The venom from snakes and insects has been found to be useful for a

Question

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Passage # 44, Date: 22-Apr-2020
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The venom from snakes and insects has been found to be useful for a wide variety of purposes. While the most common of these, antivenom, is fairly well-known, other applications include explosives detection, chemical marking, and therapeutic utility beyond that of the treatment of the bite itself. One of the components of venom, peptides, has been found useful in the investigation of cellular communication, in the study of evolutionary origins, and as a potential active agent in medicines. The venom of the Terebridae family of marine snails, used by these snails to paralyze prey, contains over 100 different peptides and may be a valuable source of new pharmaceuticals.

Although the peptides in the venom of cone snails have been researched over the last three decades, those of the terebrid snail have not, largely due to the minuscule amounts of venom the small terebrids produce. In an attempt to resolve this problem, Mandé Holford, a biochemist at Hunter College and the American Museum of Natural History, and her team are researching methods to produce sufficient quantities of terebrid peptides via recombinant strategies and seem to have successfully synthesized the terebrid peptide, teretoxin Tgu6.1, from Terebra guttata. With the use of new technologies in molecular biology such as DNA and RNA sequencing and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy that produced a significant amount of peptides, which were then tested for bioactivity. The worm Nereis virens was injected with the synthesized peptide and, ten minutes later, was partially paralyzed. While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1, the initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins may make the venom peptides of these snails available for new uses.    1 
 1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology
B. indicates that new therapeutic agents will be synthesized from terebrid venom
C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified
D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become economically feasible
E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides

2 
 2. The author discusses the  worm Nereis virens  primarily in order to

A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does
B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin
C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team
D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals
E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin

3 
 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology
B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem
C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal
D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research
E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries

ksht · Answer

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work
 A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology  - Correct - as study was not possible for last three decades but recently with the use of new technologies in molecular biology such as DNA and RNA sequencing and PCR 
 B. indicates that new therapeutic agents will be synthesized from terebrid venom  - no mention of therapeutic agents
 C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified  - Holford's work has a result and can't be considered unsuccessful
 D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become economically feasible -  no talk about economic feasability
 E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides  - it may happen but can't say for sure

2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to
 A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does
B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin
C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team
D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals 
 E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin  - Correct - Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy that produced a significant amount of peptides, which were then tested for bioactivity.

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to
 A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology  - author is not arguing
 B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem  - nowhere mentioned unsuccessful approach
 C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal  - author is not demanding anything
 D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research  - Correct - While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1, the initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins may make the venom peptides of these snails available for new uses.
 E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries  - not focused on progression of technology

bM22 · Answer

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology
B. indicates that new therapeutic agents will be synthesized from terebrid venom
C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified
D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become economically feasible
 E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides

Correct Answer - E
 Explanation - as mentioned in the end of the passage as: "While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1, the initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins may make the venom peptides of these snails available for new uses.", implies that Holford’s research may be become useful in producing new medicines.
Option A - incorrect as we cannot be sure that her work would have been impossible, since its not discussed in the passage.
Option B - incorrect, as we cannot be sure that venom peptides will only be used for therapeutic purposes.
Option C - incorrect, as the study was successful, but more research is needed to determine the molecular target of Tgu6.1, and its not mentioned in the passage if the study was unsuccessful.
Option D - incorrect, as economic feasiblilty is out of scope of the passage.

2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to

A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does
B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin
C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team
D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals
 E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin

Correct Answer - E
 Explanation - as mentioned in the passage: "Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy that produced a significant amount of peptides, which were then tested for bioactivity. The worm Nereis virens was injected with the synthesized peptide and, ten minutes later, was partially paralyzed.While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1", implying that Holford was trying to measure the bioactivity quantitatively, less/more we cannot deduce from the details in the mentioned.
Option A - incorrect, as the passage doesnt discuss the exact behavior of natural toxin.
Option B - incorrect, we cannot be certain that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin, since its not mentioned in the passage.
Option C - incorrect, out of scope w.r.t the passage.
Option D - incorrect, completely unrelated to the question asked.

