Test Prep MCAT Test Exam Practice Questions (P. 2)
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Question #11
The time has come to acknowledge the ascendancy of the humanistic psychology movement. The so-called `Third Stream` emerged at mid-century, asserting itself against the opposition of a pair of mighty, long-established currents, psychoanalysis and behaviorism. The hostility between these two older schools, as well as divisiveness within each of them, probably helped enable humanistic psychology to survive its early years. But the movement flourished because of its wealth of insights into the nature of this most inexact science.
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
B.F. Skinner is mentioned in the passage to support the point that:
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
B.F. Skinner is mentioned in the passage to support the point that:
- Athe ultimate goal of behaviorism is technological innovation.
- Braising babies in isolation prevents childhood conflicts.
- Cstimulus-response conditioning was attempted on all sorts of individuals.
- Dbehaviorists reject the scientific validity of subjective experience.
Correct Answer:
C
This asks why B.F. Skinner is mentioned in the passage. This issue was already addressed during the explanations for question 9. Skinner is mentioned in the final sentence of paragraph 3, which concerns the behaviorist school of psychology. Earlier in that paragraph, the author says that for behaviorists, people were nothing more than organisms who responded to stimuli, and who could be conditioned to generate ideal behavior. Then, in the final sentence of the paragraph, the author says, ג€Not even babies were safe from this kind of reasoning,ג€ and proceeds to mention Skinner and his baby box, which supposedly raised infants under
ג€idealג€ conditions. Clearly, the author is treating Skinner ironically. To the author, Skinner is an extreme example of how behaviorists eagerly tried to apply their conditioning process to people of all ages. This highlights choice (C) as the correct answer ג€" stimulus-response was attempted on all sorts of individuals. A quick review of the other answers confirms this choice. Choice (A) states Skinner was mentioned to support the point that technological innovation is the ultimate goal of behaviorism. But the author never mentions whether or not behaviorism had an ultimate goal. The passage's only definitive statement (located in the second sentence of paragraph 3) about the movement is that behaviorists tried to deal only with observable, quantifiable behavior. Furthermore, there's no mention of technological innovation in the passage and, given the author's tone in the statement, ג€not even babies were safeג€, there's no reason to think that the author would consider the Skinner box an example of ג€technological innovationג€. Choice (B) is nonsensical. Skinner himself may have hoped to show that infants could be raised under ideal conditions, free of conflicts, but the author does not write to support this point. Again, the author's tone suggests otherwise. Choice (D) is wrong because Skinner's box has little to do with behaviorists' rejection of subjective experience. That behaviorists reject subjective experience as unscientific is given, not a point that needs to be supported, proven, or argued at all. Skinner's box was an experiment in conditioning, and its inventor's hope was that if infants could be properly conditioned, they would grow up healthier.
C
This asks why B.F. Skinner is mentioned in the passage. This issue was already addressed during the explanations for question 9. Skinner is mentioned in the final sentence of paragraph 3, which concerns the behaviorist school of psychology. Earlier in that paragraph, the author says that for behaviorists, people were nothing more than organisms who responded to stimuli, and who could be conditioned to generate ideal behavior. Then, in the final sentence of the paragraph, the author says, ג€Not even babies were safe from this kind of reasoning,ג€ and proceeds to mention Skinner and his baby box, which supposedly raised infants under
ג€idealג€ conditions. Clearly, the author is treating Skinner ironically. To the author, Skinner is an extreme example of how behaviorists eagerly tried to apply their conditioning process to people of all ages. This highlights choice (C) as the correct answer ג€" stimulus-response was attempted on all sorts of individuals. A quick review of the other answers confirms this choice. Choice (A) states Skinner was mentioned to support the point that technological innovation is the ultimate goal of behaviorism. But the author never mentions whether or not behaviorism had an ultimate goal. The passage's only definitive statement (located in the second sentence of paragraph 3) about the movement is that behaviorists tried to deal only with observable, quantifiable behavior. Furthermore, there's no mention of technological innovation in the passage and, given the author's tone in the statement, ג€not even babies were safeג€, there's no reason to think that the author would consider the Skinner box an example of ג€technological innovationג€. Choice (B) is nonsensical. Skinner himself may have hoped to show that infants could be raised under ideal conditions, free of conflicts, but the author does not write to support this point. Again, the author's tone suggests otherwise. Choice (D) is wrong because Skinner's box has little to do with behaviorists' rejection of subjective experience. That behaviorists reject subjective experience as unscientific is given, not a point that needs to be supported, proven, or argued at all. Skinner's box was an experiment in conditioning, and its inventor's hope was that if infants could be properly conditioned, they would grow up healthier.
