A graduate student growing plant cells in a laboratory dish wants them to __________; therefore, the student treats them with cytokinins.

• A. enlarge
• B. become dormant
• C. grow roots
• D. establish mycorrhizal associations
• E. divide

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of cytokinins: Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that promote cell division in plant roots and shoots.
2. Identify the desired outcome: The student wants the plant cells to divide.
3. Connect the hormone to the outcome: Cytokinins are known to stimulate cytokinesis, which is the process of cell division.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The other options (enlarge, become dormant, grow roots, establish mycorrhizal associations) do not directly relate to the primary function of cytokinins, which is to promote cell division.
5. Conclude that treating the plant cells with cytokinins will encourage them to divide, aligning with the student's goal.