Because natural selection acts against genes that cause inherited disorders, lethal genetic diseases should be, and generally are, very rare....
GMAT Reading Comprehension : (RC) Questions
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Because natural selection acts against genes that cause inherited disorders, lethal genetic diseases should be, and generally are, very rare. Thus it seems surprising that certain inherited disorders of red blood cells, notably sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, occur in some populations at unusually high frequencies. We have been able to explain this phenomenon through natural selection by assuming that the same variant gene that causes the lethal diseases in homozygous individuals (who inherit two abnormal genes, one from each parent) protects heterozygous individuals (who inherit one abnormal and one normal gene) against another potentially lethal, and more prevalent, disease—in this case-malaria, which is produced by a parasite that infects red blood cells. That protection maintains the high frequencies of these otherwise deleterious genes.
The strength of malaria as a selective force derives from its powerful effects on the health and reproductive capacity of human populations. Malaria has been a major cause of death throughout history, contributing in Africa today to early-childhood mortality rates that are as high as 50 percent. It kills about 10 percent of its victims directly and contributes to the death of others by decreasing the ability of their immune systems to fight off other infections. Its high mortality rate ensures that a significant number of individuals will not live to reproduce; thus, any genetic mutation that provides resistance to malaria must have a high selective advantage.
That the sickle cell gene might confer such resistance was first indicated by the coincidence of the geographic ranges of sickle cell disease and malaria. Clinical evidence was harder to come by, but in 1954 Allison showed that children with the sickle cell gene had much milder cases of malaria than did children without it. Because the biochemical mechanism of this resistance to Malaria could not, however, be established, the role of the sickle-cell gene could not be unequivocally demonstrated.
This state of affairs persisted until 1977, when, after fifty years of attempts, a procedure was devised that allowed researchers to maintain malaria parasites in a laboratory culture. Using this technique, scientists could finally investigate how sickle cell blood cells protect a heterozygous carrier against malaria. They soon discovered that the parasite in an infected sickle cell develops normally up to the time that the cell is sequestered in tissue. There the low-oxygen environment and the low intracellular pH induce the characteristic sickling in the host cell, causing its potassium level to 'drop; this in turn causes the parasite to die. Such a process can protect against malaria even if not all of the parasites are affected because any meaningful reduction in the rate of multiplication of the parasite gives the immune system the time necessary to mount a protective response of its own.
Ques. 1/8
The primary purpose of the passage is to
Solution
1. Passage Analysis
Progressive Passage Analysis
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Because natural selection acts against genes that cause inherited disorders, lethal genetic diseases should be, and generally are, very rare. | What it says: Evolution eliminates dangerous genes, so deadly genetic diseases are usually uncommon. What it does: Establishes the basic scientific principle that will anchor the entire passage. Source/Type: Scientific fact presented as accepted knowledge. Connection to Previous Sentences: This is our starting point - no prior information to connect to. Visualization: Think of 10,000 people in a population. Deadly genetic diseases might affect only 5-10 people because natural selection removes these harmful genes over time. Reading Strategy Insight: This sentence sets up an expectation. When authors do this, they're usually about to show us an exception or complication. |
| Thus it seems surprising that certain inherited disorders of red blood cells, notably sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, occur in some populations at unusually high frequencies. | What it says: But wait - some deadly blood diseases are actually common in certain groups, which is weird based on what we just learned. What it does: Introduces the puzzle that the entire passage will solve. Source/Type: Observed scientific phenomenon that contradicts the principle. Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly contrasts with sentence 1. "Thus it seems surprising" signals this is the opposite of what we'd expect. Visualization: In that same population of 10,000 people, instead of 5-10 people having sickle cell anemia, maybe 500-1000 people have it in certain regions. Reading Strategy Insight: Perfect! The author just told us exactly what the passage will be about. This contradiction between expectation and reality is our central puzzle. What We Know So Far: Deadly genes should be rare, but some are surprisingly common What We Don't Know Yet: Why this happens |
| We have been able to explain this phenomenon through natural selection by assuming that the same variant gene that causes the lethal diseases in homozygous individuals (who inherit two abnormal genes, one from each parent) protects heterozygous individuals (who inherit one abnormal and one normal gene) against another potentially lethal, and more prevalent, disease—in this case malaria, which is produced by a parasite that infects red blood cells. | What it says: Scientists figured out the puzzle: The gene that kills you if you get two copies actually protects you from malaria if you get just one copy. What it does: Provides the main solution to the puzzle - this is the thesis of the passage. Source/Type: Scientific explanation/theory ("by assuming"). Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly answers the "surprising" phenomenon from sentence 2. "We have been able to explain this phenomenon" signals we're getting our answer. Visualization: • Person with 2 sickle cell genes: Dies from sickle cell disease • Person with 0 sickle cell genes: Dies from malaria • Person with 1 sickle cell gene: Protected from both diseases Reading Strategy Insight: Feel relieved here - we just got the main answer! The technical terms (homozygous/heterozygous) are just fancy ways of saying "two copies" vs "one copy." |