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology
B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem
C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal
 D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research
 E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries

Correct Answer - D
 Explanation - as mentioned in the 2nd para of the passage: "Although the peptides in the venom of cone snails have been researched over the last three decades, those of the terebrid snail have not, largely due to the minuscule amounts of venom the small terebrids produce. In an attempt to resolve this problem, Mandé Holford, a biochemist at Hunter College and the American Museum of Natural History, and her team are researching methods to produce sufficient quantities of terebrid peptides via recombinant strategies and seem to have successfully synthesized the terebrid peptide,", implies that the main purpose could be to study a problem of an obstruction in research, and then a possible solution provided by Holford.
So D is the best choice.
Option A - incorrect, author is not arguing about anything in the passage.
Option B - incorrect, the approach to the problem was not unsuccessful, as its mentioned in the lines above.
Option C - incorrect, we cannot exactly say that the passage demands further research, since the only research discussed has been successfully done by Holford.
Option E - incorrect, its true, but not the primary purpose of the passage.

varun325 · Answer

06:33

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology( correct) DNA sequencing helped her to replicate the samples and make sufficient venom for testing . Hence i will go with this option. 
B. indicates that new  therapeutic agents  will be synthesized from terebrid venom .
"the initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins may make the venom peptides of these snails available for new uses."
The Therapeutic agents is not mentioned while the venom can be used "
C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified ( incorrect). It was succesful
D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become  economically feasible . Not mentioned
E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides.( This is close but I choose A)

02:03

2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to

A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does ( Correct)
Refer " The venom of the Terebridae family of marine snails, used by these snails to paralyze prey" In the previous lines , author has detailed the Holford's effort to replicate the pepsides via DNA RNA sequencing. So the partial paralysis proves that the synthesised toxin has the same effects as the original toxins.The usage of may is very safe for the answer choice . We are always trying to ignore extreme choices and choose those choice that may have option for the marginal error.

B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin  is weaker than  that of the natural toxin. ( This very close but due to the extreme wording I Choose A)
Though it partially paralyses the worm but to prove it is weaker than the original is very extreme.As not much is given about the natural toxin.

C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team 
Nerenis virens is a worm but wht toxin it produces is not mentioned in passage hence no contrast available.

D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals . 
Not correct . The worm is mentioned to show the effect of synthesised pepsides on worm.

E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin. Not mentioned anywhere in the passage about the quantity of the toxin.

02:04

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology 
( very general while the passage is specific to uses of venom)

B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem. 
The problem is mentioned is resolved in the passage i.e the synthesised pepsides
 
C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal . Author suggest's for further research. Demand is very extreme 
 D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research. ( correct) The first para states a problem while the second para is all about resolution to the problem which is terebrid pepsides testing 
E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries. ( General)

adstudy · Answer

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

Analyze the question stem

The keywords "most likely agree" identify this as an Inference question. The correct answer will be supported by the passage.

Research the relevant text

This question asks about Holford's work, which is discussed in paragraph 2.

Make a prediction

Use your passage map to refresh your memory of the gist of what the author says about Holford. Here's a summary: Holford's goal is to produce terebrid peptides in large enough quantities that their action can be studied. Her team has done this via “recombinant strategies,” whatever those are, thanks to "new technologies in molecular biology,” synthesizing enough of teretoxin Tgu6.1 to inject into a worm. The correct answer will align with one or more of these statements.

Evaluate the answer choices

(A) is supported by the third sentence in the second paragraph where the author describes Holford as using "new technologies in molecular biology."

(B), (D), and (E) are all extreme answer choices that are more definite than the author's qualified opinion in the last sentence that Holford's work "may make these venom peptides available for new uses." Contrast this nuanced view with the definite predictions “will be synthesized" (B) and “will soon..." in (D) and (E).

(C) is a 180, or opposite, choice. While the author admits that the specific action is as yet unknown, Holford's research is described as possibly yielding new uses, not as unsuccessful.

