Gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease.

Question

Gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease. Rather than altering the disease phenotype by using agents that interact with gene products, or are themselves gene products, gene therapy can theoretically modify specific genes resulting in disease cure following a single administration. Initially gene therapy was envisioned for the treatment of genetic disorders, but is currently being studied for use with a wide range of diseases, including cancer, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired diseases.

Certain key elements are required for a successful gene therapy strategy. The most elementary of these is that the relevant gene be identified and cloned. Upon completion of the Human Genome Project, gene availability will be unlimited. Once identified and cloned, the next consideration must be expression of the gene. Questions pertaining to the efficiency of gene transfer and gene expression remain at the forefront of gene therapy research, with current debates revolving around the transfer of desired genes to appropriate cells, and then to obtaining sufficient levels of expression for disease treatment. With luck, future research on gene transfer and tissue-specific gene expression will resolve these issues for the majority of gene therapy protocols.

Other important considerations for a gene therapy strategy include a sufficient understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder, potential side effects of the gene therapy treatment, and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy.

Gene transfer vector is the mechanism by which the gene is transferred into a cell. Currently there are at least 150 clinical gene therapy protocols worldwide. Since the approval process for these protocols is not as public outside the U.S. , it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of worldwide protocols. As of December 1995, 1024 patients had been treated with either a gene transfer or gene therapy protocol. Much controversy exists regarding how many of these patients have benefited from their gene therapy, and no one has yet been cured.

Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors. Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainty that lie in the immediate future. The financial interests of biotechnology firms and, some have asserted, the career interests of some gene therapists have encouraged extravagant, or at least overly optimistic public statements about contemporary gene therapy. In spite of the proliferation of protocols, the actual number of patients treated remains small, and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published as of this date.   1 
 E 
 1. In the passage, the author anticipates which of the following as a possible obstacle to the introduction of gene therapy to mainstream medicine?

A. Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest
B. The general public's difficulty in grasping gene therapy's vast potential.
C. Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms.
D. The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date.
E. Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware.

2 
 C 
 2. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as elements that are required for a successful gene therapy strategy EXCEPT:

A. Identifying the relevant gene
B. Expressing the relevant gene
C. Determining the side effects of the relevant gene
D. Understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder
E. Gaining and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy.

3 
 D 
 3. The author's attitude toward the gene therapy as a future cure for cancer, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired diseases is

A. Indifference
B. Disapproval
C. Amusement
D. Cautious optimism
E. Censure

4 
 C 
 4. The primary function of the fifth paragraph is to

A. Explain effects
B. Recommend actions
C. Identify problems
D. Evaluate solutions
E. Warn of consequences

KarishmaB · Accepted Answer

Main points of the passage:

Gene therapy is offering a new treatment paradigm - till now, "altering the disease phenotype by using agents that interact with gene products, or are themselves gene products" was used. New paradigm focusses on "modifying specific genes resulting in disease cure following a single administration".

What is required for successful gene therapy strategy? Identify genes, clone genes, expression of the genes...

Other important considerations are sufficient understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder, potential side effects of the gene therapy treatment, and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy.

There are at least 150 clinical gene therapy protocols worldwide, 1024 patients had been treated with either a gene transfer or gene therapy protocol. Much controversy exists regarding how many of these patients have benefited from their gene therapy, and no one has yet been cured.

Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors. Ordinary people may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future. Biotech firms have given overly optimistic public statements. The actual number of patients treated is small, and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published.

1. In the passage, the author anticipates which of the following as a possible obstacle to the introduction of gene therapy to mainstream medicine?

A. Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest
B. The general public's difficulty in grasping gene therapy's vast potential.
C. Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms.
D. The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date.
E. Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware.

What is a possible obstacle to introduction of gene therapy into mainstream medicine (in public) in the future? What will cause problems when gene therapy is introduced to public? (note the use of the word 'anticipates')
The question asks for what obstacles/problems/issues will be faced when gene therapy is introduced to public.

A. Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest

The author tells us that we are in initial stages yet and that biotech firms have given overly optimistic statements. But this is not an obstacle to introducing gene therapy in mainstream medicine.

B. The general public's difficulty in grasping gene therapy's vast potential.

We are given that the general public does understand gene therapy's vast potential.

C. Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms.

We only know that unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms have led to overly optimistic statements. No obstacles given.

D. The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date.

So we know that we are at the initial stages yet. But this is not an obstacle for when we are ready to introduce to general public. We need an obstacle we might face at that time.

E. Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware.

Correct. The author tells us that there is much public controversy. People do not understand the pitfalls and hazards. So this could be an obstacle in introducing it to public. We cannot introduce them to something whose possible repercussions they don't fully understand.

Answer (E)

aragonn · Answer

1. In the passage, the author anticipates which of the following as a possible obstacle to the introduction of gene therapy to mainstream medicine?

First step - Pre-think answer before looking at the answer choices. in last para, "Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors." rest para is all about identify these controversy. mark that author said "controversy" and not problems. means somehow public is not fully educated(aware will be better word) around this topic as of now.

A. Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest  - no such statement given. 
B. The general public?s difficulty in grasping gene therapy?s vast potential. -  close to what we thought but dont overlook "vast potential". wrong 
C. Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms. -  wrong 
D. The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date. -  wrong 
E. Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware. -   on the line.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. The author?s attitude toward the gene therapy as a future cure for cancer, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired diseases is

Difficulty Level:   600

Explanation

The statement of the question #3 suggests that only para 1 would be enough to answer the question but when we read on the answer choice we come to know that we must read complete passage to answer the question.

A.  Indifference - It means that gene therapy can not cure the disease while the whole passage discussed how gene therapy can cure the disease. So this option is rather opposite.

B.  Disapproval - Author never, at any point in passage, disprove that gene therapy cannot cure the disease rather he mentioned a few limitation of its wide level use.

C.  Amusement - No such discussion happened in the passage which leads to any type of amusement.

D.  Cautious optimism -  First para produces topic and introduction second and third para produces considerations for using gene therapy to control the disease and 4th para give us some limitation that why we cannot use it on a wide scale and how its use is limited and so is the caution. This is Correct.

E.  Censure - It is also working some how opposite than what is discussed in the passage. Out.

Answer: D

Hope it helps

Kanvi · Answer

hi
SajjadAhmad
please post the explanation of the question 1 . in my point of view hazard isn't an appropriate word , the author mentions that people are not confident due to the uncertainty . to me most appropriate is 1 d option although not even one option is perfect

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Remember one thing, on the GMAT we are not looking for perfection rather we are looking for the best among available options. I agree with you that the word " hazard " is a bit extreme with reference to the passage but we have to pick an option which is best among available and that is E, other 4 options are not even near to the answer.

The text in the passage

potential side effects of the gene therapy treatment  in second paragraph

Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future.  in third paragraph leads to the E as best option though not perfect.

Hope it helps

khanejadishant · Answer

1. In the passage, the author anticipates which of the following as a possible obstacle to the introduction of gene therapy to mainstream medicine?

A. Overly optimistic public statements given by scientists who have a vested interest - " The financial interests of biotechnology firms and, some have asserted, the career interests of some gene therapists have encouraged extravagant, or at least overly optimistic public statements about contemporary gene therapy. " - Assertion being the operative word (It has not been said to be true or corroborated by facts)- hence eliminated

B. The general public?s difficulty in grasping gene therapy?s vast potential. " Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy..." - (Paragraph 5) - hence eliminated

C. Unchecked financial interests of biotechnology firms. As explained in question 1 - assertion problem

D. The relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date. " Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors. Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future" - The author goes on to say in para 5 that - In spite of the proliferation of protocols, the actual number of patients treated remains small, and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published as of this date. - Putting it in other words - Because of the general public not being aware of the harms of gene therapy, the number of trials are less despite its proliferation - i.e. it is the effect and not the cause. - hence eliminated

E. Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware. " Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors. Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future" - Now this is the main cause

Hope it helps

TetianaSlavova · Answer

Can someone help with #4? I chose 4a because of "The financial interests of biotechnology firms and, some have asserted," etc. + fears of patients. It covers more point, than just problems.

4. The primary function of the fifth paragraph is to

A. Explain effects
B. Recommend actions
C. Identify problems
D. Evaluate solutions
E. Warn of consequences

ellewoods13 · Answer

My understanding: 
The fifth paragraph is basically trying to tell us that gene therapy shows a lot of potential but there are certain factors/ problems that are yet to be resolved. This is made clear by the following sentences. 
- "Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy, but the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future." - a problem 
- "In spite of the proliferation of protocols, the actual number of patients treated remains small, and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published as of this date." - a problem

It's not warning us of any consequences either. It is just making us aware of the problems that still exist. C is correct.

KarishmaB · Answer

2. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as elements that are required for a successful gene therapy strategy EXCEPT:

A. Identifying the relevant gene
B. Expressing the relevant gene
C. Determining the side effects of the relevant gene
D. Understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder
E. Gaining and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy.

Note key points of passages 2 & 3:

What is required for successful gene therapy strategy? Identify genes, clone genes, expression of the genes...

Other important considerations are sufficient understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder, potential side effects of the gene therapy treatment, and a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy. 
 
It talks about potential side effects of gene therapy, not of genes themselves.

Answer (C)

KarishmaB · Answer

3. The author's attitude toward the gene therapy as a future cure for cancer, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, Neurodegenerative disorders and other acquired diseases is

A. Indifference
B. Disapproval
C. Amusement
D. Cautious optimism
E. Censure

The author's approach toward gene therapy (for genetic & acquired disorders) is optimistic. He says, "Ordinary citizens as well as scientists easily understand the enormous potential of gene therapy."
But he cautions that we are not there yet and we don't understand the pitfalls.

So answer (D). The only one that makes sense.