| That protection maintains the high frequencies of these otherwise deleterious genes. | What it says: This protection system is why these harmful genes stay common in the population. What it does: Restates and completes the main explanation in simpler language. Source/Type: Author's conclusion based on the scientific explanation. Connection to Previous Sentences: This loops back to complete our puzzle. Sentence 2 asked "why are these genes common?" This sentence gives the final answer: "because they provide protection." Visualization: The sickle cell gene stays at high levels (maybe 20% of people carry one copy) because those 20% survive malaria better than the other 80%. Reading Strategy Insight: This is pure restatement - no new complexity! The author is helping us solidify the core concept. What We Know So Far: The complete answer to our puzzle - harmful genes persist because they protect against malaria What We Don't Know Yet: Specific details about how this works |
| The strength of malaria as a selective force derives from its powerful effects on the health and reproductive capacity of human populations. | What it says: Malaria is such a strong evolutionary pressure because it severely affects people's health and ability to have children. What it does: Begins explaining WHY the protection against malaria is so valuable - supports the main argument. Source/Type: Scientific explanation of evolutionary principles. Connection to Previous Sentences: This builds on the malaria mention in sentence 3. Now we're diving deeper into why malaria protection would be evolutionarily important. Visualization: In a population where malaria kills many people before they can reproduce, having protection becomes extremely valuable for passing on genes. Reading Strategy Insight: We're now getting supporting details for our main answer. This isn't new complexity - it's elaboration on concepts we already understand. |
| Malaria has been a major cause of death throughout history, contributing in Africa today to early-childhood mortality rates that are as high as 50 percent. | What it says: Malaria has always been a huge killer, and today in Africa it contributes to half of all child deaths. What it does: Provides concrete evidence for how serious malaria is as a threat. Source/Type: Historical and statistical fact. Connection to Previous Sentences: This gives specific evidence for the "powerful effects" mentioned in the previous sentence. Visualization: In an African village of 100 children, malaria contributes to the deaths of up to 50 of them before they reach adulthood. Reading Strategy Insight: Concrete statistics help us understand the magnitude of the selective pressure. This reinforces rather than complicates our understanding. |
| It kills about 10 percent of its victims directly and contributes to the death of others by decreasing the ability of their immune systems to fight off other infections. | What it says: Malaria kills some people outright and weakens others so they die from other diseases. What it does: Continues building the case for malaria as a major evolutionary threat. Source/Type: Medical/statistical fact. Connection to Previous Sentences: This elaborates on the mortality statistics from the previous sentence, explaining both direct and indirect deaths. Visualization: Of 100 people who get malaria: 10 die directly from malaria, and additional people die from other diseases because malaria weakened their immune systems. Reading Strategy Insight: More supporting evidence - we're building a comprehensive picture of why malaria protection would be so evolutionarily valuable. |
| Its high mortality rate ensures that a significant number of individuals will not live to reproduce; thus, any genetic mutation that provides resistance to malaria must have a high selective advantage. | What it says: Because malaria kills so many people before they can have children, any gene that protects against malaria becomes very valuable evolutionarily. What it does: Provides the evolutionary logic connecting malaria's deadliness to the survival of protective genes. Source/Type: Author's logical conclusion based on evolutionary principles. Connection to Previous Sentences: This ties together all the malaria evidence and connects it back to our original puzzle about sickle cell genes. Visualization: People with malaria resistance live to have children and pass on their genes, while people without resistance often die before reproducing. Reading Strategy Insight: This completes the logical chain - we now fully understand WHY the sickle cell gene persists despite being harmful. |
| That the sickle cell gene might confer such resistance was first indicated by the coincidence of the geographic ranges of sickle cell disease and malaria. | What it says: Scientists first suspected the connection because sickle cell disease and malaria occur in the same geographic areas. What it does: Begins the historical account of how scientists discovered this relationship. Source/Type: Historical scientific observation. Connection to Previous Sentences: This shifts from explaining the theory to describing how scientists figured it out. It builds on the established sickle cell-malaria connection. Visualization: Scientists noticed that sickle cell disease is common in Africa, Southern Europe, and other areas where malaria is also prevalent. Reading Strategy Insight: We're now getting the "how we know this" story. This doesn't complicate the main argument - it supports it with evidence. |
| Clinical evidence was harder to come by, but in 1954 Allison showed that children with the sickle cell gene had much milder cases of malaria than did children without it. | What it says: It was difficult to prove, but in 1954 a researcher named Allison demonstrated that kids with the sickle cell gene got less sick from malaria. What it does: Provides specific historical evidence supporting the sickle cell-malaria resistance theory. Source/Type: Historical scientific research (Allison's 1954 study). Connection to Previous Sentences: This builds on the geographic evidence by providing clinical proof of the protection effect. Visualization: In Allison's study: Children with sickle cell gene might have mild fever from malaria, while children without it might have severe illness or death. Reading Strategy Insight: This gives us concrete proof of what we've been discussing theoretically. The evidence supports our understanding. |