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Question #12
The time has come to acknowledge the ascendancy of the humanistic psychology movement. The so-called `Third Stream` emerged at mid-century, asserting itself against the opposition of a pair of mighty, long-established currents, psychoanalysis and behaviorism. The hostility between these two older schools, as well as divisiveness within each of them, probably helped enable humanistic psychology to survive its early years. But the movement flourished because of its wealth of insights into the nature of this most inexact science.
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
According to the passage, the ultimate goal of Carl Rogers's client-centered therapy is:
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
According to the passage, the ultimate goal of Carl Rogers's client-centered therapy is:
- Asimplification of the Third Stream's theoretical perspective.
- Bself-directed personal growth for the client.
- Crejection of Maslow's scheme of self-actualization.
- Dincreased autonomy of psychotherapists.
Correct Answer:
B
This asks you to identify the ultimate goal of Carl Rogers's client-centered therapy, which is discussed in the final paragraph of the passage. The author says in sentence 3 of the final paragraph that Rogers's therapy, unlike traditional psychoanalysis, emphasized client autonomy, or independence. The author goes on to say that Rogers's clients were encouraged to pick the topics they wanted to discuss, and to create their own solutions to their problems.
This tells us that Rogers wants his clients to do the ork, to take control of their own destiny, engage themselves in their own process of growth and change. This idea is restated in choice (B), the correct answer. Rogers encouraged clients to direct their own personal growth, and solve their own problems, rather than be forced to accept the deterministic Freudian approach or other preconceived viewpoints of therapists. As for the incorrect choices, (A) is completely inaccurate. The work of Carl Rogers is noted as an addition to the humanist theoretical perspective, not as a simplification of it. Refer to the first sentence of the final paragraph: the author says that not only have humanists made theoretical contributions, but they have made practical ones as well, and proceeds to discuss Rogers. As for choice (C), Maslow's scheme of self-actualization is described in the last sentence of paragraph 6. A self-actualized individual is one who has developed his or her potential to the fullest possible extent. Rogers's therapy is not aimed at rejecting this self-actualization process but at enhancing it; his work is not discussed in opposition to that of Maslow. If anything, Rogers's therapy might be an attempt to enhance the work of his fellow humanist, Maslow. And choice (D), finally, is the exact opposite of Rogers's approach. The goal of Rogers's therapy is not increased autonomy or independence for therapists, but for clients, or patients.
B
This asks you to identify the ultimate goal of Carl Rogers's client-centered therapy, which is discussed in the final paragraph of the passage. The author says in sentence 3 of the final paragraph that Rogers's therapy, unlike traditional psychoanalysis, emphasized client autonomy, or independence. The author goes on to say that Rogers's clients were encouraged to pick the topics they wanted to discuss, and to create their own solutions to their problems.
This tells us that Rogers wants his clients to do the ork, to take control of their own destiny, engage themselves in their own process of growth and change. This idea is restated in choice (B), the correct answer. Rogers encouraged clients to direct their own personal growth, and solve their own problems, rather than be forced to accept the deterministic Freudian approach or other preconceived viewpoints of therapists. As for the incorrect choices, (A) is completely inaccurate. The work of Carl Rogers is noted as an addition to the humanist theoretical perspective, not as a simplification of it. Refer to the first sentence of the final paragraph: the author says that not only have humanists made theoretical contributions, but they have made practical ones as well, and proceeds to discuss Rogers. As for choice (C), Maslow's scheme of self-actualization is described in the last sentence of paragraph 6. A self-actualized individual is one who has developed his or her potential to the fullest possible extent. Rogers's therapy is not aimed at rejecting this self-actualization process but at enhancing it; his work is not discussed in opposition to that of Maslow. If anything, Rogers's therapy might be an attempt to enhance the work of his fellow humanist, Maslow. And choice (D), finally, is the exact opposite of Rogers's approach. The goal of Rogers's therapy is not increased autonomy or independence for therapists, but for clients, or patients.
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Question #13
The time has come to acknowledge the ascendancy of the humanistic psychology movement. The so-called `Third Stream` emerged at mid-century, asserting itself against the opposition of a pair of mighty, long-established currents, psychoanalysis and behaviorism. The hostility between these two older schools, as well as divisiveness within each of them, probably helped enable humanistic psychology to survive its early years. But the movement flourished because of its wealth of insights into the nature of this most inexact science.
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
Psychoanalysts and humanistic psychologists would be most likely to disagree about:
Of the three major movements in the course of 20th century psychology, psychoanalysis is the oldest and most introspective. Conceived by Sigmund Freud as a means of treating mental and emotional disorders, psychoanalysis is based on the theory that people experience unresolved emotional conflicts in infancy and early childhood. Years later, although these experiences have largely disappeared from conscious awareness, they may continue to impair a person's ability to function in daily life. The patient experiences improvement when the psychoanalyst eventually unlocks these long-repressed memories of conflict and brings them to the patient's conscious awareness.
