Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSentence Fragments

In the damp undergrowth of temperate rainforests, the ghost fungus (*Omphalotus nidiformis*) emits a soft, green glow. Because a chemical reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase occurs. This bioluminescence attracts nocturnal insects, which then spread the fungus's spores throughout the ecosystem.

Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    glow; caused by a chemical reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase.
  3. C
    glow, a chemical reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase occurs.
  4. glow, which is caused by a chemical reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase.Answer

Answer

glow, which is caused by a chemical reaction involving the compound luciferin and the enzyme luciferase.
The correct option resolves the sentence fragment by replacing the subordinating conjunction with a relative pronoun, turning the information into a dependent relative clause that correctly modifies the noun and joins the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion in context.
The segment beginning with 'Because' is a dependent clause. When punctuated with a period, it becomes a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
2
Evaluate the grammar of each option.
The option with a semicolon separates an independent clause from a non-independent phrase, creating a semicolon fragment. The option with a comma between two independent clauses creates a comma splice.
Eliminating grammatically incorrect options narrows the choices to the correct structure.
3
Select the grammatically correct option that integrates the clauses smoothly.
The option starting with 'glow, which is caused by...' creates a modifying relative clause that attaches correctly to the independent clause.
This forms a single, complete, and grammatical sentence.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Sentence Fragments

More questions from this topic