Question

Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen an argument of the opponents of rDNA technology? (A) Agricultural products developed through rDNA technology are no more attractive to consumers than are traditional crops. (B) Genetically altered microorganisms have no natural predators but can prey on a wide variety of other microorganisms. (C) Drugs produced using rDNA technology cost more to manufacture than drugs produced with traditional technologies. (D) Ecosystems are impermanent systems that are often liable to collapse, and occasionally do so. (E) Genetically altered microorganisms generally cannot survive for more than a few hours in the natural environment.

Short answer

(B) strengthens the argument by highlighting environmental risks.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Opponents' Argument

Opponents of rDNA technology are generally concerned about the potential risks and unforeseen consequences this technology might have on the environment, agriculture, and public health. Therefore, the strengthening statement must highlight a significant risk or drawback related to these areas.

Evaluate Each Option

Go through each option to determine its impact on the strength of the opponents' argument: - (A) suggests no consumer preference, which doesn't directly strengthen concerns about risk or danger. - (B) implies that genetically altered microorganisms could disrupt natural ecosystems due to lack of predators, supporting potential environmental harm. - (C) focuses on cost, which does not address concerns related to risks or dangers. - (D) discusses general ecosystem instability, which is unrelated to the specific effects of rDNA technology. - (E) indicates genetically altered microorganisms die quickly in nature, potentially diminishing environmental risk concerns.

Select the Most Impactful Option

Based on the analysis, option (B) is the most impactful because it directly addresses possible risks associated with rDNA technology by suggesting that altered microorganisms could lead to environmental harm due to their ability to prey broadly without being preyed upon.

Key concepts

rDNA Technology

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology is a fascinating field that involves the manipulation of genetic material. It allows scientists to create new combinations of DNA sequences that do not occur naturally. These sequences can be inserted into organisms to give them new traits or capabilities. This technology has been instrumental in advancing medicine, agriculture, and industrial applications. However, despite its benefits, it comes with certain concerns regarding its impact on the environment and public health.

This process starts with identifying a useful gene, isolating it, and integrating it into the host organism's DNA. By doing this, scientists can make plants resistant to pests, produce insulin in bacteria, or create new vaccines. The great potential of rDNA technology lies in its ability to solve many global challenges. Yet, it's crucial to consider ethical and safety issues to ensure its responsible use.

Environmental Impact

The introduction of organisms with genetically modified DNA into the environment has sparked significant debate about potential impacts. One concern is the unpredictability of these organisms in natural ecosystems. They may disrupt existing balances by outcompeting native species or introducing novel diseases. In particular, these concerns are heightened when genetically altered microorganisms are involved.

These organisms might have unintended interactions with other living organisms, potentially leading to ecological imbalances. For instance, if they lack natural predators, as suggested in option (B) of the original exercise, they might proliferate uncontrollably. Such scenarios could lead to adversities for natural habitats and biodiversity. Efforts need to be placed on thoroughly assessing these risks before releasing modified organisms into the wild.

Genetically Altered Microorganisms

Genetically altered microorganisms (GAMs) are microorganisms that have been modified using rDNA technology to express desired traits. These traits may range from enhanced production of substances like insulin or enzymes to improved resilience against environmental stressors. Despite their potential advantages, GAMs pose unique challenges and threats, particularly when they escape into the natural environment.

The primary concern is their adaptability and capacity for growth without natural constraints. This lack of predators or competition, addressed in the original exercise, could lead to their success over native microorganisms, which might result in unforeseen ecological disruptions. Thus, understanding and managing the consequences of introducing these microorganisms into the environment are critical to minimize negative impacts.

Public Health Concerns

Public health concerns surrounding rDNA technology mainly focus on safety and the possible long-term consequences of its applications. While this technology holds promise for advancing healthcare, such as developing more effective drugs and vaccines, it also raises questions about the potential adverse effects.

One worry is that genetically altered organisms used in consumer products or food could cause allergic reactions or other health problems. Additionally, there are fears about the development of antibiotic resistance if these organisms were to exchange genes with pathogenic bacteria. For these reasons, rigorous testing and regulatory measures are essential to ensure that rDNA technology advances public health without compromising safety.