PrepTest 155, Section 3, Question 19
This passage was adapted from an article published(449 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(18 more words not shown)
- AA group of(41 more words not shown)
- BA group of(47 more words not shown)
- CA group of(37 more words not shown)
- DA group of(45 more words not shown)
- EA group of(41 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Build the sequence before looking at the oils. A natural peptide helps form an abalone shell. That suggests a possible use with different materials, so researchers produce many peptides and test them for the desired interactions. The aim is to turn a natural construction idea into a new technological application.
What we’re looking for
I want the same movement from observing a useful natural property to making related candidates and testing them for a different practical use. Merely mentioning chemicals or experiments won't reproduce that sequence.
Working the answers
- A
These researchers abandon their original inquiry. Belcher and Hu don't give up on peptides; they pursue the possibility that the natural process suggests. Switching to a different topic after receiving a grant doesn't match.
- B
The oils are extracted from trees, and an unexpected insecticidal property appears during tests for another purpose. This isn't the deliberate development of related candidates inspired by a known natural property that we're matching.
- C
Synthesizing oils is a partial match. But the same already-useful mixture is then found to have a second application. Our researchers start with a natural example, produce related candidates, and search for ones that interact appropriately with different target materials. C doesn't reproduce that progression.
- D
An observed harmful effect prompts a safety investigation of oils already used in medicine. The peptide project instead develops candidates for a useful new application. D has the initial observation, but not the development-and-testing sequence that follows it.
- ECorrect
The tree's naturally protective oil matches the shell-forming peptide: each gives researchers a useful biological clue. Synthesizing similar oils matches producing related peptides. Testing them for possible antibacterial use in humans matches testing peptides for useful interactions with semiconductor materials. Both projects take inspiration from a natural function and develop candidates for a new practical setting.
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