| Because the biochemical mechanism of this resistance to malaria could not, however, be established, the role of the sickle-cell gene could not be unequivocally demonstrated. | What it says: Even though they could see the protection worked, scientists couldn't prove HOW it worked at the molecular level, so they couldn't be 100% certain. What it does: Acknowledges a limitation in the early research and sets up the need for further investigation. Source/Type: Historical assessment of scientific limitations. Connection to Previous Sentences: This qualifies the Allison evidence - yes, it showed protection, but it wasn't complete proof. Visualization: Scientists could see that people with sickle cell gene survived malaria better, but they couldn't explain the step-by-step biological process of how this protection worked. Reading Strategy Insight: This sets up that we'll get more complete evidence later. It's building toward a resolution, not adding confusion. |
| This state of affairs persisted until 1977, when, after fifty years of attempts, a procedure was devised that allowed researchers to maintain malaria parasites in a laboratory culture. | What it says: For decades scientists couldn't get definitive proof, until 1977 when they finally figured out how to keep malaria parasites alive in the lab. What it does: Describes the breakthrough that enabled complete scientific proof. Source/Type: Historical scientific development. Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly addresses the limitation mentioned in the previous sentence - now scientists had the tools they needed. Visualization: From 1954 to 1977 (23 years), scientists had to work with limited evidence. After 1977, they could study malaria parasites directly in controlled laboratory conditions. Reading Strategy Insight: This signals we're about to get the complete, definitive explanation we've been building toward. |
| Using this technique, scientists could finally investigate how sickle cell blood cells protect a heterozygous carrier against malaria. | What it says: With the new lab method, scientists could finally study exactly how sickle cell genes protect people from malaria. What it does: Restates the breakthrough and sets up the detailed mechanism explanation. Source/Type: Description of research capabilities. Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly follows from the 1977 breakthrough and prepares us for the detailed explanation. Visualization: Scientists can now watch malaria parasites trying to infect sickle cells under a microscope and see exactly what happens. Reading Strategy Insight: Feel confident here - we're about to get the complete answer to how this protection works at the molecular level. |
| They soon discovered that the parasite in an infected sickle cell develops normally up to the time that the cell is sequestered in tissue. | What it says: Scientists found that initially, malaria parasites grow normally inside sickle cells until the cells get stuck in body tissues. What it does: Begins the step-by-step explanation of the protective mechanism. Source/Type: Scientific research findings. Connection to Previous Sentences: This provides the specific mechanistic details that scientists could finally observe after 1977. Visualization: Picture malaria parasites growing inside red blood cells as those cells flow through blood vessels, everything seeming normal until the cells get trapped in tissue. Reading Strategy Insight: We're getting the detailed biological process. This is the "how it works" explanation for the protection we've already established. |
| There the low-oxygen environment and the low intracellular pH induce the characteristic sickling in the host cell, causing its potassium level to drop; this in turn causes the parasite to die. | What it says: When sickle cells get stuck in tissues with low oxygen and acidity, they change shape (sickle), lose potassium, and this kills the malaria parasites inside. What it does: Provides the complete biochemical explanation of how sickle cells kill malaria parasites. Source/Type: Detailed scientific research findings. Connection to Previous Sentences: This completes the mechanism started in the previous sentence, showing the chain reaction that kills parasites. Visualization: The sickle cell changes from a round disk to a curved sickle shape → potassium leaks out → parasite dies from the chemical changes. Reading Strategy Insight: This is the payoff - the complete molecular explanation that scientists couldn't provide until 1977. |
| Such a process can protect against malaria even if not all of the parasites are affected because any meaningful reduction in the rate of multiplication of the parasite gives the immune system the time necessary to mount a protective response of its own. | What it says: This protection works even if it doesn't kill every parasite, because slowing down parasite reproduction gives a person's immune system time to fight back. What it does: Explains why partial protection is still evolutionarily valuable - completes the full argument. Source/Type: Scientific explanation of the broader protective effect. Connection to Previous Sentences: This ties the molecular mechanism back to the evolutionary advantage we discussed earlier. Visualization: Instead of 1000 parasites multiplying rapidly and overwhelming the immune system, maybe only 200 parasites survive and multiply slowly, giving the immune system time to respond effectively. Reading Strategy Insight: Perfect conclusion - this connects the detailed mechanism back to the big picture evolutionary argument, completing our understanding. What We Know Now: Complete explanation from evolutionary theory to molecular mechanism to how partial protection provides survival advantage |
2. Passage Summary
Author's Purpose
To explain how scientists solved a puzzling contradiction in evolution - why some deadly genetic diseases remain common in certain populations instead of being eliminated by natural selection.
