In a 2018 research paper, Dr. Elena Rodriguez examined the scientific community's initial response to CRISPR gene-editing technology. Rodriguez noted...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In a 2018 research paper, Dr. Elena Rodriguez examined the scientific community's initial response to CRISPR gene-editing technology. Rodriguez noted that many senior researchers questioned the technique's long-term safety. This concern can be seen when Dr. Patricia Williams states, _____
Which quotation from Dr. Patricia Williams most effectively illustrates the concern described in the text?
"CRISPR represents a significant advancement in molecular biology, with applications spanning from agriculture to medicine. The technique has generated considerable interest across multiple disciplines."
"While CRISPR shows remarkable precision, I remain deeply troubled by the possibility of unintended genetic consequences that we may not discover for decades. We simply cannot predict all the ramifications of such powerful interventions."
"Dr. Jennifer Doudna and Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier shared the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors. Their work has opened new possibilities in genetic research."
"CRISPR technology has been successfully used in clinical trials for treating sickle cell disease. Several patients have shown significant improvement following treatment with CRISPR-modified cells."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a 2018 research paper, Dr. Elena Rodriguez examined the scientific community's initial response to CRISPR gene-editing technology." |
|
| "Rodriguez noted that many senior researchers questioned the technique's long-term safety." |
|
| "This concern can be seen when Dr. Patricia Williams states, ______" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Rodriguez's research found that senior researchers had concerns about CRISPR's long-term safety, which can be illustrated through Dr. Williams' statements.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must express concern or worry about CRISPR's long-term safety
- We're looking for language that suggests uncertainty about future consequences or potential problems that might emerge over time
"CRISPR represents a significant advancement in molecular biology, with applications spanning from agriculture to medicine. The technique has generated considerable interest across multiple disciplines."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows CRISPR positively as advancement - no safety concerns expressed
"While CRISPR shows remarkable precision, I remain deeply troubled by the possibility of unintended genetic consequences that we may not discover for decades. We simply cannot predict all the ramifications of such powerful interventions."
✓ Correct
- Explicitly expresses being troubled by possibility of unintended genetic consequences that may not be discovered for decades - matches the long-term safety concern perfectly
"Dr. Jennifer Doudna and Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier shared the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors. Their work has opened new possibilities in genetic research."
✗ Incorrect
- States factual information about Nobel Prize - no concern expressed
"CRISPR technology has been successfully used in clinical trials for treating sickle cell disease. Several patients have shown significant improvement following treatment with CRISPR-modified cells."
✗ Incorrect
- Presents CRISPR positively through successful trials - shows confidence rather than concern