One of the most widely-discussed topics in the biomedical sciences in

Question

One of the most widely-discussed topics in the biomedical sciences in recent years is the potential of embryonic stem cells to revolutionize medicine. The use of these stem cells, however, is an extremely controversial subject that has aroused strong passions in both those who support the use of these cells and those who oppose it.

A stem cell is a type of cell that has the ability to split into a new type of cell; most cells in an adult human body can only grow cells exactly like themselves. The cells of a human embryo in the first five days after fertilization, by contrast, can become any of the approximately 200 types of cells found in the human body, such as nerve, bone, or muscle cells. This capacity is called “pluripotency.” After around the fifth day after fertilization, the embryo’s cells begin to specialize in certain functions and almost all of them lose their pluripotency. The reason biomedical researchers are interested in these early stem cells is that they could, in theory, be used to treat ailments of the heart, liver, nervous system, and essentially any other type of tissue at the cellular level, ushering in cures for conditions that until today have eluded medical science.

Opponents of embryonic stem cell research say that these potential benefits do not justify the destruction of embryos that could grow into human beings. They also warn against the morally questionable ends that stem cell research could lead to, such as the cloning of human beings or the creation in labs of human bodies solely for the purpose of harvesting spare organs. Many of those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells suggest that most of the medical wonders they promise can be achieved equally well with “adult” stem cells that are found in the bone marrow of adult humans and the umbilical cords of infants.

Biomedical researchers are currently exploring therapies using adult stem cells, but most insist that these later-stage cells lack the full pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, and therefore have a far more limited range of therapeutic benefits. Researchers also point out that there are thousands of fertilized embryos in fertility clinics that will never be implanted into a human womb; it would be immoral, some argue, to simply discard these embryos when their stem cells could offer extraordinary benefits to millions of living people today.    1 
 1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells.
B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.
C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.
D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.
E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.

2 
 2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.
B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.
C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.
D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.

3 
 3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells
B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research
C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical
D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research
E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter

4 
 4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail
B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network
C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells
D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button
E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments

GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension (RC) Quiz-II 2023   
   05 Days | 10 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT   
 Passage # 08  |  Date: 04 September 2023 
 Click here for more details and master thread

nivivacious · Answer

--

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells. 
 As briefly discussed in the passage summaries above, it does mention ongoing research ie the paragraph mentions that biomedical researchers are exploring therapies using adult stem cells. However, it doesn't elaborate on what these therapies might be or how they might be developed in the future - so no future possible research directions. The focus is more on the limitations of adult stem cells compared to embryonic stem cells, rather than on the specific research being conducted.

B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.
This is correct. In the fourth paragraph, biomedical researchers counter opponents' arguments by stating that adult stem cells do not have the full pluripotency of embryonic stem cells thus limiting their therapeutic benefits. They also argue that it would be immoral to discard the thousands of unused embryos in fertility clinics when their stem cells could potentially benefit many people. This effectively refutes the arguments presented in the third paragraph

C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.
 
 While the paragraph does contain some technical information, its main purpose is not to answer questions from earlier paragraphs.

D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.
 
 The fourth paragraph doesn't express the author's personal opinion on the best policies for embryonic stem cell research. Instead, it presents the viewpoints of biomedical researchers on the potential benefits of embryonic stem cells and the ethical considerations of discarding unused embryos. The author is neutral in this passage.

E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.
 
 The paragraph doesn't present a compromise but rather counters the argument made by opponents in the third paragraph.

--

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.
 
 The passage states, "Many of those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells suggest that most of the medical wonders they promise can be achieved equally well with “adult” stem cells." However, it doesn't say that opponents believe the promise is exactly the same.

B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.
 
 The passage does mentions that opponents believe the destruction of embryos is unethical but it does not imply they advocate for legal action against researchers.

C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.
 
 In the passage, opponents argued against the ethical implications not the potential benefits of embryonic stem cells.

D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
This is correct. Passage states, "Opponents of embryonic stem cell research say that these potential benefits do not justify the destruction of embryos that could grow into human beings."

E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.
 
 The passage states the opposite: "A stem cell is a type of cell that has the ability to split into a new type of cell; most cells in an adult human body can only grow cells exactly like themselves."

--

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells 
 B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research 
 C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical 
 D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research 
 E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter

---

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?
 
