The Promise and Peril of Gene Editing

What advantage does CRISPR-Cas9 have over earlier gene-editing methods, according to the passage?

It removes the need for the cell's own repair machineryIt is comparatively cheap, fast, and accurateIt was the first technique capable of altering DNAIt can be used without any specialised laboratory equipment

Correct answer: It is comparatively cheap, fast, and accurate

Gene editing has already cured sickle-cell anaemia in routine medical practice.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: False

How does gene editing differ from conventional genetic modification, according to the passage?

It adjusts an organism's existing genome rather than introducing genes from unrelated speciesIt can be applied only to plants, not to animalsIt always introduces genes taken from other speciesIt is prohibited by most national regulators

Correct answer: It adjusts an organism's existing genome rather than introducing genes from unrelated species

The international scientific community broadly approved of the 2018 experiment on edited embryos.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: False

According to the final paragraph, what is the attitude of most researchers toward heritable gene edits?

They are eager to apply them as widely and quickly as possibleThey consider the associated ethical concerns to be groundlessThey favour caution and support a moratorium until key questions are resolvedThey believe such edits should be banned permanently and without exception

Correct answer: They favour caution and support a moratorium until key questions are resolved

Most governments have passed laws that specifically prohibit germline gene editing.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: Not Given

What does the word "censure" mean in paragraph 4 ("The scientific community responded with near-unanimous censure")?

Careful scientific examinationOfficial permission or approvalWidespread public attentionA strong expression of disapproval

Correct answer: A strong expression of disapproval

Agricultural scientists have used gene editing to develop crops that can withstand drought.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: True

Which statement best summarises the passage's overall view of gene editing?

It is too dangerous to justify any practical useIt is a powerful technology offering great benefits while raising serious ethical concernsIts usefulness is confined almost entirely to agricultureIt has been welcomed without reservation by the scientific community

Correct answer: It is a powerful technology offering great benefits while raising serious ethical concerns

What advantage does CRISPR-Cas9 have over earlier gene-editing methods, according to the passage?

Correct answer: It is comparatively cheap, fast, and accurate

Gene editing has already cured sickle-cell anaemia in routine medical practice.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: False

How does gene editing differ from conventional genetic modification, according to the passage?

Correct answer: It adjusts an organism's existing genome rather than introducing genes from unrelated species

The international scientific community broadly approved of the 2018 experiment on edited embryos.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: False

According to the final paragraph, what is the attitude of most researchers toward heritable gene edits?

Correct answer: They favour caution and support a moratorium until key questions are resolved

Most governments have passed laws that specifically prohibit germline gene editing.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: Not Given

What does the word "censure" mean in paragraph 4 ("The scientific community responded with near-unanimous censure")?

Careful scientific examinationOfficial permission or approvalWidespread public attentionA strong expression of disapproval

Correct answer: A strong expression of disapproval

Agricultural scientists have used gene editing to develop crops that can withstand drought.

TrueFalseNot Given

Correct answer: True

Which statement best summarises the passage's overall view of gene editing?

Correct answer: It is a powerful technology offering great benefits while raising serious ethical concerns