Answers are in
bold.
1. The main function of Paragraph 3 is to
A. examine the need for technicians to be involved in PCR
B. suggest why PCR is not a good method for DNA copying
C. present an alternative to PCR for genetic research
D. explain a problem confronted during the development of PCRE. identify the complications behind PCR and suggest alternative means
Explanation of question 1Paragraph 3 explains how a problem is confronted, and how it is dealt with. Therefore D perfectly fits as a good answer. Lets discuss why the others are not -
A - Too specific.
B - PCR IS a good method.
C - Author presents how PCR is used to copy DNA, not an alternative.
E - not just complications, too narrow.
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2. The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?
A. PCR is, not error-free, but is as close to flawless as it can possibly be.
B. PCR was introduced for the sole purpose of making technicians' jobs easier.
C. Until PCR, the field of genetics could not exist.
D. PCR made the heating of DNA samples less important.
E. Natural processes can be harnessed for scientific purposes.Explanation of question 2For this question choices A and E are close.
A - this is actually a trap answer. Although it is true that PCR is NOT error free, but no mention of it being FLAWLESS is mentioned. So we do not know for certain that if the author agrees with this statement or not.
E - This is true that natural processes can be harnessed for scientific purposes. It is explicitly explained by the author in the passage how method of DNA copying is done using natural processes.
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3. The author implies that PCR contributed to genetics in all of the following ways EXCEPT for
A. allowing for easy multiple copying of a segment of DNA
B. removing scientists' anxiety about destroying DNA samples
C. eliminating altogether the need to add new enzymes during copyingD. streamlining the process of DNA copying
E. making the copying process workable with minimal human involvement
Explanation of question 3This is an EXCEPT question. So we need to find 4 right choices, the one left behind is our answer. The word 'altogether' is not correct. It says that it has reduced the number of addition of enzymes, but altogether eliminationg, no.
A - mentioned in the passage
B - yup, anxiety is reduced by simplifying process
D - Yes, here - "Using the new process, 1. DNA is
heated, 2.
unwound, 3.
replicated, and 4.
reassembled over and over automatically." Perfect case iof streamlining.
E - Yup in the last paragraph.
Therefoe, C is our answer.
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4. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. compare two different methods of copying DNA
B. explain the process of PCR and its invention and evolutionC. describe how Kary Mullis came up with the idea for PCR
D. demonstrate the difficulty of copying DNA
E. explore the role of heat and enzymes in DNA replication
Explanation of question 4For primary purpose questions I write down the tone of the passages. Its clear that the author is trying to first introduce a specific process - here PCR. Then he goes on with its history, problems it faced, solutions to the problems and finally concluding by saying it is a monumental discovery to the world of genetics. So he is basically describing the
evolution of the process of PCR. Choice B perfectly fits as our answer.
We will still revisiti the other choices -
A - Not just comparing 2 methods, too narrow.
C - Again too narrow
D - Again, only one part of the passage, too narrow.
E - Again very specific, too narrow.