In the following data table of an experiment carried out at 4°C (39.2 F) over 4 hours

Solution in bag	Solution outside bag	Bag mass change (g):
water	Water	-0.2
20% sucrose	Water	+2.4
, 40% sucrose	Water	+4.3
, 60% sucrose	water	+5.8

Which of the following options represents the dependent variable?

In an experiment, the dependent variable is the variable that is being measured and is expected to change in response to changes in the independent variable(s).

In this case, the bag mass change is being measured and is expected to change in response to changes in the independent variable (sucrose concentration).

Choice A is incorrect because duration is not a variable in this experiment.

Choice B is incorrect because temperature is not a variable in this experiment.

Choice D is incorrect because sucrose concentration is an independent variable, not a dependent variable.

An independent variable is a variable that is manipulated by the experimenter to see how it affects the dependent variable.

Reverse transcriptase is a virus-specific enzyme that transcribes an RNA template to DNA1.

This allows the AIDS virus, which contains RNA, to insert viral DNA into the DNA of a host cell after the AIDS virus enters the cell.

Choice A, The phospholipids found on the envelope of the virus, is not the correct answer because phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes and do not play a direct role in inserting viral DNA into the DNA of a host cell.

Choice C, Receptor proteins located on the surface of the virus, is not the correct answer because receptor proteins located on the surface of the virus play a role in attachment and fusion of HIV virons to host cells2, but do not play a direct role in inserting viral DNA into the DNA of a host cell.

Choice D, The protein that makes up the capsid of the virus, is not the correct answer because capsid is the outer protein shell of a virus and does not play a direct role in inserting viral DNA into the DNA of a host cell.