In the heyday of behaviorism, which occurred between the two world wars, the psychoanalytic movement was heavily criticized for being too concerned with inner subjective experience. Behavioral psychologists, dismissing ideas and feelings as unscientific, tried to deal only with observable and quantifiable facts. They perceived the human being merely as an organism which generated responses to stimuli produced by its body and the environment around it. Patients' neuroses no longer needed analysis; they could instead by modified by behavioral conditioning. Not even babies were safe: B.F. Skinner devised a container in which infants could be raised under `ideal` conditions `" if a sound-proof box can be considered the ideal environment for child-rearing.
By mid-century, a number of psychologists had grown dissatisfied with both the deterministic Freudian perspective and the mechanistic approach of behaviorism.
They questioned the idea that human personality becomes permanently fixed in the first few years of life. They wondered if the purpose of psychology was really to reduce people to laboratory specimens. Was it not instead possible that human beings are greater than the sum of their parts? That psychology should speak to their search for fulfillment and meaning in life?
It is questions like these that members of the Third Stream have sought to address. While the movement cannot be simplified down to a single theoretical position, it does spring from certain fundamental propositions. Humanistic psychologists believe that conscious experience, rather than outward behavior, is the proper subject of psychology. We recognize that each human being is unique, capable of change and personal growth. We see maturity as a process dependent on the establishment of a set of values and the development of self. And we believe that the more aspects of self which are satisfactorily developed, the more positive the individual's self-image.
Abraham Maslow, a pioneer of the Third Stream, articulated a hierarchy of basic human needs, starting with food, water and air, progressing upward through shelter and security, social acceptance and belonging, to love, esteem and self-expression. Progress toward the higher stages cannot occur until all of the more basic needs have been satisfied. Individuals atop the pyramid, having developed their potential to the highest possible extent, are said to be `self-actualized`.
If this humanist theoretical perspective is aimed at empowering the individual, so too are the movement's efforts in the practical realm of clinical psychology.
Believing that traditional psychotherapists tend to lead patients toward predetermined resolutions of their problems, Carl Rogers pressed for objective evaluations of both the process and outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment. Not content to function simply as a reformer, Rogers also pioneered the development of `client- centered` or nondirective therapy, which emphasizes the autonomy of the client (i.e., patient). In client-centered therapy, clients choose the subjects for discussion, and are encouraged to create their own solutions to their problems.
Psychoanalysts and humanistic psychologists would be most likely to disagree about:
- Athe effects of internal conflicts on childhood behavior.
- Bthe necessity of proper training for psychologists.
- Cthe relevance and utility of clinical psychology.
- Dthe significance of conscious experience.
Correct Answer:
A
This asks the reader to identify an issue that psychoanalysts and humanistic psychologists would be most likely to disagree about. Choice A suggests the most likely point of disagreement would be the effects of internal conflicts on childhood behavior. As noted in the second sentence of paragraph 2, psychoanalytic theory places great importance on the unresolved emotional conflicts of childhood. Psychoanalysts believe that these conflicts determine, to a great extent, an individual's behavior and personality. But, according to the first two sentences of paragraph 3 and the body of paragraph 4, humanists find this psychoanalytic perspective too rigid and deterministic. While recognizing that such conflicts affect the individual's behavior, humanists believe that people of all ages are capable of changing their behavior through understanding and the effort of will. Choice A represents a point of contention and is the correct answer.
There is no basis for inferring choice B. The author never discusses the subject of proper training for psychologists, whether they be psychoanalysts, behaviorists, or humanists. So it is inappropriate to say that this is the subject psychoanalysts and humanists would be ג€most likelyג€ to disagree about. Choice C states that psychoanalysts and humanists would disagree about the usefulness and importance of clinical psychology. The passage states, however, that both groups practice psychotherapy, which is a form of clinical psychology. Psychoanalysts practice psychoanalysis, and paragraph 7 indicates that humanists such as Carl
Rogers have also made distinguished contributions to clinical psychology. Since both Freudian psychoanalysis and humanist approaches such as Rogers's client- centered therapy are forms of clinical psychology, we can conclude that both schools believe in the importance of clinical psychology, though they differ with regard to what they would consider the most effective therapy styles or perspectives. So, choice C is incorrect. As for choice D, we know from the third sentence of paragraph 5 that humanists believe conscious experience to be the one proper subject of study in psychology. It appears that psychoanalysts feel much the same way. The last sentence of paragraph 2 says that psychoanalysts sought to bring repressed memories to patients' conscious awareness. Both types of psychologists are concerned about conscious experience. Choice D would not be the most probable subject of disagreement between psychologists.
