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1(New) -
The second paragraph contains information describing the mechanism by which Toxoplasma is able to infiltrate the human body and remain undetected by the body's
immune system. We need to find an answer choice that reflects this.
(A) The paragraph does not summarize research that remains to be done. Instead, it discusses what has already been discovered.
(B) The paragraph does not present any recommendations.
(C) CORRECT. This matches our description of the paragraph.
(D) The paragraph does not introduce information about the role of Toxoplasma in human development. If anything, it introduces information about the role of humans
in the development of Toxoplasma.
(E) The paragraph does not mention any outdated scientific models.
2.The question asks us to infer something about Toxoplasma from the information given in the passage. When answering questions of this type, remember that GMAT
inferences are typically very close to the original text, although they never repeat information verbatim. Make sure to select an answer that is not stated explicitly but
can be inferred without making any additional assumptions.
(A) The passage does not suggest that the immune system will destroy Toxoplasma cells.
(B) The passage does not suggest that Toxoplasma collects in the lymphatic system.
(C) CORRECT. The passage states that Toxoplasma can reproduce only in a host cat. Therefore, any Toxoplasma cells that remain in the human body are not likely to reproduce.
(D) The passage does not suggest that Toxoplasma will be detected after several weeks.
(E) The passage does not suggest that Toxoplasma will be destroyed by pathogens in the bloodstream.
3.
We are asked to determine which one of the five choices is NOT true of Toxoplasma, according to the passage. In other words, four of the five choices are stated in the
passage and one choice is not. The choice that is not stated is the correct answer.
(A) The passage explicitly states that Toxoplasma can contaminate soil and water.
(B) The passage explicitly states that Toxoplasma enters the human body through contaminated food.
(C) The passage explicitly states that Toxoplasma alters the behavior of human dendritic cells.
(D) CORRECT. The word "incapable" in this answer choice is too strong; the passage does not state that the human body cannot detect Toxoplasma. Rather, it merely indicates that Toxoplasma does not trigger the body's immune system in the same way as other parasites. We have no information about the human body's ability to detect free-floating Toxoplasma cells.
(E) The passage explicitly states that Toxoplasma can breed in a host cat only.
4.
The question asks us to infer something about dendritic cells from the information contained in the passage. The correct answer must be based only on the information
contained in the passage. If any additional information is required to justify an answer choice, that choice cannot be the correct answer.
(A) The passage states only that dendritic cells are involved with the lymphatic system. No information is given as to the location of the cells' production.
(B) The passage states only that dendritic cells are common in the digestive tract. No information is given as to where the cells are most numerous.
(C) The passage states only that Toxoplasma infects dendritic cells. No information is given as to the proportion of the cells that are affected when a person is infected
with Toxoplasma.
(D) The passage states only that dendritic cells are capable of being infected with Toxoplasma. No information is given regarding any other types of cell.
(E) CORRECT. The passage states that Toxoplasma is capable of penetrating the barriers protecting the brain. The passage also states that Toxoplasma uses
dendritic cells as transport around the human body. Thus, we can infer that the Toxoplasma uses the dendritic cells to penetrate the barriers around the brain.
5.
The question asks us why the author mentions "pigs and chickens" in the final paragraph of the passage. The author mentions these animals in the context of
explaining how Toxoplasma enters the human body. Specifically, Toxoplasma enters the human body when humans ingest the meat of infected animals, "such as pigs
and chickens." So the author uses pigs and chickens as specific examples of animals that can carry the parasite.
(A) CORRECT. This matches our assessment of the passage exactly.
(B) The author mentions only "small rodents" as examples of animals that are eaten by cats.
(C) The author does not mention the dendritic cells of any animals other than humans.
(D) The passage states that cats are Toxoplasma's "sole breeding ground." Thus, the author could not mention the pigs and chickens as examples of animals in which
the parasite can breed.
(E) The author does not mention any animals at all that are immune to Toxoplasma.
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