Embryonic Stem Cell Research Reading Answers

Feb 16, 2023

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Reading Answers has 13 questions that are to be answered in 40 minutes. IELTS topic-Embryonic Stem Cell Research Reading Answers deals with stem cells. Embryonic Stem Cell Research IELTS reading question type has two kinds of questions. That is choosing the correct answer, and writing the correct answer. Candidates need to skim through the passage for the best answer. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Reading Answers help students to prepare for IELTS exams.They can also refer to IELTS Reading practice papers.

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Section 1

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Reading Answers

A Human embryonic stem cells (HES) are presently discussed not only by the biologists who discovered them but also by the medical professionals, media, ethicists, governments and politicians. There are several reasons for the same. These ‘supercells’ have major clinical potential in tissue repair. Proponents are of the view that stem cells represent the future relief or cure for a broad range of common disabilities. This will be by way of substitution of faulty cells in a patient’s body by transplantation of HES cell-derived equivalents which would restore normal function.

B Two types of stem cells can be distinguished. Embryonic stem (ES) cells can only be derived from preimplantation embryos and have a confirmed capability to develop cells of all tissues of the adult organism. These are termed as pluripotent. Adult stem cells are to be found in a variety of tissues in the foetus and after birth and are, under normal conditions, more specialized with an essential function in tissue replacement and repair, and so these are termed as multipotent.

C In 1998, three individual sets of research findings related to the isolation and potential use of human embryonic stem cells were reported by scientists. Two of the 1998 reports were published by autonomous teams of scientists who had accomplished the identification, separation and culture of human embryonic stem cells and human embryonic germ cells. Propitious research has also been conducted with adult stem cells. A well-known example of the use of adult stem cells is bone marrow transplantation.

D A parliamentary committee set up to review the rules governing stem cell research has come to the conclusion that researchers should continue to have access to human embryos for the foreseeable future. At present, there are about four hundred thousand human embryos in the freezers of in vitro fertilization clinics. Many are destined to be thawed and discarded and consequently die. It is a genuine moral dilemma, but science offers a way to bring something substantially beneficial from a defective situation. The biological parents of these embryos could allow them to die, or they could consent to donate the embryos for research that someday might benefit patients with incurable diseases. This is a benign purpose, one that promotes both human health and perceptivity.

E We are undeniably on the edge of a significant breakthrough in stem cell technology. Some clinical trials have already started using animal stem cells as these cell studies are very promising. Embryonic stem cells present umpteen medical possibilities. These cells are undifferentiated, which means they can be used in all parts of the body. They are enabled to cure hundreds of diseases with the utilization of multiple cells that can be created from them. Stem cells may also hold the potential to replace cells lost in many other devastating diseases that currently have no sustainable cures. Today, donated tissues and organs are often used in place of damaged tissue, but the need for transplantable tissues and organs far outweighs the supply at hand. If they can be directed to differentiate into specific cell types, stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, spinal cord damage, some forms of blindness and several other health issues effectively and economically.

F However, the use of HES cells is highly contentious because these are procured from human preimplantation embryos. Because these embryos are destroyed during the process of harvesting embryonic cells, it makes the research unpopular with those who believe human life begins at conception and that this life is being destroyed. Though the embryos that are used for in vitro fertilization come from undesirable types, critics still argue that these embryos are already human beings. Despite this, scientific research in stem cells continues. Using embryos as a source of surplus or reserve cells will always be far more controversial than using an adult tissue, or perhaps cells from umbilical cord following birth, and investors will aspire to reduce unnecessary risk to both, the projects they fund, and to their own organisations by association.

G Coming to achievements in this area, although Embryonic Stem Cell Research seems to offer scientific headways, this is not always the reality, as seen on some occasions. There have been reports about cases where fatal brain cells were injected into brain cells of patients with Parkinson’s disease and manifestations of head-jerking, twisting and the like were seen. Also, drugs will have to be administered to people with embryonic stem cells for the rest of their lives to prevent rejection of the tissues.

H The pursuit and creation of knowledge through scientific research offer immense intellectual rewards for researchers while also performing an important social function. The progress of science has transformed our lives in unpredictable ways. Whether stem cell research will have a similar effect, is yet to be determined, but the promise is so great that it seems wise to consider seriously how to promote such research in a manner that is sensitive to public sensibilities, not excluding the morals and ethics. Public conversations about research and use of human stem cells are well underway.

Section 2

Solutions and Explanations

Questions 28-34

The text in section 3 has eight paragraphs, A-H.

Choose the correct heading for each of the paragraphs, B-H, and move it into the gap.

