Scientists Don't Always Want to Share Their Data

question 3

Multiple Choice

Scientists don't always want to share their data. Why do you think they are willing to put DNA and protein sequences in a national database open to everyone?

• A) The government makes them do it.
• B) Because these data come from living things, none of it is private anyway.
• C) There is so much information there, the odds of anyone actually using anyone else's data are remote.
• D) There is so much information in one DNA sequence that it would be impossible for a single scientist to store it all him- or herself.
• E) There is so much information there that the more people are free to investigate questions using it, the more useful answers we will find.

---

Definitions:

Token Money

Money whose face value exceeds its cost of production, typically involving coins and paper money not backed by a commodity.

Legal Tender

The coins or banknotes that must be accepted if offered in payment of a debt.

Debit Cards

Plastic cards issued by banks that allow cardholders to transfer money electronically from their bank account when making a purchase.

Grace Period

A set period of time after the due date during which payment can be made without penalty.