Summary of Passage Structure:
The author builds their explanation by walking us through both the scientific theory and the historical discovery process:
- First, the author establishes the basic rule that deadly genes should be rare, then presents the puzzle that some deadly blood diseases are surprisingly common in certain populations.
- Next, the author provides the main solution - these genes persist because having one copy protects people from malaria, which is an even deadlier threat.
- Then, the author supports this explanation by showing how devastating malaria has been throughout history, making any protection against it extremely valuable for survival.
- Finally, the author traces the historical journey of how scientists proven this theory, from early geographic observations in the 1950s to the complete molecular explanation that became possible in 1977.
Main Point
Certain deadly genetic diseases remain common because they provide a survival advantage - people who carry one copy of these genes are protected from malaria, which has been such a major killer throughout history that this protection outweighs the risk of the genetic disease itself.
3. Question Analysis
This is a primary purpose question asking us to identify the main goal of the entire passage. We need to find the choice that best captures what the author set out to accomplish from beginning to end.
Connecting to Our Passage Analysis:
From our detailed analysis, we can see the passage follows a clear structure:
- The author establishes a scientific puzzle - why certain deadly genetic diseases remain common when natural selection should eliminate them
- The author provides the main solution - these genes persist because they protect against malaria
- The author supports this explanation with evidence about malaria's devastating effects
- The author traces how scientists historically confirmed this theory, from geographic observations to molecular mechanisms
The passage analysis shows this is fundamentally about explaining "why the gene for sickle cell anemia has persisted" rather than just describing what sickle cell anemia is or how it's produced.
Prethinking
Based on our passage structure analysis, the primary purpose should capture both:
- The explanation of why sickle cell genes persist (the main theoretical answer)
- How this explanation was confirmed (the historical scientific journey)
The passage is solving a puzzle in evolutionary biology and showing how scientists proved their solution.
Answer Choices Explained
A
announce that the mechanism of sickle cell anemia has been discovered and to explain why the discovery was so difficult
Why It's Wrong:
- Focuses only on the mechanism discovery, ignoring the evolutionary explanation that takes up most of the passage
- The passage doesn't "announce" a discovery - it explains an established scientific understanding
- The difficulty of discovery is a minor theme, not the primary purpose
B
explore the limits of natural selection and the way in which certain diseases can transcend them
Why It's Wrong:
- The passage doesn't explore "limits" of natural selection - it shows natural selection working exactly as expected
- No diseases "transcend" natural selection in this passage - everything follows evolutionary principles
- Mischaracterizes the fundamental argument of the passage
C
describe how sickle cell anemia is produced and where it is most prevalent
Why It's Wrong:
- The passage barely describes how sickle cell anemia is "produced" - it focuses on why the gene persists
- Prevalence information is minimal and only serves to support the evolutionary argument
- Misses the evolutionary puzzle and historical confirmation that dominate the passage
D
explain why the gene for sickle cell anemia has persisted and how this explanation was confirmed
Why It's Right:
- Captures both major components: the evolutionary explanation (why genes persist) and the scientific confirmation process
- Matches the passage structure perfectly - from theoretical explanation to historical proof
- Encompasses the entire scope from the initial puzzle through the molecular mechanism
Key Evidence: "We have been able to explain this phenomenon through natural selection" and "This state of affairs persisted until 1977, when... scientists could finally investigate how sickle cell blood cells protect a heterozygous carrier against malaria."
E
analyze the effects of malaria on human populations and to suggest a way in which these effects can be minimized
Why It's Wrong:
- Malaria effects are discussed to support the evolutionary argument, not as the primary focus
- No suggestions for minimizing malaria effects appear anywhere in the passage
- This completely misses the genetic and evolutionary focus of the passage
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