Small context: Pluripotency in embryonic stem cells refers to their ability to develop into any type of cell in the human body. This attribute is discussed in the second para of the passage (refer para summaries)

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail
 
 This is not an ideal comparison because while the lizard can regrow its tail - it can't transform into a different type of cell or body part.

B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network
 
 This too is not an ideal comparison, while the virus can replicate - it can't transform into different types of viruses or programs.

C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells
 
 This feels like a trap answer. While the skin cell can divide - it can only create more skin cells, not different types of cells.

D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button
 
 This is the complete opposite of a comparison. While the car can change form, it is still the same car.

E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments
This is ideal! Just like embryonic stem cells can transform into any type of cell in the body ("The cells of a human embryo in the first five days after fertilization, by contrast, can become any of the approximately 200 types of cells found in the human body") an investment can grow and be transformed into different types of investments.

---

PK1 · Answer

Para 1: Widely discussed topic on potential of embryonic stem cell usage in medicine. Contrast: Use of stem cells is a controversial topic.

Para 2: Definition of stem cell. Pluripotency concept in humans where cells take any one form out of 200, this feature ceases to exist after 5 days. Researcher's Interest in stem cells is because they could provide cure at cellular levels, never done before

Para 3: Opponents say potential benefits do not justify destruction of embryos that can develop into human and invoke moral questions. Those who oppose reasearch say that medical benefits can be equally obtained by using adult stem cells from adults bone marrow or from umbilical cords of infants.

Para 4: Research are exploring adult stem cell but insist they lack full pluripotency and hence have far limited benefits. they argue that it is immoral that embryonic cells cannot be used for millions of people's benefits when not everyone can be implanted

Main purpose: Author discusses both proponents and opponents views on most controversial yet widely discussed topic of embryonic stem cell usage

Author's tone-- He/She does not present his views on proponents or opponents side. It is objective as it uses strong passion in both those who support and those who oppose as stated in this line "The use of these stem cells, however, is an extremely controversial subject that has aroused strong passions in both those who support the use of these cells and those who oppose it."

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells.
-- The final paragraph does not discuss possible research directions for therapies ... rather it discusses about limited benefits and points out another moral decision to leave embryonic cells when it can offer far potential benefits

B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.
-- Arguments put forth in fourth para do refute arguments raised in third para. Third para says potential benefits do not justify destruction. Fourth para says if they will not be implanted then they will be discarded which is a waste. Third para talks about usage of adult stem cell but fourth para says it has limited usage because of limited pluripotency. Third para says moral angle of using stem cells to create clones or human bodies. Fourth para says it will be immoral to simply discard when they can offer extraordinary benefits.
 This is the answer

C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.
-- fourth paragraph does not present technical information about stem cell, it just elucidates researcher's point on limited usage because of limited pluripotency. Hence out

D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.
-- fourth paragraph does not represent any author's point of view. It just elaborates on the biomedical researchers point of view, both on limited pluripotency and on moral angle of not using it to have extraordinary benefits to mankind

E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.
-- It does not present compromise position between competing arguments on proponents vs opponents. It refutes opponents view presented in third para, hence out

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.
--"Many of those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells suggest that most of the medical wonders they promise   can be achieved equally well  with “adult” stem cells that are found in the bone marrow of adult humans and the umbilical cords of infants". Here it says can be achieved equally well , hence not sure but answer choice says offer exactly the same as if it has been proved or is a truth/reality... hence out

B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.
-- No trial for murder is discussed, hence out

C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.
-- Opponents do not dispute on possible medical benefits and say most of the wonders can be brought by using adult stem cells found in bone marrow

D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
-- Opponents invoke moral questionable ends for cloning of humans and for purpose of harvesting organs to cure presently incurable disease. Para 2 mentions that ".... be used to treat ailments of the heart, liver, nervous system, and essentially any other type of tissue at the cellular level, ushering in cures for conditions that until today have eluded medical science" . 
 This is the answer

E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.
-- "most cells in an adult human body can only grow cells exactly like themselves." this is presented in second para. hence pluripotency attribute shared by many types of cells is incorrect

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells
-- Author does not present any view on proponent or opponent. Infact author says it is a controversial topic with strong passion on arguments on both sides. So there is no support of research

B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research
-- Balanced view looks good but there is no enthusiasm shown by author as it just presents views/reasons from researchers on medical possibilities

C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical
--Balanced view looks good but there is no sympathy with those who consider stem cell research as unethical. Author just presents the views by opponents while presenting moral questions

D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research
-- Author never presents any view on proponent or opponent, hence skepticism does not come into picture. Hence out

E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter
--  This is the answer . disinterested means unbiased as well. Author's tone-- He/She does not present his views on proponents or opponents side. It is objective as it uses strong passion in both those who support and those who oppose as stated in this line "The use of these stem cells, however, is an extremely controversial subject that has aroused strong passions in both those who support the use of these cells and those who oppose it."

