Question

the age of genetic engineering
genetic engineering is a science that deals with the
modification of an organisms genome to create a new
organism, or to improve the functioning of the existing
organism. any organism that is modified or produced in
this way is known as a genetically modified organism
(gmo). the first ever organism to be produced through
genetic engineering was a type of insulin-producing
bacteria.
genes are the chemical \blueprint\ of living organisms
that defines its traits and characteristics. genetic
engineering uses various techniques to change the
genetic structure of cells, including genetic fusion to
create improved or more advanced organisms.
genes affect health and disease as well as traits and
behavior. genetic engineering can allow scientists to
enhance the genetic structure and build organisms that
possess certain desirable traits, while eliminating
undesirable traits. it can be used to prevent the
occurrence of conditions such as downs syndrome or
sickle cell anemia in unborn children. genetic engineering
also holds the potential to treat deadly diseases in
humans for which there is currently no known cure. it has
created new advancements in the field of medical
sciences, and promises to improve both lifespan and
quality of life.
the application of genetic engineering techniques to
humans is one of the most controversial aspects of this
new medical technology. critics object to the use of
genetic engineering on a number of ethical and ecological
grounds. unlike other breeding techniques, genetic
engineering alters the natural genetic makeup of an
organism. this can lead to the creation of gene types that
are completely synthesized in the laboratory and have no

10
what evidence does the author provide to support the claim that genetic engineering has led to the advancement
of medical science?
○ a. genetic engineering allows scientists to artificially enhance genetic structure and holds the potential to
cure deadly diseases in humans that have no known cure.
○ b. genetic engineering alters the existing gene structure of an organism to create a new organism or to
improve certain characteristics of the organism to improve its functioning.
○ c. genetic engineering allows for the production of genetically modified organisms (gmo), such as the
first ever type of insulin-producing bacteria that functions on a newer and improved level than the
existing organism.
○ d. genetic engineering involves processes such as genetic fusion that can be used to engineer the human
gene structure of cells, thereby creating improved or more advanced organisms.

session score: 67% (6/9)

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The text says genetic engineering has the potential to treat deadly diseases (like sickle cell anemia) but doesn't say it can cure diseases with no known cure. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage states genetic engineering can alter the genetic structure to create new or improve organisms, which matches "alters the existing gene structure... to improve its functioning". But let's check others.
• Option C: The first GMO example (insulin - producing bacteria) is about producing insulin, not about GMOs having functions on a "newer and improved level" than the original. The text says it's the first organism produced via genetic engineering, not about function levels. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The text says genetic engineering uses techniques like genetic fusion to create improved organisms, but it doesn't say it engineers the human gene structure (it deals with organisms in general, and the example is bacteria). Eliminate D.

So the best answer is B as it aligns with the description of genetic engineering altering gene structure to improve an organism's functioning.

Answer:

B. Genetic engineering alters the existing gene structure of an organism to improve its functioning