LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q12: Gene splicing can give rise to

LSAT Question Stem

The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and summarize any unclear or confusing parts. The passage discusses gene splicing, a technique used to create new varieties of farm animals with a partially understood genetic makeup. While gene splicing can introduce desired traits, it can also introduce undesirable traits such as the production of toxins or carcinogens. These undesirable traits may not be easily discoverable.

To make this more understandable, let's use a simple example. Imagine gene splicing as a process of combining different Lego blocks to create a new toy animal. While you may successfully create a toy with the desired features (e.g., longer legs), you might also accidentally introduce some harmful features (e.g., sharp edges) that are not easily noticeable.

Now, let's look at the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question, which means we need to identify the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) All toxin production is genetically controlled.

The passage does not provide enough information to support this claim. It only mentions that gene splicing can introduce genes governing the production of toxins or carcinogens, but it does not state that all toxin production is genetically controlled.

b) Gene splicing to produce new varieties of farm animals should be used cautiously.

This answer choice is supported by the passage, as it mentions the potential risks associated with gene splicing, such as introducing undesirable traits like toxin or carcinogen production. Since these undesirable traits might not be easily discoverable, it is logical to conclude that gene splicing should be used cautiously.

c) Gene splicing is not effective as a way of producing new varieties of farm animals.

The passage does not support this claim. It states that gene splicing can give rise to new varieties of farm animals, but it also highlights the potential risks involved.

d) Most new varieties of farm animals produced by gene splicing will develop cancer.

This answer choice is not supported by the passage. While the passage mentions that gene splicing can introduce genes governing the production of carcinogens (which can potentially lead to cancer), it does not state that most new varieties of farm animals produced by gene splicing will develop cancer.

e) Gene splicing will advance to the point where unforeseen consequences are no longer a problem.

The passage does not provide any information to support this claim. It only discusses the potential risks associated with gene splicing and does not mention any advancements that would eliminate these risks.

Based on our analysis, answer choice B is the most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage: "Gene splicing to produce new varieties of farm animals should be used cautiously."