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following? 
Pluripotency: "The cells of a human embryo in the first five days after fertilization, by contrast, can become any of the approximately 200 types of cells found in the human body, such as nerve, bone, or muscle cells. This capacity is called “pluripotency.
After around the fifth day after fertilization, the embryo’s cells begin to specialize in certain functions and almost all of them lose their pluripotency."

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can regrow its lost tail
-- Here lizard discards its tail and regrow but pluripotency cannot be obtained as humans cannot regrow organs..also it means stem cell split to become new cell and they acquire anyone of the 200 different types, however here it is specific to growing its tail. Hence out

B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network
-- Here virus replicates indefinitely, however pluripotency once developed ceased to lose their pluripotency after some time. Hence out

C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells
-- a skin cell divides into two healthy new skin cells, however stem cell has ability to split into new types of cell. hence out

D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button
-- a car that can be converted into convertible at touch of button and can again reverted, which is not attribute of pluripotency. Also cloning isused not to convery into something new, hence out

E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments   
-- Pluripotency attribute is the ability of stem cells to develop into one of the two types types of cells . Similarly here investment can grow and transform into multiple different types. 
 hence this is the answer

0Lucky0 · Answer

BDBE

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells. -->That's not the only goal of the fourth paragraph.
 B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.  -->Yes, that's the purpose.
C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs. -->It does do that but it's more specific towards the previous paragraph.
D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research. -->It doesn't.
E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs. -->That's incorrect.

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells. -->No, that wouldn't be agreed.
B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder. -->Out of scope.
C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested. -->Not mentioned in the passage.
 D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.  -->Yes, that's it.
E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body. -->Out of scope.

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells -->It's not unreserved.
 B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research  -->Yes, that's correct, it's balanced.
C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical -->No, the author is not sympathiing with the opponents.
D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research -->No, the author is not skeptical.
E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter -->No, the author seems very much interested.

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail -->pluripotency means a part can become anything whereas a tail can't become anything.
B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network -->pluripotency means a part can become anything whereas a computer virus can't become anything.
C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells -->pluripotency means a part can become anything whereas a skin cell can't become anything.
D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button -->pluripotency means a part can become anything whereas a car can't become anything.
 E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments  -->pluripotency means a part can become anything so yes, an investment can also similarly become anything. Correct.

BDBE

Elite097 · Answer

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells.
That is only a small portion of the para

B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.
It is not refuting anything

C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.
No technical information is provided

D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.
Author's opinion is not presented

E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.
Yes compromise is discussed as both arguments favoring proponents and opponents has been arrived at

Ans E

Question 2

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.
We dont know if they are exactly same

B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.
It is said that they should eplore adult cells

C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.
Possibly since they think it does not offer benefits worth destruction

D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
Their views on ethicity are not presented

E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.
Not the case

Ans C

Question 3

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells
No support provided

B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research
No enthusiasm

C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical
No sympathy

D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research
Not skeptical

E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter
Correct. It is ibjctive and unbiased

Ans E

Question 4

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail
Not true as it doesnt grow into multiple different types

B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network
It does not grow into any type of virus

C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells
It is not somethign that is growing indefinitwly and also we dont know if it is growing into different types

D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button
This is conversion rather than growth

E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments
It divides into multiple types and then further grows in that form

Ans E

Catman · Answer

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

P1: Introduce that there is debate about the potential of embryonic stem cells to revolutionize medicine.
P2: Define what is stem cell and why the biomedical researchers are interested in it.
P3: Opponents argue about the morality of using embryonic stem cells. They mention that the same benefit can also be achieved by stem cells from other body parts.
P4: Conclude the opponents argument by saying that the research are going from other stem cells too. Also answers why it is morally justified to use the stem cells from embryos.