A
This asks the reader to identify an issue that psychoanalysts and humanistic psychologists would be most likely to disagree about. Choice A suggests the most likely point of disagreement would be the effects of internal conflicts on childhood behavior. As noted in the second sentence of paragraph 2, psychoanalytic theory places great importance on the unresolved emotional conflicts of childhood. Psychoanalysts believe that these conflicts determine, to a great extent, an individual's behavior and personality. But, according to the first two sentences of paragraph 3 and the body of paragraph 4, humanists find this psychoanalytic perspective too rigid and deterministic. While recognizing that such conflicts affect the individual's behavior, humanists believe that people of all ages are capable of changing their behavior through understanding and the effort of will. Choice A represents a point of contention and is the correct answer.
There is no basis for inferring choice B. The author never discusses the subject of proper training for psychologists, whether they be psychoanalysts, behaviorists, or humanists. So it is inappropriate to say that this is the subject psychoanalysts and humanists would be ג€most likelyג€ to disagree about. Choice C states that psychoanalysts and humanists would disagree about the usefulness and importance of clinical psychology. The passage states, however, that both groups practice psychotherapy, which is a form of clinical psychology. Psychoanalysts practice psychoanalysis, and paragraph 7 indicates that humanists such as Carl
Rogers have also made distinguished contributions to clinical psychology. Since both Freudian psychoanalysis and humanist approaches such as Rogers's client- centered therapy are forms of clinical psychology, we can conclude that both schools believe in the importance of clinical psychology, though they differ with regard to what they would consider the most effective therapy styles or perspectives. So, choice C is incorrect. As for choice D, we know from the third sentence of paragraph 5 that humanists believe conscious experience to be the one proper subject of study in psychology. It appears that psychoanalysts feel much the same way. The last sentence of paragraph 2 says that psychoanalysts sought to bring repressed memories to patients' conscious awareness. Both types of psychologists are concerned about conscious experience. Choice D would not be the most probable subject of disagreement between psychologists.
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Question #14
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
The author mentions all of the following as weaknesses of synthetic bloods EXCEPT:
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
The author mentions all of the following as weaknesses of synthetic bloods EXCEPT:
- Anaked hemoglobin can cause renal failure in humans.
- Bג€red bloodג€ can transmit viruses to a recipient.
- Cgenetic engineering can be extremely difficult.
- Dג€white bloodג€ has a low oxygen-carrying potential.
Correct Answer:
D
This is a detail question that requires you to identify the answer choice which is not a weakness of synthetic bloods. Choices (A) and (B) mention that naked hemoglobin can cause renal failure in humans and that ג€red blood'' can transmit viruses to a recipient. These facts are expressed in the second paragraph, which addresses red blood and the problems associated with it. The second half of that paragraph states that naked hemoglobin, the basis of ג€red bloodג€, can constitute a two-fold threat to the human body as it can transmit viruses and is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and results in renal failure. Choice (C) mentions that genetic engineering can be extremely difficult. Paragraph 4 is all about modified hemoglobin derived from genetically-altered bacteria. Its last sentence emphasizes the challenges associated with the to isolation and modification the human hemoglobin gene. Although, in theory, genetic engineering can produce near-ideal synthetic blood, you can infer that a drawback of this process is the complexity of these procedures. So choice (C) is also a weakness, and therefore does not complete this question stem. Choice (D) mentions that ג€white bloodג€ has a low oxygen-carrying potential.
Were this true, it certainly would be a weakness, as one of the chief criteria of synthetic blood is that it mimic blood in its high oxygen-carrying capacity. However, this statement is not true. The third paragraph, regarding ג€white blood,'' notes that PFCs, a primary component of ג€white bloodג€, have high oxygen-carrying capacities. The second and third sentences of this paragraph state that PFCs are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume and imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. From this we can infer that ג€white blood'' is capable of transporting oxygen well. This contradicts choice (D). Since the passage never suggests that ג€white bloodג€ has a low oxygen-carrying potential, choice (D) does not represent a weakness of synthetic blood and is the correct answer.
D
This is a detail question that requires you to identify the answer choice which is not a weakness of synthetic bloods. Choices (A) and (B) mention that naked hemoglobin can cause renal failure in humans and that ג€red blood'' can transmit viruses to a recipient. These facts are expressed in the second paragraph, which addresses red blood and the problems associated with it. The second half of that paragraph states that naked hemoglobin, the basis of ג€red bloodג€, can constitute a two-fold threat to the human body as it can transmit viruses and is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and results in renal failure. Choice (C) mentions that genetic engineering can be extremely difficult. Paragraph 4 is all about modified hemoglobin derived from genetically-altered bacteria. Its last sentence emphasizes the challenges associated with the to isolation and modification the human hemoglobin gene. Although, in theory, genetic engineering can produce near-ideal synthetic blood, you can infer that a drawback of this process is the complexity of these procedures. So choice (C) is also a weakness, and therefore does not complete this question stem. Choice (D) mentions that ג€white bloodג€ has a low oxygen-carrying potential.
