Scientists May Be on the Verge of Creating Life in a Test

question 141

Multiple Choice

Scientists may be on the verge of creating life in a test tube. Recently, scientists have used computers to synthesize a highly complex loop of DNA. When this loop was inserted into an empty bacterial cell, the cell began to self-replicate. And self-replication is an essential feature of life.

• A) Argument; conclusion: When this loop was inserted ... began to self-replicate.
• B) Argument; conclusion: Recently, scientists have used computers ... loop of DNA.
• C) Nonargument.
• D) Argument; conclusion: Scientists may be on the verge ... life in a test tube.
• E) Argument; conclusion: And self-replication is an essential feature of life.

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Definitions:

Isotonic

A solution that has the same osmotic pressure as the fluids in a cell or body, resulting in no net movement of water across cell membranes.

Selectively Permeable

A property of cellular membranes that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it by means of active or passive transport, while preventing others.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Simple Diffusion

A process whereby molecules move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration without the need for energy input.