TAKEAWAY: While making a definite prediction for an Inference question is often not possible, you can prepare to evaluate the choices by mentally paraphrasing the relevant part of the passage.

Answer: A

. But will have to wait for OA on this Question E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin quantitatively measure. There is no talk of mesaure of any quantity Answer should be A , IMO. This can be inferred from the the below two parts of the passage - Part - 1 : The venom of the Terebridae family of marine snails, used by these snails to paralyze prey , Part - 2 : The worm Nereis virens was injected with the synthesized peptide and, ten minutes later, was partially paralyzed . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology No one is arguing in the passage.Only some results and its analysis shared. B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful , approach to a problem No one said anything about unsuccessful in the passage.Only some results and its analysis shared. C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research No mention of anything getting impeded. E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries No technology progress being spoken about here. Technology was only mentioned partly and cannot be the main point By POE, Answer should be C , IMO. Although a little doubtful with my answer when I read C but had eliminated all other options

kris19 · Answer

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology
 not correct: no connection between modern dev and Holford's success

B. indicates that new therapeutic agents will be synthesized from terebrid venom
 not correct: passage says 'While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1', but we are not sure that we will be successful to synthesize therapeutic agents

C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified
 not correct: passage says 'In an attempt to resolve this problem, Mandé Holford seem to have successfully synthesized the terebrid peptide'

D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become economically feasible
  correct: passage says 'Venom of Terebridae contains 100s of peptides and may be a source of new pharmaceuticals', and 'because of minuscule amounts of Terebrid venom, not much research has been done in the last three decades. Now, because of Holford's success, much research can be done on this Venom and in turn new uses can be found

E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides
 not correct: passage says 'While further research is required to determine the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1', so not sure whether this research will lead to new discoveries 
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to

A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does
  correct: passage says 'minuscule amounts of terebridae venom limited the extent of research, and Holford tried to solve this problem and synthesized it'. To test its bioactivity, which should be similar to natural terebridae venom, tested it on Nereis virens.

B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin
 not correct: no discussion about the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin should be weaker than that of the natural toxin

C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team
 not correct: no discussion about the toxin produced by Nereis virens

D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals
 not correct: from the passage, we can infer 'Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the dev of new pharmaceuticals, but what if the synthesized toxin doesn't behave same as natural toxin does'. To prove this point, synthesized toxin was tested on Nereis viren

E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin
 not correct: no discussion of measuring quantitatively the bioactivity 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to
 passage analysis: general uses of venom is given, and then focus is shifted to venom from marine snails. Because of minuscule amounts of this venom, not much research has been done. Holford's work can help to produce large quantities of this venom, which has 100s peptides and which may be helpful for new pharmaceuticals

A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology
 not correct: passage is not concerned about new methodologies, but about solving a problem regarding a marine snail venom quantities

B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem
 not correct: opposite, Holford's work was success

C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal
 not correct: specific benefits are not discussed

D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research
 not correct: passage says 'venom of cone snails have been researched over the last three decades, those of the terebrid snail have not, largely due to the minuscule amounts', but it is not an impediment in general

E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries
  correct: Holford's success in synthesizing the venom may lead to new pharmaceuticals, as much research can be now done

AnirudhaS · Answer

Answers are in  bold .

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work
 A. would not have been possible without modern developments in molecular biology 
B. indicates that new therapeutic agents will be synthesized from terebrid venom
C. was not successful since the specific molecular target of Tgu6.1 has yet to be identified
D. illustrates that novel uses for terebrid venom will soon become economically feasible
E. will soon lead to new discoveries in the applications of venom peptides

Explanation of question 1 
Author talks about since the amount of naturally occuring snail venom is so little, it has to be somehow artificially synthesised in the lab. hence A is our answer.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to
A. indicate that Holford's synthesized toxin may behave as the natural toxin does
B. demonstrate that the bioactivity of the synthesized toxin is weaker than that of the natural toxin
C. contrast the toxin produced by Nereis virens with that synthesized by Holford and her team
D. support the prediction that Holford's synthesized toxin will be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals
 E. quantitatively measure the bioactivity of Holford's synthesized toxin