Were this true, it certainly would be a weakness, as one of the chief criteria of synthetic blood is that it mimic blood in its high oxygen-carrying capacity. However, this statement is not true. The third paragraph, regarding ג€white blood,'' notes that PFCs, a primary component of ג€white bloodג€, have high oxygen-carrying capacities. The second and third sentences of this paragraph state that PFCs are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume and imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. From this we can infer that ג€white blood'' is capable of transporting oxygen well. This contradicts choice (D). Since the passage never suggests that ג€white bloodג€ has a low oxygen-carrying potential, choice (D) does not represent a weakness of synthetic blood and is the correct answer.
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Question #15
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, PFCs are helpful in the synthesis of blood substitutes because they:
I. mimic the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
II. do not react with other body chemicals.
III. break down in the blood within several hours.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, PFCs are helpful in the synthesis of blood substitutes because they:
I. mimic the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
II. do not react with other body chemicals.
III. break down in the blood within several hours.
- AI only
- BII only
- CI and II only
- DII and III only
Correct Answer:
C
This addresses the identification of the ג€helpfulג€ aspects of PFCs. Recall that in the third paragraph, where ג€white bloodג€ and PFCs are discussed. There the passage states that PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. It is true that PFCs mimic the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, and option I will be part of the correct answer. The third and fourth sentences of the third paragraph establish that PFCs are inherently safer to use in synthetic bloods than hemoglobin is because PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body. Option II, therefore, also correctly completes the question stem. Finally, option III is a false statement. Nowhere does the passage suggest that PFCs breakdown in the blood within several hours. Rather, breakdown is mentioned as a problem associated with naked hemoglobin. Since option III is false, it cannot successfully complete the question stem. Only options I and II fit the question stem.
C
This addresses the identification of the ג€helpfulג€ aspects of PFCs. Recall that in the third paragraph, where ג€white bloodג€ and PFCs are discussed. There the passage states that PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. It is true that PFCs mimic the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, and option I will be part of the correct answer. The third and fourth sentences of the third paragraph establish that PFCs are inherently safer to use in synthetic bloods than hemoglobin is because PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body. Option II, therefore, also correctly completes the question stem. Finally, option III is a false statement. Nowhere does the passage suggest that PFCs breakdown in the blood within several hours. Rather, breakdown is mentioned as a problem associated with naked hemoglobin. Since option III is false, it cannot successfully complete the question stem. Only options I and II fit the question stem.
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Question #16
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, all of the following are reasons for research into the development of synthetic bloods EXCEPT:
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, all of the following are reasons for research into the development of synthetic bloods EXCEPT:
- Adangerous diseases can be transmitted by conventional blood transfusions.
- Bsynthetic bloods have greater oxygen-carrying capacities than naturally-produced human blood.
- Cdonor blood is sometimes in short supply.
- Dcertain blood types are not readily available.
Correct Answer:
B
This requires the recollection of the reasons for synthetic blood research, discussed in the first paragraph of the passage, and infer which of the answer choices is not a reason for such research. Choice (A) suggests that patients fear the transmission of dangerous diseases such as AIDS, via blood transfusions. This fear is mentioned in the opening sentence of the passage as one of the primary reasons for the desire to develop clean, sterile, blood substitutes. Choice (A), therefore, is a reasons for the development of synthetic bloods, and does not answer this question stem correctly. Choices (C) and (D) mention different aspects of the problem of procuring matching blood donors for patients, also described in the opening sentence as one of the reasons for the development of synthetic bloods.
(C) and (D), then, do not correctly complete the question stem either. Choice (B) suggests that synthetic bloods have greater oxygen-carrying capacities than naturally-produced human blood. This is not supported anywhere in the passage. The passage emphasizes that synthetic bloods should have high oxygen- carrying capacities, but there is no suggestion that synthetic bloods have higher oxygen-carrying capacities than blood.
B
This requires the recollection of the reasons for synthetic blood research, discussed in the first paragraph of the passage, and infer which of the answer choices is not a reason for such research. Choice (A) suggests that patients fear the transmission of dangerous diseases such as AIDS, via blood transfusions. This fear is mentioned in the opening sentence of the passage as one of the primary reasons for the desire to develop clean, sterile, blood substitutes. Choice (A), therefore, is a reasons for the development of synthetic bloods, and does not answer this question stem correctly. Choices (C) and (D) mention different aspects of the problem of procuring matching blood donors for patients, also described in the opening sentence as one of the reasons for the development of synthetic bloods.