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells.  ~ No such future research directions for therapies are mentioned about the embryonic stem cells. Only the research related to other stem cells is mentioned and that too is found to have limited effect. 
B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.  ~ It extends the argument presented in the third paragraph. 
C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.  ~ No technical information about the embryonic stem cells is mentioned in this paragraph. 
D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.  ~ It shows the researchers opinion which may or may not be of the author's. 
E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.  ~ Correct, this paragraph answers two objections raised by the proponents 1) Using other stem cells- which found to have limited effect 2) Morality of using Embryos stem cell- They are anyways be discarded, so it is not immoral to use them for medical purposes.

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
 
A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.  ~Correct , this is in line with the proponent argument mentioned in the line "Many of those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells suggest that most of the medical wonders they promise can be achieved equally well with “adult” stem cells that are found in the bone marrow of adult humans and the umbilical cords of infants."

B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.  ~ Too extreme choice, they just warn against the morality of using embryos stem cells in research.

C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.  ~ They will not agree to this even if there is one crucial medical benefit, the research regarding this cannot be overruled.

D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
This is correct. Passage states, "Opponents of embryonic stem cell research say that these potential benefits do not justify the destruction of embryos that could grow into human beings."

E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.  ~ The proponents view about pluripotency is not discussed in the passage.

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as 
Author in the last paragraph shift the debate in favor of the arguments put forward for the medical research of the stem cell.

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells  ~ Author has a slight degree of inclination to support the medical possibilities. But he does not highlight that clearly. So he is not unreserved in support of the research.

B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research  ~ Correct, in the second paragraph author define the embryonic stem cell and in the last paragraph share the reasons of the researcher who supports this idea.

C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical  ~ Author is in favor of the research.

D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research  ~ Author in the passage not mention that he is skeptical about the arguments of the the researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research.

E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter  ~ Author is not disinterested in the subject matter.

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following? 
Attribute of pluripotency found in the embryonic stem cells -> The cells of a human embryo in the first five days after fertilization, by contrast,  can become any of the approximately 200 types of cells  found in the human body, such as nerve, bone, or muscle cells.

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail  ~ In this case the cells are growing only in 1 organ i:e tail
 
B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network  ~ Virus is able to replicate itself and not into other viruses.

C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells  ~ Cell is dividing only in two healthy skin cells. Division should be multiple.

D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button  ~ Car is converting from hard top to only convertible.

E. An investment  that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types  of investments  ~ Correct, the investment is growing into multiple different ways similar to the embryonic stem cell growing into different cells found in the human body.

pintukr · Answer

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

A. It discusses future possible research directions for therapies involving embryonic stem cells.
 Future possible research directions for therapies have been discussed in other paragraphs also; this is not the focus of last paragraph 
B. It presents arguments that attempt to refute arguments put forth in the third paragraph.
 reasoning in contravention to the views of opponents of embryonic stem cell research have been presented in the last paragraph 
C. It presents technical information about embryonic stem cells that may be helpful in answering questions that arose in earlier paragraphs.
 no specific questions outlined in the second and third paragraph. 
D. It presents the author’s opinion about the best policies for embryonic stem cell research.
 the author is balanced; doesn't give his opinion favoring either of the views 
E. It presents a compromise position between two competing arguments put forth in earlier paragraphs.
 the last paragraph doesn't offer a compromise between the two sides; rather it refutes the arguments put forth in the third paragraph.

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Adult stem cells found in bone marrow or umbilical cords offer exactly the same medical promise as embryonic stem cells.
 'exactly' is not the same as --- 'equally well' as depicted in the passage 
B. Anyone who engages in biomedical research using embryonic stem cells should be tried for murder.
 too extreme a view -- can't be inferred 
C. The possible medical benefits offered by embryonic stem cells are actually far less extensive than proponents of stem cell research have suggested.
 correctness can't be deduced using the facts presented in the passage 
D. It is not ethical for society to trade a potential human life for a potential cure to a presently incurable disease.
 this aspect clearly highlighted in the 3rd paragraph using these lines -- "...warn against the morally questionable ends that stem cell research could lead to, such as the cloning of human beings or the creation in labs of human bodies solely for the purpose of harvesting spare organs" 
E. Pluripotency is an attribute shared by many types of cells in the human body.
 'many' is not the correct qualification; rather its only few cells that show the attribute of Pluripotency

