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A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria, which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic. This discovery has generated excitement among scientists, as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.

SAT · English · previous-year question

  1. A.A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria, which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic; this discovery has generated excitement among scientists, as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.
  2. B.A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria, which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic. This discovery has generated excitement among scientists, as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.correct
  3. C.A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria, which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic; this discovery has generated excitement among scientists as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.
  4. D.A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic. This discovery has generated excitement among scientists, as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.

Answer

B. A recent study in the journal *Nature* found that a particular type of bacteria, which thrives in hot springs, can produce an enzyme that breaks down plastic. This discovery has generated excitement among scientists, as it could lead to new ways to dispose of plastic waste.

Explanation

The original sentence has a comma splice; the independent clauses are joined incorrectly. The correct punctuation uses a period, not a semicolon, after the independent clause "...breaks down plastic." This allows the two sentences to be correctly combined. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they also contain punctuation errors.

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