Question

DNA is the genetic material that makes up living things, and folic acid plays an important role in the formation of DNA. Jon wants to study the effect of folic acid on DNA formation in microbes. Which statement accurately describe the variables in this study?

Answer 1

The variables in this study would be the folic acid used (the independent variable) and the DNA formed through the implementation (the dependent variable). By changing the amount of folic acid used in the experiment, the DNA will possibly be changed in the microbes.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option (C) The amount of folic acid is the independent variable, and the DNA synthesized is the dependent variable.

DNA or the deoxyribonucleic acid is made up of the nitrogenous bases called the purines and pyrimidines. Folic acid or the vitamin B9 is essential for the synthesis of these nitrogen bases of the DNA. A scientific experiment conducted always has two parameters, a dependent and a independent variable. A dependent variable in an experiment is a variable which is being tested and measured. In the experiment Jon is conducting, the amount of DNA becomes an dependent variable which is being tested and measured in presence of folic acid.  An independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is changed or controlled in the scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable. Here, folic acid becomes an independent variable as the amount of it is varied and tested to check the formation on DNA in bacteria.  Thus, an independent variable always changes to check its effect on the dependent variable.