A Leading Motivation for Scientists to Bioengineer Human Organs for Transplant

question 15

Multiple Choice

A leading motivation for scientists to bioengineer human organs for transplant is the trend in the percentage of patients on the organ transplant waiting list who receive a transplant (that is, [Number receiving transplant/Number on the wait list] × 100) , as shown in this graph. Furthermore, although ethnic groups generally donate in proportion to their group's representation in the U.S. population, the need for particular organs in some groups is much higher than in others. For example, chronic kidney disease is three times more common in African Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics/Latinos as compared to Caucasians. Although organ compatibility is based on blood type and tissue markers, and not ethnicity, a compatible match is more likely between people of the same ethnic group (that is, with greater genetic similarity) . Thus, bioengineering of human organs can also potentially solve the problem of decreased access to organ transplants among diverse groups of people.
Change in percent of organ transplant waiting list who receive a transplant
-What is the best explanation for the trend in the percentage of patients on the organ transplant waiting list who receive a transplant, and how can bioengineering help to reverse this trend?

• A) The number of people on the waiting list is decreasing relative to the number of organ donors. Bioengineered organs could further decrease the number of people on the waiting list.
• B) The number of people on the waiting list is increasing relative to the number of organ donors. Bioengineered organs, if available, would equate to more organ donors.
• C) Both the number of people on the waiting list and the number of organ donors is increasing. Bioengineered organs would reduce the number of people on the waiting list.
• D) Both the number of people on the waiting list and the number of organ donors is decreasing. Bioengineering would not help to reverse the trend.