GRE Reading Comprehension

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Source: magoosh reading medium

The DNA molecule is composed of subunits called base pairs, which are two smaller subunits bonded together, forming part of a genetic message. In our bodies every individual cell has one billion base pairs. It is unlikely that all of these base pairs, making up what scientists call an entire genome, could be extracted from fossil remains. Even if they could, they would still need to be assembled into an ordered, structured genome. At present, isolating and organizing the DNA into an entire genome for a fossil animal is impossible. We cannot create carbon copies of organisms that are alive today, even if we have the entire genome in its correct order. Before cloning becomes possible, much must be learned about translating the information in the genome into a living, breathing organism.

Question List: 1 2

Based on information in the passage, if a scientist were able to derive a dinosaur's entire genome from a fossil then that scientist would

  • A not have sufficient information to create an actual dinosaur
  • B have the essential information necessary to clone a dinosaur
  • C know little regarding the dinosaur's DNA
  • D not have access to the dinosaur's base pairs
  • E be able to translate the information in the genome into an organism

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