(C) and (D), then, do not correctly complete the question stem either. Choice (B) suggests that synthetic bloods have greater oxygen-carrying capacities than naturally-produced human blood. This is not supported anywhere in the passage. The passage emphasizes that synthetic bloods should have high oxygen- carrying capacities, but there is no suggestion that synthetic bloods have higher oxygen-carrying capacities than blood.
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Question #17
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
We can infer that all of the synthetic blood technologies discussed in this passage:
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood,` is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
We can infer that all of the synthetic blood technologies discussed in this passage:
- Asustain submerged oxygen-dependent organisms.
- Bpossess high oxygen-carrying capacities.
- Cmaintain high standards of sterility.
- Dexhibit versatility in the human body
Correct Answer:
B
This is an inference question that asks you to identify a common trait of all synthetic bloods. Choice (A) states that all of the synthetic bloods discussed in the passage sustain submerged oxygen-dependent organisms. The second sentence of the third paragraph notes that PFCs possess this ability, but there is no suggestion of this in reference to any of the other blood substitutes. So choice (A) is wrong. Choice (C) is incorrect because, even though all synthetic bloods should have high levels of sterility, the passage explicitly states that the naked hemoglobin molecules of ג€red bloodג€ are ג€rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cellג€. Not all blood substitutes, then, maintain high standards of sterility. Finally, choice (D) is wrong in stating that all synthetic bloods exhibit versatility in the body.
The passage makes clear that not all blood substitutes are particularly versatile. For one thing, the naked hemoglobin of ג€red blood'' breaks down in the blood stream within several hours. Furthermore, PFCs tend to form globules, blocking blood circulation. Only choice (B) is mentioned in reference to all synthetic blood technologies. The second sentence of the second paragraph states that hemoglobin, the chief component of ג€red bloodג€, is ג€attractive to scientists...because of its oxygen-carrying capacityג€. The second sentence of the third paragraph implies that PFCs have high oxygen-carrying capacities as it mentions that PFCs can absorb oxygen up to quantities 50% its volume. The author goes on to note, in the following sentence, that PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. Finally, the passage explicitly states in the second sentence of the fourth paragraph that the synthetic hemoglobin produced by genetically-altered bacteria ג€closely mimic(s)...(the) oxygen-carrying efficiency of bloodג€. Choice (B), then, is the correct answer.
B
This is an inference question that asks you to identify a common trait of all synthetic bloods. Choice (A) states that all of the synthetic bloods discussed in the passage sustain submerged oxygen-dependent organisms. The second sentence of the third paragraph notes that PFCs possess this ability, but there is no suggestion of this in reference to any of the other blood substitutes. So choice (A) is wrong. Choice (C) is incorrect because, even though all synthetic bloods should have high levels of sterility, the passage explicitly states that the naked hemoglobin molecules of ג€red bloodג€ are ג€rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cellג€. Not all blood substitutes, then, maintain high standards of sterility. Finally, choice (D) is wrong in stating that all synthetic bloods exhibit versatility in the body.
The passage makes clear that not all blood substitutes are particularly versatile. For one thing, the naked hemoglobin of ג€red blood'' breaks down in the blood stream within several hours. Furthermore, PFCs tend to form globules, blocking blood circulation. Only choice (B) is mentioned in reference to all synthetic blood technologies. The second sentence of the second paragraph states that hemoglobin, the chief component of ג€red bloodג€, is ג€attractive to scientists...because of its oxygen-carrying capacityג€. The second sentence of the third paragraph implies that PFCs have high oxygen-carrying capacities as it mentions that PFCs can absorb oxygen up to quantities 50% its volume. The author goes on to note, in the following sentence, that PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen. Finally, the passage explicitly states in the second sentence of the fourth paragraph that the synthetic hemoglobin produced by genetically-altered bacteria ג€closely mimic(s)...(the) oxygen-carrying efficiency of bloodג€. Choice (B), then, is the correct answer.
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Question #18
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a problem specific to `red blood`?
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a problem specific to `red blood`?
- Aג€Red bloodג€ cannot be produced in large enough quantities.
- Bג€Red bloodג€ tends to form globules that block circulation.
- CHemoglobin does not carry oxygen effectively.
- Dג€Red bloodג€ exhibits poor durability in the bloodstream.
Correct Answer:
D
This is a detail question that requires you to recall which of the answer choices is a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. Since ג€red bloodג€ is discussed in the second paragraph of the passage, refer there for details. Choice (A) is incorrect because the passage never says that ג€red blood cannot be produced in large quantitiesג€.