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

A. Unreservedly in support of research involving embryonic stem cells
 the author doesn't favor either of the sides 
B. Generally balanced, with a degree of enthusiasm for the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research
 the author is balanced; doesn't give his opinion favoring either of the views; at a few places, drops hints about the medical possibilities offered by embryonic stem cell research 
C. Generally balanced, with a tendency to sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research as unethical
 first half of the prompt is correct; however, the author doesn't sympathize with those who oppose embryonic stem cell research 
D. Skeptical about the arguments put forth by researchers who wish to use embryonic stem cells in their research
 no facts presented in the passage -- to show that the author is skeptical about the medical possibilities 
E. Objective and disinterested in the subject matter
 the author is clearly interested in the subject, as he presents the facts about the medical possibilities

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?

A. A lizard that, after discarding its tail to elude a predator, can re-grow its lost tail
 re-growth into a similar structure -- not comparable to the attribute of pluripotency 
B. A computer virus that can replicate itself indefinitely across a computer network
 replication of virus -- similar structure -- not similar to the features of pluripotency 
C. A skin cell that can divide into two healthy new skin cells
 division into 'similar' structures 
D. A car that can be converted from a hard-top car into a convertible at the touch of a button
 change of form --- out of scope 
E. An investment that can grow and be transformed into multiple different types of investments
 transform into multiple different types of investments --- comparable to the attribute of pluripotency

BDBE is the CORRECT sequence

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. The fourth paragraph plays what role in the passage?

Explanation

The fourth paragraph is primarily concerned with presenting the responses of biomedical researchers in favor of embryonic stem cell research to criticisms put forth by opponents of embryonic stem cell research; B captures this idea better than any of the other choices.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. According to the information presented in the passage, an opponent of embryonic stem cell research would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

Explanation

Choice D  is a fair paraphrase of the statement:  “Opponents of embryonic stem cell research say that these potential benefits do not justify the destruction of embryos that could grow into human beings.”

A  is incorrect because it overstates the case by saying that adult stem cells offer  “exactly the same medical promise” ; the phrasing in the passage is  “Many of those who oppose research on embryonic stem cells suggest that most of the medical wonders they promise can be achieved equally well with 'adult' stem cells…”  There is not support in the passage for  B, C, or E.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

3. The writer’s tone and presentation of the information can best be characterized as

Explanation

The passage is generally balanced, presenting the arguments of both sides without expressing a clear preference for either side, but it lets the proponents of stem cell research have the last word, and it characterizes the potential benefits of stem cell research with enthusiastic words like  “revolutionize,” “medical wonders,”  and  “extraordinary.” Choice E  is incorrect because the author’s use of enthusiastic words cannot be described as  “disinterested.”

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

4. The attribute of pluripotency found in embryonic stem cells is most comparable to the attribute of which of the following?

Explanation

Pluripotency is the capacity to grow into many different types of cells;  A, B, C,  and  D  are all incorrect because the things in question can only create or change into one specific kind of thing: a tail, an identical computer virus or identical kind of cell; a convertible car. The investment mentioned in  E , by contrast, can grow indefinitely and can become any kind of investment, from real estate to stocks to bonds. It is not a perfect analogy, but it is the best of the available options.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

OAs to this passage are also posted.

B D B E

OEs are also posted.

My rank on this one is:

1. nivivacious
2. pintukr
3. PK1

Hard luck for Catman.

Passages for day 5 (last day) are live now. Put your maximum efforts to be on top.

Good luck!

0Lucky0 · Answer

Hey Sajjad,
I was wondering why PK1 got rank 3 with three right answers and I got no mention even though I have all the answers correct with explanations?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

It is because PK1 got more points for his/her three right questions than what you get for four right questions.

0Lucky0 · Answer

catman got just 2 answers right, I got double of that right--all answers right-- but still I get less points than even Catman?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

No, He did not get more points than you. why I said hard luck to him is because he might have spend much time writing all those explanations while getting the questions incorrect and all his efforts go in vain.

0Lucky0 · Answer

aah, I see.

All good.

Thanks

One of the most widely-discussed topics in the biomedical sciences in

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

One of the most widely-discussed topics in the biomedical sciences in

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards