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Paragraph Summary Questions
Q. 33: The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the authorâs position.
A Japanese government panel announced that it recommends regulating only genetically modified organisms that have had foreign genes permanently introduced into their genomes and not those whose endogenous genes have been edited. The only stipulation is that researchers and businesses will have to register their modifications to plants or animals with the government, with the exception of microbes cultured in contained environments. Reactions to the decision are mixed. While lauding the potential benefits of genome editing, an editorial opposes across-the-board permission. Unforeseen risks in gene editing cannot be ruled out. All genetically modified products must go through the same safety and labeling processes regardless of method.
A. A government panel in Japan says transgenic modification and genome editing are not the same.
B. Excepting microbes cultured in contained environments from the regulations of genome editing is premature.
C. Exempting from regulations the editing of endogenous genes is not desirable as this procedure might be risk-prone.
D. Creating categories within genetically modified products in terms of transgenic modification and genome editing advances science but defies laws.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
To answer this question correctly, it is important to ensure that we understand the authorâs intent and message in the passage. He introduces Japanese governmentâs move to regulate genetically modified organisms. In consequence, all modifications to plants and animals have to be registered, except for microbes cultured in contained environments. Mainly, the author is concerned about the permission given to this exception, as safety procedures must apply to all, regardless of the method.
Once we correctly understand this summary, we can evaluate the Options.
Option A can be eliminated as the passage does not suggest that Japanese government has made such a sweeping statement.
Similarly, what Option D is conveying has not been directly mentioned or implied anywhere in the passage. The author does not even hint at the legal aspect of this move.
Now, we need to pick the best possible answer between Options B and C.
Option B only states that it is premature to not include genetically modified microbes under the new regulation. And Option C summarizes that exempting any form of editing of endogenous (=growing or originating from within an organism) genes can be risky, mainly due to the lack of safety regulation.
Option B does not encapsulate the risk involved. And Option C provides the crux of the authorâs message in specific terms, and highlights the risk involved. Hence, Option C is the correct answer.
Word 1: Regulating
Context:
"A Japanese government panel announced that it recommends regulating only genetically modified organisms that have had foreign genes permanently introduced into their genomes and not those whose endogenous genes have been edited." - Government Policy Update
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Regulating" refers to the act of controlling or supervising something, typically through rules, laws, or official guidelines. In the context of the sentence, it relates to the governmental oversight applied to certain types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), particularly those that include genes from other species. The word is often used in legal, political, and scientific contexts to imply authoritative oversight to ensure safety, compliance, or fairness.
Meaning: To control or maintain the rate, speed, or activity of something through rules or laws. (Verb)
Pronunciation: REG-yuh-lay-ting
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *regulare* meaning "to control by rule", from *regula* meaning "rule".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âRegulatingâ is a frequently encountered word in discussions around government policy, science, and economics. Understanding how it differs from similar terms like "monitoring" or "controlling" can enhance clarity in comprehension. It always implies a system or standard being enforced.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: control, manage, govern, oversee, supervise
Antonyms: neglect, ignore, abandon, deregulate
Usage Examples:
- The central bank is responsible for regulating the countryâs financial system.
- New laws were introduced for regulating the use of personal data online.
- She spent her career regulating environmental standards.
- Regulating traffic in a busy city requires strategic planning and real-time monitoring.
Cultural Reference:
"Regulation is essential to capitalism." - Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist
Think About It:
Should there be universal global regulations for emerging technologies like AI and gene editing?
Quick Activity:
List 3 areas in your daily life that are affected by government regulation. Reflect on how they impact your decisions.
Memory Tip:
Think of a *regulator* as a ârule enforcerâ â someone or something that ensures the rules are followed.
Real-World Application:
âRegulatingâ is commonly used in policy discussions, such as setting emissions standards for vehicles, financial rules for banks, or health and safety guidelines in workplaces. It's a vital concept for law, governance, and ethical innovation.
Word 2: Genomes
Context:
"A Japanese government panel announced that it recommends regulating only genetically modified organisms that have had foreign genes permanently introduced into their genomes and not those whose endogenous genes have been edited." - Government Policy Update
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term "genomes" refers to the complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism. This includes all of its DNA, encompassing both genes and non-coding sequences. In the sentence provided, "genomes" highlights the biological blueprint of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically indicating where foreign genes may be introduced. Understanding the genome is essential in genetics, biotechnology, and medicine because it determines the structure, function, and regulation of an organism's body.
Meaning: The complete set of genetic material in an organism. (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: JEE-nohms
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: Coined in the 20th century from German *Genom*, blending *gene* + *chromosome*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Genome" is a foundational term in biology. Think of it as the entire instruction manual of an organism. When studying genetic engineering or biotechnology, this term appears frequently, especially when discussing how DNA is altered or manipulated.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: genetic code, genetic material, DNA sequence
Antonyms: (None exact; however, terms like *proteome* or *epigenome* refer to different biological layers)
Usage Examples:
- Scientists sequenced the genomes of various mammals to understand evolutionary patterns.
- Each person's genome contains information that can reveal susceptibility to certain diseases.
- Gene editing techniques like CRISPR allow precise changes to be made in genomes.
- Researchers are comparing the genomes of different plant species to improve crop yield.
Cultural Reference:
"The Human Genome Project was one of the greatest scientific undertakings of the 20th century, mapping all the genes in human DNA." - National Institutes of Health
Think About It:
If your genome can predict health risks, should that information be shared with insurance companies?
Quick Activity:
Match these terms to their meanings: Genome, Gene, Chromosome. Use a simple diagram or table to visualize their relationship.
Memory Tip:
Think of âgenomeâ as the *gnome* (a little keeper) holding all your *genes*. Genome = gene + home!
Real-World Application:
Understanding genomes is essential for fields like personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's DNA, and in agriculture, where crops are genetically modified for better yield and disease resistance.
Word 3: Stipulation
Context:
"The only stipulation is that researchers and businesses will have to register their modifications to plants or animals with the government, with the exception of microbes cultured in contained environments." - Government Regulation Notice
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Stipulation" refers to a specific condition or requirement that must be met, often as part of an agreement, rule, or legal document. In this context, the stipulation is a government-imposed rule that requires researchers and companies to register any genetic modifications they make to plants or animals. This term often appears in formal and legal settings, where clarity and adherence to conditions are essential.
Meaning: A specific condition or requirement in an agreement. (Noun)
Pronunciation: stip-yuh-LAY-shun
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *stipulatio*, meaning âa demand or agreement made formally.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âStipulationâ is a word closely associated with contracts, laws, and formal discussions. It signals that something is mandatory or required under certain terms. When you spot this word in documents or official communications, pay attentionâit often outlines key conditions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: condition, requirement, provision, clause, prerequisite
Antonyms: option, freedom, discretion, latitude
Usage Examples:
- The contract includes a stipulation that the project must be completed within six months.
- Her acceptance of the scholarship came with the stipulation that she would maintain a 3.5 GPA.
- The treaty had several stipulations concerning the use of military force.
- One stipulation of the loan was that it must be repaid within ten years.
Cultural Reference:
"Every contract is a bundle of stipulations, and every stipulation is a legal promise." - Legal Education Lecture Series
Think About It:
Should governments be allowed to impose stipulations on scientific research, and if so, to what extent?
Quick Activity:
Write down a hypothetical job offer and include at least three stipulations the candidate must agree to.
Memory Tip:
Think of âstipulationâ as a *stop sign* in a contract â it makes you pause and pay attention to the conditions.
Real-World Application:
Stipulations are vital in legal agreements, business contracts, rental leases, and even school admissions. Knowing the exact terms can protect your rights and help you meet responsibilities effectively.
Word 4: Editorial
Context:
"While lauding the potential benefits of genome editing, an editorial opposes across-the-board permission. Unforeseen risks in gene editing cannot be ruled out." - Public Policy Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
An âeditorialâ is an article in a newspaper, magazine, or online platform that expresses the opinion of the editor or publication on a topical issue. Unlike news reports, which aim to be objective, editorials take a stance and argue a particular viewpoint. In this context, the editorial is raising caution against unrestricted genome editing, highlighting potential risks and the need for regulation. Editorials often serve to influence public opinion or stimulate discussion on important societal matters.
Meaning: A newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinion of the editors or publishers. (Noun)
Pronunciation: ed-ih-TOHR-ee-uhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *editor*, meaning âproducer or publisherâ, and the suffix *-ial* indicating relating to.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
The word âeditorialâ appears often in media literacy contexts. It's important to distinguish editorials from unbiased news reportingâthey reflect the viewpoint of the publisher or editorial board. Always ask: Who is writing it, and why?
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: opinion piece, commentary, viewpoint, column
Antonyms: news report, article, chronicle, announcement
Usage Examples:
- The editorial criticized the governmentâs handling of the healthcare crisis.
- She wrote a compelling editorial about climate change for the school newspaper.
- The editorial praised the community's efforts in supporting local businesses.
- Many readers responded to the editorial with letters expressing opposing views.
Cultural Reference:
"In a democracy, editorials play a key role in holding power accountable and shaping public discourse." â Columbia Journalism Review
Think About It:
How much influence should editorials have on public policy and opinionâshould they lead, reflect, or challenge society?
Quick Activity:
Write the title and opening sentence of an editorial you might publish on a topic you care about (e.g., education reform, climate policy).
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Editorial* = *Editorâs opinion*. If itâs not just the facts, itâs likely an editorial!
Real-World Application:
Editorials shape the way people think about politics, science, and ethics. Theyâre especially powerful in influencing public discourse during elections, policy debates, and scientific controversies like gene editing or climate policy.
Word 5: Endogenous
Context:
"Exempting from regulations the editing of endogenous genes is not desirable as this procedure might be risk-prone." - Scientific Ethics Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
âEndogenousâ refers to something that originates from within an organism, system, or process. In biology and genetics, endogenous genes are those naturally present within the organismâs own genome, as opposed to foreign or externally introduced genes. In the given sentence, it emphasizes the genes that are native to an organism, cautioning that editing even these can carry risks. The term is often used in medical, economic, and scientific discussions to distinguish between internal and external influences.
Meaning: Originating from within an organism, system, or process. (Adjective)
Pronunciation: en-DAH-juh-nus
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *endon* meaning âwithinâ + *genes* meaning âborn of.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âEndogenousâ is often paired with its opposite, âexogenous.â When studying biology or economics, this pair is crucial. Endogenous = internal origin; Exogenous = external origin. Itâs a high-utility academic word in many disciplines.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: internal, intrinsic, native, built-in
Antonyms: exogenous, external, foreign, extrinsic
Usage Examples:
- Endogenous hormones are produced by the body's own glands.
- The researchers studied how endogenous factors affect economic growth.
- Editing endogenous genes requires high precision to avoid unintended consequences.
- Some diseases are caused by disruptions in the bodyâs endogenous regulatory systems.
Cultural Reference:
"Endogenous growth theory revolutionized economic thought by emphasizing internal drivers of progress like innovation and human capital." â Paul Romer, Nobel Laureate in Economics
Think About It:
Should gene editing regulations differ based on whether the genes are endogenous or foreign?
Quick Activity:
Create a two-column chart listing 3 endogenous and 3 exogenous factors in either biology or economics.
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Endo* = inside. So âendogenousâ means something that comes from *inside* the system or organism.
Real-World Application:
Understanding endogenous processes is critical in genetics, where scientists must distinguish between modifying native genes and inserting foreign ones, which impacts both ethical considerations and regulatory decisions.
