A study investigated the relationship between inner mitochondrial membrane surface area and ATP production in different cell types. Table 1 contains some data from the study:
Table 1. Inner mitochondrial membrane surface area and rate of ATP production in four cell types
Cell type | Inner mitochondrial membrane surface area / µm² | Rate of ATP production / mmol min-1 |
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Nerve | 210 | 0.9 |
Liver | 310 | 1.4 |
Muscle | 400 | 2.2 |
Skin | 150 | 0.5 |
A student hypothesized that the relationship between membrane surface area and ATP production is directly proportional.
Which of the following statements about the data and the hypothesis is correct?