THE CORRECT ANSWER IS C. THE QUESTION ASKS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE...

26. The correct answer is C.

The question asks for the purpose of the passage. The passage

focuses on an experiment designed to challenge an existing theory

about bacteria. The correct answer must take the entirety of the

passage into account without misrepresenting its focus.

Choice A states that the purpose is to defend a scientific hypothesis

from attack by an innovative technique. This is not consistent with

the focus of the passage. Incorrect.

Choice B states that the purpose is to describe a process by which

bacteria can be trained to mutate. This does not take the entirety of

the passage into account. Incorrect.

Choice C states that the purpose is to present the results of an

experiment designed to test an established theory. This is consistent

with the focus of the passage. Correct.

Choice D states that the purpose is to argue against an established

protocol on the grounds that it is outdated. This is not consistent

with the focus of the passage. Incorrect.

Choice E states that the purpose of the passage is to challenge a

scientific technique used to prove a questionable theory. This is not

consistent with the focus of the passage. Incorrect