[Campbell Biology P.987] Based on the histograms provided, do the results of the experiment ... | Practice Question

Based on the histograms provided, do the results of the experiment support the researchers' hypothesis that inactivating mutations in the PCSK9 gene would lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels? Explain your reasoning.

  • A: Yes, the histogram for the study group (inactivating mutation) is clearly shifted towards lower LDL levels compared to the control group.
  • B: No, both groups show very similar distributions of LDL levels, indicating no significant effect of the mutation.
  • C: Yes, but the effect is only visible in a very small percentage of individuals, so it's not a strong support.
  • D: No, the study group actually shows higher average LDL levels than the control group.

Explanation

The hypothesis stated that inactivating mutations in PCSK9 would lower LDL levels. By comparing the two histograms, the green histogram study group with inactivating mutation is visibly shifted to the left lower LDL values compared to the orange histogram control group . This shift indicates that individuals with the inactivating mutation tend to have lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels, thereby supporting the researchers' hypothesis.