Question

Examine your graph and look for a pattern in the data. (a) Which cell type had the highest rate of oxygen consumption, and which had the lowest? (b) Does this support the researcher's hypothesis? Explain. (c) Based on what you know about mitochondrial electron transport and heat production, predict which rats had the highest and had the lowest body temperature.

Short answer

a) The cells with higher thyroid activity have a high oxygen consumption rate.

The cells with lower thyroid activity have a lower oxygen consumption rate.

b) The hypothesis is framed to predict the relationship between the thyroid hormone level and the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It supports the researcher's hypothesis.

c) The cell with higher hormone activity can increase heat production, and cells with lower hormone activity decrease heat production.

Step-by-step solution

Hormone and metabolism

The hormones are chemical substance that acts as a secondary metabolite that reaches the target organ to perform their function. Thyroid hormone is secreted in the thyroid gland, which maintains the body's homeostasis.

It involves maintaining the temperature of the body concerning the external environment.

Explanation of part (a)

Liver cells with the ability to produce three different levels of thyroid hormones are used in this study.

The cell type with the elevated thyroid hormone level corresponds to the highest level of oxygen consumption. In contrast, the cell types with the lower thyroid hormone level have a lower oxygen consumption rate.

Step 3: Explanation of part (b)

Heat is the byproduct of the body that balances the external climate. Heat production supports the process of ATP production that happens via the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This process requires the consumption of oxygen.

The endocrine system also facilitates it by synthesizing thyroid hormones. The scientist frames the hypothesis to test the relation between the thyroid hormone level and the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Step 4: Explanation of part (c)

The electron transport chain is associated with ATP production. The more heat produced will increase more ATP production activity. The cell with high thyroid hormone activity increases heat production due to the rise in mitochondrial metabolic activities.

The cell with lower thyroid hormone activity decreases heat production due to the reduction in mitochondrial activity.