In fact, the passage never at all mentions the extent to which ג€red bloodג€ can be produced. The passage only mentions quantities of production of synthetic blood in the third sentence of the fourth paragraph, where it states, in reference to genetically- altered hemoglobin, that ג€the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantitiesג€. Since the passage never mentions (A), it cannot be a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. Similarly, choice (B) distorts a detail of the passage which relates to another type of synthetic blood. The passage mentions in the fourth sentence of the third paragraph that the primary pitfall of PFCs is their tendency to form globules. The passage never says that ג€red blood'' forms globules. Choice (C) also is not a true statement. The second sentence of the second paragraph states that hemoglobin is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and, in fact, is attractive to scientists precisely because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. You may safely conclude from this information, then, that hemoglobin does, indeed, carry oxygen effectively and (C) is not a problem at all. Only choice (D), which states that ג€red blood exhibits poor durability in the bloodstreamג€, is mentioned in the passage as a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. In the second paragraph, the passage states that ג€additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the...cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hoursג€. One of the criteria for a successful blood substitute is that it be durable and versatile.
The fact that ג€red bloodג€ breaks down readily in the bloodstream shows that ג€red bloodג€ is not durable in the bloodstream. This is the problem mentioned specifically in relation to ג€red bloodג€, so choice (D) is the correct answer.
D
This is a detail question that requires you to recall which of the answer choices is a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. Since ג€red bloodג€ is discussed in the second paragraph of the passage, refer there for details. Choice (A) is incorrect because the passage never says that ג€red blood cannot be produced in large quantitiesג€.
In fact, the passage never at all mentions the extent to which ג€red bloodג€ can be produced. The passage only mentions quantities of production of synthetic blood in the third sentence of the fourth paragraph, where it states, in reference to genetically- altered hemoglobin, that ג€the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantitiesג€. Since the passage never mentions (A), it cannot be a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. Similarly, choice (B) distorts a detail of the passage which relates to another type of synthetic blood. The passage mentions in the fourth sentence of the third paragraph that the primary pitfall of PFCs is their tendency to form globules. The passage never says that ג€red blood'' forms globules. Choice (C) also is not a true statement. The second sentence of the second paragraph states that hemoglobin is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and, in fact, is attractive to scientists precisely because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. You may safely conclude from this information, then, that hemoglobin does, indeed, carry oxygen effectively and (C) is not a problem at all. Only choice (D), which states that ג€red blood exhibits poor durability in the bloodstreamג€, is mentioned in the passage as a problem specific to ג€red bloodג€. In the second paragraph, the passage states that ג€additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the...cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hoursג€. One of the criteria for a successful blood substitute is that it be durable and versatile.
The fact that ג€red bloodג€ breaks down readily in the bloodstream shows that ג€red bloodג€ is not durable in the bloodstream. This is the problem mentioned specifically in relation to ג€red bloodג€, so choice (D) is the correct answer.
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Question #19
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, how much oxygen can be absorbed by a 300 cc sample of PFC?
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
According to the passage, how much oxygen can be absorbed by a 300 cc sample of PFC?
- A50 cc
- B100 cc
- C150 cc
- D300 cc
Correct Answer:
C
This is an application question which requires you to apply information from the passage to solve a problem. The passage mentions that PFCs are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume. Applying this information, then, a 300 cc sample of PFC can absorb up to 150 cc, 50% of 300 cc. The correct answer, then, is choice (C), 150 cc.
C
This is an application question which requires you to apply information from the passage to solve a problem. The passage mentions that PFCs are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume. Applying this information, then, a 300 cc sample of PFC can absorb up to 150 cc, 50% of 300 cc. The correct answer, then, is choice (C), 150 cc.
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Question #20
Due to ever-increasing paranoia about the transmission of hepatitis and AIDS via blood transfusions and the frequent difficulty of procuring matching blood donors for patients, researchers have been working at a feverish pace to produce disease-free and easy-to-use blood substitutes. The difficulty most synthetic blood researches have had is in formulating a substance that combines qualities of sterility, high capacity for carrying oxygen to body tissues, and versatility within the human body. Three major substitute technologies have been developed to date; each has certain advantages and shortcomings.
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
It can be inferred from the passage that the difficulty of producing an ideal blood substitute is compounded by all of the following EXCEPT:
`Red blood,` the first of the blood substitute technologies, is derived from hemoglobin which has been recycled from old, dead, or worn-out red blood cells and modified so that it can carry oxygen outside the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a complex protein, is the blood's natural oxygen carrier and is attractive to scientists for use in synthetic blood because of its oxygen-carrying capacity. However, hemoglobin can sometimes constitute a two-fold threat to humans when it is extracted from the red blood cell and introduced to the body in its naked form. First, hemoglobin molecules are rarely sterile and often remain contaminated by viruses to which they were exposed in the cell. Second, naked hemoglobin is extremely dangerous to the kidneys, causing blood flow at these organs to shut down and leading, ultimately, to renal failure. Additional problems arise from the fact that hemoglobin is adapted to operate optimally within the intricate environment of the red blood cell. Stripped of the protection of the cell, the hemoglobin molecule tends to suffer breakdown within several hours. Although modification has produced more durable hemoglobin molecules which do not cause renal failure, undesired side effects continue to plague patients and hinder the development of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Another synthetic blood alternative, `white blood`, is dependent on laboratory synthesized chemicals called perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Unlike blood, PFCs are clear oil like liquids, yet they are capable of absorbing quantities of oxygen up to 50% of their volume, enough of an oxygen carrying potential for oxygen-dependent organisms to survive submerged in the liquid for hours by `breathing` it. Although PFCs imitate real blood by effectively absorbing oxygen, scientists are primarily interested in them as constituents of blood substitutes because they are inherently safer to use than hemoglobin-based substitutes. PFCs do not interact with any chemicals in the body and can be manufactured in near-perfect sterility. The primary pitfall of PFCs is in their tendency to form globules in plasma that can block circulation. Dissolving PFCs in solution can mitigate globulation; however, this procedure also seriously curtails the PFCs' oxygen capacity.
