Q.2
Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence:
Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the Indian Medical Association,
human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which __________ treatments are unsatisfactory.
Options:
(A) similar
(B) most
(C) uncommon
(D) available
Sentence completion questions in exams like GRE, CAT, and medical entrance tests evaluate vocabulary, context, and logical fit. The sentence here—”Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the Indian Medical Association, human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which __________ treatments are unsatisfactory”—discusses limits on gene editing in medicine.
The correct answer is (D) available, forming: “…diseases for which available treatments are unsatisfactory.” This means gene manipulation is allowed only when existing treatments fail.
Why (D) Available is the Correct Choice
Gene therapy targets diseases where standard options don’t work well, aligning with real-world ethics like those from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) or global bodies such as ICMR. “Available” specifies current, accessible treatments, justifying intervention. It fits grammatically and logically, emphasizing practicality in biotech and molecular biology contexts.
Detailed Explanation of All Options
Each option changes the sentence’s meaning—here’s why they succeed or fail:
-
(A) Similar
“Diseases for which similar treatments are unsatisfactory.” This implies comparison to like therapies, but it lacks precision. “Similar” doesn’t specify existence or accessibility, making it vague for ethical guidelines. -
(B) Most
“Diseases for which most treatments are unsatisfactory.” “Most” quantifies but doesn’t tie to real-world availability. It suggests many options exist yet fail, which dilutes the strict ethical threshold for gene manipulation. -
(C) Uncommon
“Diseases for which uncommon treatments are unsatisfactory.” This shifts focus to rare therapies, not their effectiveness or presence. It implies standard ones might work, contradicting the intent of reserving gene edits for tough cases. -
(D) Available
Spot-on. It directly contrasts failing current treatments with gene therapy, mirroring bioethics principles in biotechnology where interventions fill gaps in pharmacotherapy or surgery.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Completed Phrase Example | Logical Fit for Ethics? | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Similar treatments are unsatisfactory | No | Too vague, no emphasis on existence |
| B | Most treatments are unsatisfactory | Partial | Quantifies but ignores availability |
| C | Uncommon treatments are unsatisfactory | No | Focuses on rarity, not failure of standards |
| D | Available treatments are unsatisfactory | Yes | Highlights gap in existing options |
These questions build precision in scientific writing, vital for biotech students. Relate it to CRISPR ethics for deeper understanding.
