Living vs Nonliving Cells Practice Test

Two samples are viewed under the same light microscope at 400×.

Sample 1 (pond water drop): the view shows many small oval units, each surrounded by a thin boundary; some units have a darker spot inside.

Sample 2 (glass bead): the view shows one smooth, uniform piece with no repeating units or boundaries.

Based on evidence from the microscope views (cells), which sample is living?

A student uses a microscope to compare two samples under identical lighting and magnification.

Sample A (hair strand): the view shows a long structure with overlapping layers and no repeating cell compartments.

Sample B (cheek swab): the view shows many separate, flat shapes with clear edges (individual units).

Which sample is living based on the evidence?