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Para-jumble Sentences
29. The five sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) given in this question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a number. Decide on the proper order for the sentences and key in this sequence of five numbers as your Correct Answer.
1. Scientists have for the first time managed to edit genes in a human embryo to repair a genetic mutation, fuelling hopes that such procedures may one day be available outside laboratory conditions.
2. The cardiac disease causes sudden death in otherwise healthy young athletes and affects about one in 500 people overall.
3. Correcting the mutation in the gene would not only ensure that the child is healthy but also prevents transmission of the mutation to future generations.
4. It is caused by a mutation in a particular gene and a child will suffer from the condition even if it inherits only one copy of the mutated gene.
5. In results announced in Nature this week, scientists fixed a mutation that thickens the heart muscle, a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 15243
Statement 1 is the generic opening sentence in this case.
Statement 5 then explains the mutation and what it is connected to.
Statement 2 then explains the heart condition.
Statement 4 then takes forward the topic of mutation and introduces how it impacts a child. Statement 3 then explains how correcting this would help the child.
Thus, we have 15243 as the order in this case. In this case, you simply need to follow the logical connections between sentences to identify the correct order.
Word-1: Embryo
Context:
"Scientists have for the first time managed to edit genes in a human embryo to repair a genetic mutation, fuelling hopes that such procedures may one day be available outside laboratory conditions." – Genetic Research Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
An "embryo" is the early developmental stage of a living organism, especially a human, after fertilization and before it has developed into a fetus. In humans, this stage generally lasts up to the eighth week of pregnancy. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the beginning or undeveloped state of something. In the provided context, researchers are using advanced gene-editing technology to correct defects in embryos, potentially preventing inherited diseases before birth.
Meaning: An organism in its earliest stages of development, especially before becoming a fetus (Noun)
Pronunciation: EM-bree-oh
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek embryon ("young one", "that which grows inside"), from en- ("in") + bryein ("to swell")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key term in biology, medicine, and ethical debates. It’s important to understand the scientific definition and also how the term is used in discussions on cloning, fertility, and gene editing. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something at a very early stage of development (like "an idea in its embryo").
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: early form, unborn organism, zygote, beginning stage
Antonyms: adult, mature organism, developed stage, fetus (in developmental distinction)
Usage Examples:
- The scientists successfully modified the gene within the embryo to prevent a hereditary disease.
- Embryos are studied in developmental biology to understand early growth patterns.
- The idea is still in the embryo stage but has great potential.
- Ethical concerns continue to surround the editing of human embryos.
Cultural Reference:
"In the embryo of every revolution lies the DNA of resistance and reform." – Political Theory Essay
Think About It:
How should society balance the potential benefits of embryo gene editing with the ethical concerns it raises?
Quick Activity:
Find the difference between an embryo and a fetus in terms of duration and development. Write one sentence using each term correctly.
Memory Tip:
“Embryo” = “early” — think of it as the embryonic (just beginning) form of life or an idea.
Real-World Application:
Understanding embryos is essential in medicine, fertility treatments, genetics, and ethical policy-making—especially as gene editing technologies like CRISPR advance.
Word-2: Mutation
Context:
"Scientists have for the first time managed to edit genes in a human embryo to repair a genetic mutation, fuelling hopes that such procedures may one day be available outside laboratory conditions." – Genetic Research Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Mutation" refers to a change or alteration in the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of an organism. These changes can occur naturally or be induced by environmental factors. Mutations may have no effect, cause diseases, or sometimes even be beneficial. In the context provided, the scientists are correcting a harmful genetic mutation in a human embryo, aiming to prevent the transmission of inherited disorders.
Meaning: A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene (Noun)
Pronunciation: myoo-TAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin mutatio ("a change"), from mutare ("to change")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Mutation” is central to genetics, evolution, and medical research. Not all mutations are harmful—some drive evolution and adaptation. But in medical and ethical discussions, it's often used to describe genetic errors that can cause serious illness or inherited conditions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: genetic change, alteration, anomaly, modification
Antonyms: stability, normality, standard form, unaltered gene
Usage Examples:
- A mutation in the BRCA1 gene significantly increases the risk of breast cancer.
- The virus underwent a mutation that made it more transmissible.
- Some evolutionary changes result from beneficial genetic mutations.
- Scientists repaired the mutation responsible for a hereditary heart condition in the embryo.
Cultural Reference:
"Mutation is the engine of evolution—without it, life would remain unchanged." – Darwinian Evolution Theory
Think About It:
If we can edit harmful mutations before birth, should we also be allowed to enhance traits like intelligence or strength?
Quick Activity:
Research a genetic disorder caused by a mutation. Write 2–3 sentences about how the mutation affects the body.
Memory Tip:
“Mutation” = “Mutate” → think of something that changes or transforms unexpectedly—like in superheroes or biology.
Real-World Application:
Understanding mutations is essential in genetic counseling, cancer research, personalized medicine, and the development of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR.
Word-3: Transmission
Context:
"Correcting the mutation in the gene would not only ensure that the child is healthy but also prevents transmission of the mutation to future generations." – Genetic Therapy Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Transmission" refers to the act or process of passing something from one person or place to another. In a biological context, it often means the transfer of genetic material, diseases, or traits from one generation to the next. In this sentence, “transmission” is used to describe the passing of a harmful genetic mutation from parent to child, and ultimately to future generations. By correcting the mutation early in development, scientists aim to stop the genetic disorder from being inherited further.
Meaning: The act of transferring something from one person, place, or thing to another (Noun)
Pronunciation: trans-MISH-un
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin transmissio, from transmittere (“to send across”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is versatile—used in science (genetics, virology), technology (data transmission), and everyday communication. In biology, think of it as the “bridge” through which diseases or traits are passed along. Understanding it helps in fields like public health, genetics, and communication systems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: transfer, delivery, passage, conveyance, spread
Antonyms: retention, containment, isolation, blockage
Usage Examples:
- Gene therapy aims to prevent the transmission of inherited disorders.
- COVID-19 spreads through respiratory transmission between individuals.
- The satellite enables real-time transmission of data across continents.
- Through careful screening, the risk of disease transmission can be minimized.
Cultural Reference:
"In genetics, breaking the cycle of disease transmission is one of the most powerful promises of modern science." – Medical Ethics Panel
Think About It:
If science can stop the transmission of harmful traits, should it also control the transmission of non-harmful but unwanted traits?
Quick Activity:
List two examples of transmission: one biological (e.g., disease or gene) and one technological (e.g., data). Write a sentence for each.
Memory Tip:
“Trans-” means “across” and “mission” is “sending”—so “transmission” is “sending across.”
Real-World Application:
Understanding transmission is essential in medicine, genetics, epidemiology, telecommunications, and even media studies—it helps explain how things move and spread in systems.
Word-4: Cardiomyopathy
Context:
"In results announced in Nature this week, scientists fixed a mutation that thickens the heart muscle, a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." – Genetic Research News
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Cardiomyopathy" is a medical condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormal, often enlarged or thickened, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. The specific form mentioned in the context—hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—is caused by genetic mutations and leads to the thickening of the heart’s walls, which can restrict blood flow and cause life-threatening complications. The sentence refers to cutting-edge gene editing used to correct this mutation in a human embryo, offering hope for inherited heart condition prevention.
Meaning: A disease of the heart muscle that affects its size, structure, or function (Noun)
Pronunciation: kar-dee-oh-my-OP-uh-thee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (medical term)
Etymology: From Greek kardia (“heart”) + mys (“muscle”) + -pathy (“disease or disorder”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-level term used mostly in medicine, especially cardiology. But as gene editing advances, terms like “cardiomyopathy” may enter mainstream awareness. Understanding such terms helps grasp how science is tackling inherited conditions before birth.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: heart muscle disease, myocardial disorder, cardiac condition
Antonyms: healthy heart function, normal cardiac activity
Usage Examples:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young athletes.
- The condition is often inherited and caused by mutations in heart-related genes.
- Gene editing has shown promise in correcting cardiomyopathy at the embryonic level.
- Cardiomyopathy can result in fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
Cultural Reference:
"Cardiomyopathy gained public attention when it was linked to sudden deaths in seemingly healthy young athletes." – Sports Medicine Journal
Think About It:
If we can prevent genetic cardiomyopathy before birth, should such treatments become standard medical practice?
Quick Activity:
Break down the word: “cardio” + “myo” + “pathy.” What do each of these parts mean? Use them to understand other medical terms too.
Memory Tip:
“Cardio” = heart, “myo” = muscle, “pathy” = disease — Cardiomyopathy = heart muscle disease.
Real-World Application:
Understanding cardiomyopathy is vital in cardiology, sports medicine, genetics, and bioethics—especially as early detection and gene-editing become more viable options.
Word-5: Inherit
Context:
"It is caused by a mutation in a particular gene and a child will suffer from the condition even if it inherits only one copy of the mutated gene." – Genetic Health Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
To "inherit" something means to receive it from a predecessor, typically a parent. In genetics, it refers to the process by which traits or conditions are passed from parents to offspring through genes. In this sentence, the term highlights how a child can develop a genetic condition simply by inheriting one copy of a defective gene from either parent, underlining the importance of genetic transmission in hereditary diseases.
Meaning: To receive (a characteristic, trait, or condition) genetically from one’s parents or ancestors (Verb)
Pronunciation: in-HAIR-it
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin inhereditare, from in- (“in”) + hereditare (“to inherit, make heir”), from heres (“heir”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Inherit” is used in both biological and legal contexts. In science, focus on how genetic information is passed down. It's helpful to pair this word with terms like “trait,” “gene,” “mutation,” and “hereditary.” In literature and life, we also talk about inheriting culture, habits, or legacies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: receive, acquire, be born with, derive
Antonyms: develop independently, lose, disown, eliminate
Usage Examples:
- Children can inherit genetic traits such as eye color, blood type, or susceptibility to certain diseases.
- He inherited a rare disorder from his father’s side of the family.
- We inherit not just physical characteristics but also predispositions to behavior and health conditions.
- Some forms of cardiomyopathy are inherited and can be passed on to children even if only one parent carries the mutation.
Cultural Reference:
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." – Native American Proverb
Think About It:
Should knowing what we can inherit genetically change how we think about family planning or medical ethics?
Quick Activity:
List two traits or conditions that can be inherited. Identify whether each is dominant (needs one gene) or recessive (needs two).
Memory Tip:
“Inherit” sounds like “heir”—think of something passed down, whether it’s genes, wealth, or traditions.
Real-World Application:
Understanding inheritance is fundamental in genetics, family medicine, genetic counseling, and biology education—it helps predict and manage inherited diseases and traits.