Example: A - medical breakthrough becoming a point of discussion in various circles

Stem cells classified

Independent studies are more successful

Studies conducted in stem cell research

Expecting a fruitful or an unavailing outcome of current actions

A medical breakthrough becoming a point of discussion in various circles

Huge potential in treating incurable diseases

Denying a possible life raises controversies

Not completely flawless

Adult stem cell replacement finds more supporters

A sensitive issue needs to be dealt with carefully

Scientific advancements have revolutionised our lives

Paragraph B

Answer: Stem cells classified
Supporting Sentence: Two types of stem cells can be distinguished
Keywords: Two types of stem cells, distinguished
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line 1
Explanation: Paragraph B opens up with distinguishing the two types of stem cells. This clearly classifies Stem cells. Therefore “Stem cells classified” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph C

Answer: Studies conducted in stem cell research
Supporting Sentence: In 1998, three individual sets of research findings related to the isolation and potential use of human embryonic stem cells were reported by scientists
Keywords: sets of research findings
Keyword Location: Paragraph C, lines 1-2
Explanation: Paragraph C opens up with an information that states Scientists reported three distinct sets of research findings in 1998. This research is regarding the isolation and potential applications of human embryonic stem cells. This talks about the studies conducted based on this. Therefore “Studies conducted in stem cell research” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph D

Answer: Expecting a fruitful or an unavailing outcome of current actions
Supporting Sentence: the conclusion that researchers should continue to have access to human embryos
Keywords: conclusion, researchers should continue, have access to human embryos
Keyword Location: Paragraph D, lines 1-2
Explanation: Paragraph D talks about the conclusions of certain research studies and gives some possible advantages that could come out of Stem cells. Therefore “Expecting a fruitful or an unavailing outcome of current actions” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph E

Answer: Huge potential in treating incurable diseases
Supporting Sentence: stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases
Keywords: stem cells, treat diseases
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 10-11
Explanation: In paragraph E, it is stated that stem cells can be used to treat major diseases that sometimes cannot be diagnosed. Therefore “Huge potential in treating incurable diseases” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph F

Answer: Denying a possible life raises controversies
Supporting Sentence: critics still argue that these embryos are already human beings
Keywords: critics still argue
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, lines 5-6
Explanation: Paragraph F states that there are people who have various arguments and controversies regarding certain findings. Therefore “Denying a possible life raises controversies” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph G

Answer: Not completely flawless
Supporting Sentence: There have been reports about cases
Keywords: reports about cases
Keyword Location: Paragraph G, lines 2-3
Explanation: Paragraph G states certain accidents and serious consequences that happened because of stem cells. This does mean this this is noy entirely safe. Therefore “Not completely flawless” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Paragraph H

Answer: A sensitive issue needs to be dealt with carefully
Supporting Sentence: but the promise is so great that it seems wise to consider seriously how to promote such research
Keywords: consider seriously, how to promote, such research
Keyword Location: Paragraph H, lines 4-5
Explanation: Paragraph H states that while it is still unknown whether stem cell research will have a similar impact, the potential is so great. So it would seem prudent to seriously consider how to promote such research in a way that is considerate of public sensibilities, including morals and ethics. Therefore “A sensitive issue needs to be dealt with carefully” is the suitable heading for this paragraph out of all options.

Questions 35-38

Classify the following advances or consequences as those that

have already taken place

are currently taking place

will take place in future

Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

Replacing injured tissues with donated tissues

Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: Today, donated tissues and organs are often used in place of damaged tissue, but the need for transplantable tissues
Keywords: Today, donated tissues, used in place of damaged tissue
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 7-8
Explanation: Paragraph E states that today, damaged tissue is frequently replaced with donated tissues and organs. This means that this is currently taking place, so the answer is B.

Experiments on animal stem cells

Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: Some clinical trials have already started using animal stem cells as these cell studies are very promising.
Keywords: Some clinical trials, already started, using animal stem cells
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 2-3
Explanation: Animal stem cells have already been started to being used in a few clinical trials due to the promising results of these cell studies. This means that this is currently taking place, so the answer is B.

Adverse effects of stem cell implantation

Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: There have been reports about cases
Keywords: reports about cases
Keyword Location: Paragraph G, lines 2-3
Explanation: Paragraph G states certain accidents and serious consequences that happened because of stem cells. This means that there been adverse effects that had already happened. So A is the answer.

Solution to many incurable diseases

Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases
Keywords: stem cells, treat diseases
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, lines 10-11
Explanation: In paragraph E, it is stated that stem cells can be used to treat major diseases that sometimes cannot be diagnosed. This means that this will happen in the future. Therefore C is the answer.

Questions 39-40

Answer the questions below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write the correct answer in the gap.

What term describes stem cells that possess the capacity to evolve in any tissue of an adult human body?

Answer: Pluripotent
Supporting Sentence: These are termed as pluripotent.
Keywords: These are termed, pluripotent
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, lines 2-4
Explanation: Paragraph B states that only preimplantation embryos can produce embryonic stem (ES) cells, which have been shown to be able to develop into cells for all adult tissues. The term "pluripotent" refers to these. Therefore Pluripotent is the answer.

What component of the human body has been transplanted using adult stem cells?

Answer: Bone Marrow
Supporting Sentence: A well-known example of the use of adult stem cells is bone marrow transplantation.
Keywords: well-known example, use of adult stem, bone marrow transplantation
Keyword Location: Paragraph C, last line
Explanation: Paragraph C states that bone marrow transplantation is a good example where it is a component in the human body. This component was successfully transplanted with the adult stem cells. Therefore the answer is Bone Marrow.

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