The final and perhaps most ambitious attempt to form a blood substitute involves the synthesis of a modified version of human hemoglobin by genetically-altered bacteria. Fortunately, this synthetic hemoglobin seems to closely mimic the qualities of sterility, and durability outside the cellular environment, and the oxygen- carrying efficiency of blood. Furthermore, researchers have found that if modified hemoglobin genes are added to bacterial DNA, the bacteria will produce the desired product in copious quantities. This procedure is extremely challenging, however, because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin, and the modification of the gene to express a molecule that works without support from a living cell.
While all the above technologies have serious drawbacks and difficulties, work to perfect an ideal blood substitute continues. Scientists hope that in the near future safe synthetic blood transfusions may ease blood shortages and resolve the unavailability of various blood types.
It can be inferred from the passage that the difficulty of producing an ideal blood substitute is compounded by all of the following EXCEPT:
- Athere is no known way to isolate the DNA responsible for hemoglobin.
- Bnaked hemoglobin tends to break down in the bloodstream.
- Cnon-globulating PFCs have significantly abbreviated oxygen-carrying capacities.
- Dthe use of PFCs may lead to blood clotting.
Correct Answer:
A
This is an inference question. It asks which of the answer choices is not a factor that detracts from the production of an ideal blood substitute. Choices (C) and (D) present troublesome aspects of PFCs. The end of the second paragraph establishes that one of the drawbacks of PFCs is that they form globules, blocking blood circulation, choice (D). In order to bypass this problem, scientists have attempted to modify PFCs so that they do not form globules. These efforts have been thwarted, however, as such modified PFCs have curtailed oxygen-carrying capacities, choice (C). Choice (B) relates to problems with ג€red bloodג€. The third sentence of the second paragraph tells us that one of the problems of ג€red bloodג€ is that its naked hemoglobin breaks down rapidly in the bloodstream. Choice (B), then, is a factor that has compounded the difficulty of producing an ideal blood substitute. Choice (A) presents a statement which, if supported by the passage, might very well compound the difficulties of producing an ideal synthetic blood. If there was no known way to isolate the DNA responsible for hemoglobin, then genetic engineering of modified hemoglobin, would be hampered.
But the passage never states that there is no known way to isolate the DNA responsible for hemoglobin. It does mention, in the last sentence of the fourth paragraph, that genetic engineering is challenging because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin. But the passage does not say that there is no known way to do this. Choice (A), therefore, is not suggested as a complication in the production of synthetic blood and is the correct answer.
A
This is an inference question. It asks which of the answer choices is not a factor that detracts from the production of an ideal blood substitute. Choices (C) and (D) present troublesome aspects of PFCs. The end of the second paragraph establishes that one of the drawbacks of PFCs is that they form globules, blocking blood circulation, choice (D). In order to bypass this problem, scientists have attempted to modify PFCs so that they do not form globules. These efforts have been thwarted, however, as such modified PFCs have curtailed oxygen-carrying capacities, choice (C). Choice (B) relates to problems with ג€red bloodג€. The third sentence of the second paragraph tells us that one of the problems of ג€red bloodג€ is that its naked hemoglobin breaks down rapidly in the bloodstream. Choice (B), then, is a factor that has compounded the difficulty of producing an ideal blood substitute. Choice (A) presents a statement which, if supported by the passage, might very well compound the difficulties of producing an ideal synthetic blood. If there was no known way to isolate the DNA responsible for hemoglobin, then genetic engineering of modified hemoglobin, would be hampered.
But the passage never states that there is no known way to isolate the DNA responsible for hemoglobin. It does mention, in the last sentence of the fourth paragraph, that genetic engineering is challenging because it requires the isolation of the human gene for the production of hemoglobin. But the passage does not say that there is no known way to do this. Choice (A), therefore, is not suggested as a complication in the production of synthetic blood and is the correct answer.
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