RC

Recently, revolution in reproductive technology has attracted wide
attention as controversy centered, initially, on the premise that
genetic cloning techniques could create new, possibly dangerous forms
of life. Attention next focused on the power of genetic engineering to
produce valuable new medical and agricultural products. Largely
overlooked, however, are developments that will ultimately have far
greater social impact: the ability to analyse genetic information will
allow the prediction of human traits. While some fear that by
analysing the entire library of human gene sequences we will discover
the essence of humanity, this is unlikely. Our bodies are complex
networks of interacting components, influenced by a variable
environment. Nevertheless, genes do help determine aspects of human
form and function. Herein lie the seeds of future problems.

By about the year 2005, barring unforeseen technical obstacles,
scientists will have fully mapped the complex human genetic terrain.
Before this, however, new information will make possible techniques
that will engender a host of ethical issues. Imagine that
investigators could predict with some accuracy such aspects of human
behaviour or functioning as intelligence, shyness, aggressiveness, or
heat tolerance. Consider the power this would give to some and the
vulnerable position in which it would put others.

Even if society can anticipate and control most misuse of genetic
data, we face a more insidious problem: a rising ethic of genetic
determinism. For the past century, ideological currents have closely
affected the nature versus nurture debate.

Widespread rejection of social Darwinism and institutionalized racism
has buoyed the strong naturist sentiments of the past half century,
but a growing proportion of the public, impressed by the successes of
genetics, is likely to come to view genes as determinants of the human
condition. Such an uncritical embrace of genetics will not be checked
by scientists' reminders that the powers of genetic predictions are
limited. Environmental variations can cause genetically similar
individuals to develop in dramatically different ways, and genetics
will at best suggest only a probability of development for complex
traits, such as those involved in behaviour and cognition. Those
overlooking this will disastrously misjudge individual ability.

What a tragedy this would be! We Americans have viewed our roots as
interesting historical relics, hardly as rigid molds dictating all
that we are and will be. Moreover, a belief that each of us is
responsible for our own behaviour has woven our social fabric. Yet, in
coming years, we will hear increasingly from those attributing 'bad'
behaviour to inexorable biological forces. As a biologist, I find this
a bitter prospect. The biological revolution of the past decades will
spawn enormous benefits, but we will pay a very heavy price unless we
craft an ethic that cherishes our spontaneity, unpredictability, and
individual uniqueness.


Q.4
Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?
a The relation between science and society leads to complex ethical
questions that may either benefit or impair the development of each.
b Society will ultimately understand that environmental conditions
may cause genetically similar individuals to develop in dramatically
different directions.
c The ability to analyse human genetic make-up could lead to a
dangerous belief in genes as determinants of who we are and how we
think.
d The ability to analyse complex genetic information will ultimately
lead to a fundamental understanding of human form and function.



Q.5
The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of
the following predictions about the biological revolution discussed in
the passage?
a The revolution will lead to gross injustices in society.
b The revolution will bring greater good than harm to society.
c The revolution will not be as far-reaching as some believe.
d The revolution may be problematic as well as beneficial.


Q.6
The author mentions the nature-versus-nurture debate primarily in order to
a demonstrate the difficulty of predicting and preventing misuse of
scientific data.
b supply a point of reference for an assessment of the validity of
recent advances in genetics.
c cast doubt on the moral integrity of society.
d illustrate that many people are likely to believe that genetics
determines our behavior and ability.