Explanation of question 2 
The passage states -  "Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy that produced a significant amount of peptides,  which were then tested for bioactivity ."  So basically, E is the answer because the subject worm under test in injected with th toxin to measure bioactivity.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. argue for the implementation of new methodologies in biology
B. consider a novel, but ultimately unsuccessful, approach to a problem
C. demand further research into the benefits of pursuing an innovative research proposal
D. examine a possible resolution of an impediment to further research
 E. explain how the progression of technology in a given field will enable new discoveries

Explanation of question 3 
D is close but not the answer because it is only talking about one part of the passage, where the impediment is how to use small quantities of snail venom for our benefit.
E suits best because the technology in question is uses of venom for various purposes. Since this technology is progression (i.e. artificial synthesis in labs etc) it can enable in new discoveries (he initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins may make the venom peptides of these snails a vailable for new uses. )

Gowtham91 · Answer

Q1.
 A. Correct  Para2 mentions this. "With the use of new technologies in molecular biology such as DNA and RNA sequencing and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy"
B. Author indicates that Holford's breakthough will help find new applications not necessearily only therapeutic agents. 
C. The author indicates that the Holford's research was successful.
D. Economic feasibility is not disccussed in the passage.
E. Author mentions that Holford's research  MAY  lead to new uses. "the initial results of Holford’s work indicate that the synthesis of teretoxins m ay  make the venom peptides of these snails available for new uses." He is still not confident. But the option here is rather confidently saying the same.

Q2.
A. This can't be inferred from the passage.
B. Same as A.
C. This contrast is of no use. May be the contrast between the original venom produced by Terebrid and that synthesized by Holford will be of use. 
 D. Correct.  reference to para1 last sentence. "The venom of the Terebridae family of marine snails, used by these snails to paralyze prey, contains over 100 different peptides and may be a valuable source of new pharmaceuticals."
E. Quantitative measure of bioactivity is not mentioned. But only bioactivity is mentioned. "Holford was able to construct a recombinant design strategy that produced a significant amount of peptides, which were then tested for bioactivity."

Q3.
Para1 introduces the uses of venom of snakes and insects and that the uses of venom of terebrid is yet to be found out. 
Para2 discusses about the experiment conducted by Holford to prove the uses of venom of terebrid.

Hence the primary purpose of the passage is explore the uses of venom of Terebrid and to explain the research carried for that.

A. No. This is not mentioned in the passage and hence can't be the primary purpose of the passage.
B. Holford's research was successful, but futher research is required to understand the other new applications of the venom. 
C. The author demands further research into venom peptides but not into the benfits of pursuing the further research. 
 D. Correct  Support from the passage. "Although the peptides in the venom of cone snails have been researched over the last three decades, those of the terebrid snail have not, largely due to the minuscule amounts of venom the small terebrids produce. In an attempt to resolve this problem, Mandé Holford, a biochemist at Hunter College and the American Museum of Natural History, and her team are researching methods to produce sufficient quantities of terebrid peptides"
E. Although advancements in technology helped Holford's research, this is not the primary purpose of the passage.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OAs of this RC are as follow:

1. A
2. A
3. D

Best result (not explanation) here is by  varun325  and best explanation is by  Gautam12121991 . Stay tuned for the next RCs and Leaders' board.

Regards

AnirudhaS · Answer

Official explanation of questions 2&3 please  SajjadAhmad

Posted from my mobile device

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. The author would most likely agree that Holford's work

Analyze the question stem

The keywords  "most likely agree"  identify this as an Inference question. The correct answer will be supported by the passage.

Research the relevant text

This question asks about Holford's work, which is discussed in  paragraph 2.