KarishmaB · Answer

4. The primary function of the fifth paragraph is to

A. Explain effects
B. Recommend actions
C. Identify problems
D. Evaluate solutions
E. Warn of consequences

Paragraph 5:
Public controversy in the field of human gene therapy is driven by several factors. Ordinary people may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainly that lie in the immediate future. Biotech firms have given overly optimistic public statements. The actual number of patients treated is small, and only one genuinely controlled study of human gene therapy has been published.

The author gives the problems being faced in the field of gene therapy - people don't understand pitfalls, actual number of patients is small, only one genuinely controlled study yet.
Hence (C) is the best.

A. Explain effects
Effects of gene therapy not discussed

B. Recommend actions
No actions recommended

D. Evaluate solutions
Neither any solutions given nor evaluated

E. Warn of consequences
No consequences discussed. Only problems discussed.

bilawal_saeed · Answer

GMATNinja   AjiteshArun   AndrewN   egmat

In Q1, I can't find the part of the passage that refers to "mainstream adoption" of gene therapy

Secondly, Option D states that   relatively small number of controlled studies of human gene therapy published as of this date.
 . Without sufficient no of clinical trials, medicines and therapies do not get approval regardless of the public opinion. 
How is Option E better than D?

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  bhayanakmaut . This may be a case in which your knowledge (of real-world processes) is getting in the way of wisdom (here, to treat everything in RC passages and questions as though the information exists in a vacuum). Still, I am not overly fond of the question myself, which does seem to force us to make a leap to justify the OA, particularly when  mainstream medicine  is nowhere mentioned in the passage. If put on the spot, I would define the term broadly as "medical practice that is widely available."  KarishmaB  and   Sajjad1994   have offered better explanations than I could give.

My apology for the brief and none-too-helpful response. This inference seems a bit too farfetched for me.

- Andrew

Namangupta1997 · Answer

Hi  KarishmaB

Is the obstacle discussed in option E  the fact  that the general public is unaware of the hazards or are the obstacles  hazards themselves ? I thought the former so I eliminated this option.

KarishmaB · Answer

'Hazards' is not the problem. 
'Hazards that people do not understand' is the problem. In other words, we can say 'People do not understand the hazards' is the problem.

The obstacle is that the general public does not understand the hazards associated with gene therapy. They understand its potential but not its pitfalls. Then gene therapy cannot be introduced to them if they don't understand its ill effects. When you give a patient some medicine, you mention all the possible side effects and only when they are ready to risk it, do you give the medicine. With gene therapy, people don't understand the hazards and hence one cannot introduce it.

Obstacle - Gene therapy comes with hazards that people do not understand.

thakurarun85 · Answer

For Q1)

The passage says that " the former may not appreciate all the pitfalls and uncertainty"

Option E says " Hazards of which the general public is currently unaware."

seems like we are matching "unaware" with " appreciate " and " Hazard " with "Pitfall and uncertainty"

E seems to be absolutely wrong option to choose.

If not please clarify.

KarishmaB   Sajjad1994

KarishmaB · Answer

You don't have to equate or match in verbal. You have to find the option that relays the intent and is the best available option.

The passage says that the public does not understand/know the problems with gene therapy and option (E) gives a similar message. 
Since there is no other option that can possibly be the answer, (E) is correct.

PReciSioN · Answer

One way of thinking is that E says - obstacles of which the general public is currently unaware. If they do become aware of all the pitfalls, side effects, hazards their current high acceptance could go down. 
Can dismiss D by thinking that even though number of controlled studies is small, it could grow.

Though I am not fully convinced with this and don't like this question too much.

egmat · Answer

Question 2:

Here's how to approach this systematically:

Step 1: Identify the key paragraph 
Notice that the question asks about "elements required for a successful gene therapy strategy." The passage discusses these requirements primarily in paragraphs 2 and 3. Let's map what's explicitly stated there.

Step 2: Track each mentioned requirement 
The passage clearly lists:
-  "The most elementary of these is that the relevant gene be identified and cloned"  → This eliminates choice A
-  "Once identified and cloned, the next consideration must be expression of the gene"  → This eliminates choice B
-  "Other important considerations... include a sufficient understanding of the pathogenesis of the targeted disorder"  → This eliminates choice D
-  "a more in depth understanding of the target cells which are to receive gene therapy"  → This eliminates choice E

Step 3: Spot the subtle difference 
Now here's where you need to be careful. Choice C says "determining the side effects of the relevant gene." But look at what the passage actually says:  "potential side effects of the gene therapy treatment."

Notice the critical difference? The passage talks about side effects of the  treatment , not side effects of the  gene itself . This subtle word change makes all the difference - genes don't have side effects; treatments do.

Answer: C

This question tests your ability to distinguish between what sounds reasonable and what's actually stated. The test makers are banking on you thinking "well, of course we need to know about side effects" without noticing the specific wording change.

You can check out the  step-by-step solution on Neuron by e-GMAT  to see additional techniques for quickly eliminating answer choices and avoiding common traps. You can also explore other GMAT official questions with detailed solutions on Neuron for structured practice  here .

Gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease.

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Gene therapy offers a new treatment paradigm for curing human disease.

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

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Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

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