Human cells are programmed to selfdestruct at the same rate at which they are generated. However, the
programs can malfunction, resulting either in excessive cell growth, which can lead to cancer, or
excessive cell destruction, which can lead to degenerative diseases. As for the latter, using a tool called
RNA interference, researchers can turn off the functions of genes individually and, by observing the
results, determine which genes influence the process of cell death. Geneticists have isolated more than
one hundred different human genes that prevent cells from self-destructing. However, these genes
operate interdependently toward this end; moreover, most such genes serve other functions as well,
including cell differentiation and proliferation. Scientists are just beginning to identify the gene groups that
play key roles in the prevention of cell death and to understand the intricacies of how these groups
function, not just as units but also together, in what appears to be a vast network. Building on this
knowledge, researchers hope to learn how to precisely manipulate the process of cell death in humans-a
crucial step toward the development of diagnostics and treatments that target the specific diseases
associated with out-of-control cell destruction.
The author's primary concern in the passage is to
- A. propose a theory to account for the increasing variety of degenerative diseases in humans
- B. summarize the findings of recent scientific research on degenerative diseases
- C. provide hope that scientists will soon discover a cure for many degenerative diseases
- D. describe the process of cell death and regeneration in the human body
- E. explain the methodology by which researchers are learning how to control cell death
Reveal Solution
Discussion
Correct Answer: E 🗳️
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