? Be specific!