#15 - Global Reference, Must Be True, Main Point

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

The correct answer choice is (B).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice.

Answer choice (C):

Answer choice (D):

Answer choice (E):


This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

[lsatstudent99966]

Hi there,

Could you please see if my understanding of why (A) (C) (D) (E) is wrong is correct:

(A) The passage does not conclude that genetically altered bacteria are not dangerous. In fact, in paragraph 2 (lines 36-37), it is mentioned that some opponents of generically altered bacteria believe "the deliberate and large scale release of genetically altered bacteria might have deleterious results." Proponents disagree with this concern, but the author has not taken a position.

(B) "Pseudomonas syringae" is only one example of a bacterium that can be genetically altered for a specific purpose mentioned in the passage, so it is not the main point of the passage. Also, this answer choice is inaccurate because the passage never says that genetically altered "Pseudomonas syringae" will have "many beneficial effects"; the only beneficial effect mentioned in the passage is the prevention of frost damage.

(D) This is incorrect because no one mentioned in the passage said anything about replacing crop rotation.

(E) This is also inaccurate. I think the author did point out that it is currently unclear whether or not these genetically altered bacteria will be able to survive in nature (paragraph 4, lines 51-54). However, the opponents did not question this. The only criticism of the opponents discussed in this passage concerns the risk of spreading these genetically altered bacteria. "Whether or not these genetically altered bacteria will be able to survive in nature" seems to be a question of feasibility (rather than risk).

[lsatstudent99966]

Hi there,

Could you please see if my understanding of why (A) (C) (D) (E) is wrong is correct:

(A) The passage does not conclude that genetically altered bacteria are not dangerous. In fact, in paragraph 2 (lines 36-37), it is mentioned that some opponents of generically altered bacteria believe "the deliberate and large scale release of genetically altered bacteria might have deleterious results." Proponents disagree with this concern, but the author has not taken a position.

(B) "Pseudomonas syringae" is only one example of a bacterium that can be genetically altered for a specific purpose mentioned in the passage, so it is not the main point of the passage. Also, this answer choice is inaccurate because the passage never says that genetically altered "Pseudomonas syringae" will have "many beneficial effects"; the only beneficial effect mentioned in the passage is the prevention of frost damage.

(D) This is incorrect because no one mentioned in the passage said anything about replacing crop rotation.

(E) This is also inaccurate. I think the author did point out that it is currently unclear whether or not these genetically altered bacteria will be able to survive in nature (paragraph 4, lines 51-54). However, the opponents did not question this. The only criticism of the opponents discussed in this passage concerns the risk of spreading these genetically altered bacteria. "Whether or not these genetically altered bacteria will be able to survive in nature" seems to be a question of feasibility (rather than risk).

Sorry! The (B) above should be (C)!

[Amber Thomas]

Hi LSATStudent99966!

Answer Choice A: You're absolutely right! The author doesn't indicate that these genetically altered bacteria are not dangerous.

Answer Choice B: This is our correct answer choice because it hits all of the key components of the passage.

Answer Choice C: You're right that this answer choice is too specific, and only focuses on one aspect of the passage (i.e. Paragraph 2).

Answer Choice D: Exactly, there is no mention of replacing crop rotation, so this cannot be our answer choice.

Answer Choice E: Yes, although it is questioned in the passage whether or not these artificial bacteria would be able to survive in an organic environment, you're right that its more so a matter of feasibility rather than a point to be argued against their use by critics.

I hope this helps!