Make a prediction

Use your passage map to refresh your memory of the gist of what the author says about Holford. Here's a summary: Holford's goal is to produce terebrid peptides in large enough quantities that their action can be studied. Her team has done this via “recombinant strategies,” whatever those are, thanks to "new technologies in molecular biology,” synthesizing enough of teretoxin Tgu6.1 to inject into a worm. The correct answer will align with one or more of these statements.

Evaluate the answer choices

(A)  is supported by the third sentence in the second paragraph where the author describes Holford as using "new technologies in molecular biology."

(B), (D), and (E)  are all extreme answer choices that are more definite than the author's qualified opinion in the last sentence that Holford's work  "may make these venom peptides available for new uses."  Contrast this nuanced view with the definite predictions  “will be synthesized"   (B)  and  “will soon..."  in  (D) and (E).

(C)  is a 180, or opposite, choice. While the author admits that the specific action is as yet unknown, Holford's research is described as possibly yielding new uses, not as unsuccessful.

TAKEAWAY:  While making a definite prediction for an Inference question is often not possible, you can prepare to evaluate the choices by mentally paraphrasing the relevant part of the passage.

Answer: A

2. The author discusses the worm Nereis virens primarily in order to

Analyze the question stem

The keywords  "in order to”  identify this as a Logic question.  “The worm Nereis virens"  is the context clue. The correct answer will describe why the author used this example.

Research the relevant text

Nereis virens is mentioned in the next-to-the-last sentence. Read the sentence before and the sentence after the clue to determine the context.

Make a prediction

Immediately prior to the mention of “the worm Nereis virens,” the passage states that the peptides Holford had synthesized were going to be "tested for bioactivity." Use this concept as your prediction and keep the purpose of the passage—to identify a solution to a problem with the use of snail venom—in mind.

Evaluate the answer choices

(A)  matches the prediction and is correct. The worm Nereis virens was injected with the toxin to evaluate the bioactivity of the synthesized peptides, and the result was a partially paralyzed worm that apparently shows the promise of this approach to making the peptides. In nature, the snails use their venom to paralyze prey, according to paragraph 1. Thus, the researchers were injecting the worm to compared their synthesized toxin to that naturally produced by the snail.

(B)  is not stated in the passage. While the activity of the synthetic peptides is compared to the natural product, the passage never states or implies that the synthetic toxins are weaker than the natural ones.

(C)  is a distortion of information in the passage. The worm Nereis virens is used to test the synthesized toxins. The passage does not state that the worm produces toxins.

(D)  is extreme. The passage only indicates that Holford's research  "may make these venom peptides available for new uses."  The point of including the worm experiment is to show that the peptides she made in the lab act like real snail peptides.

(E)  is a distortion of the information in the passage. The results of the experiment are described as  "ten minutes later,   was partially paralyzed."  No quantitative data as to the extent of the paralysis are provided.

TAKEAWAY:  The sentence immediately before an example frequently provides the reason the author included the example.

Answer: A

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Analyze the question stem

The keywords  "primary purpose"  identify this as a Global question.

Research the relevant text

Review the topic, scope, and purpose noted in your passage map.

Make a prediction

The purpose in the passage map—to identify a problem with the use of snail venom and a possible solution to this problem—is a useful prediction.

Evaluate the answer choices

(D)  matches the prediction and is correct. The  "impediment to further research”  is the  “minuscule amounts”  of venom produced by the snails, and the resolution is Holford's synthesis of the venom peptides.

(A)'s “argue”  is extreme. The author's tone in the passage is factual. While Holford did use some new technologies, this is a supporting detail and not the thrust of the author's argument, which is that Holford's research shows promise.

(B)  is a 180, or opposite, choice. The final sentence indicates the author believes Holford's results are promising.

(C)  is extreme. While the last sentence indicates that more research is necessary, the author does not make this  "demand."

(E)  is a distortion. While the passage does identify developments in molecular biology as crucial to Holford's work, the explanation of how the technologies did so is not discussed in the passage.

TAKEAWAY:  When the choices present abstract descriptions, match them to the content of the passage piece by piece. Only the correct choice will precisely match the passage.

Answer: D

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