While preparing a presentation for a general audience, a student has taken the following notes:
• CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology discovered in 2012 • The technology uses a guide RNA to target specific DNA sequences • Scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier won the 2020 Nobel Prize for developing CRISPR • CRISPR has potential applications in treating genetic diseases • The technology raises ethical concerns about human germline editing
The student wants to introduce CRISPR to an audience unfamiliar with the technology. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier received the 2020 Nobel Prize for their development of CRISPR-Cas9, a technology that uses guide RNA to target specific DNA sequences.
Human germline editing using CRISPR technology raises significant ethical concerns that scientists and policymakers are currently debating.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology developed in 2012 that has the potential to treat genetic diseases, making it a significant breakthrough in medical science.
The guide RNA in CRISPR-Cas9 technology targets specific DNA sequences, allowing scientists to edit genes with unprecedented precision.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The goal is to introduce CRISPR to an unfamiliar audience.
- Context clues: The goal is to "introduce to an audience unfamiliar with the technology."
- Meaning: What it is (gene-editing tech), when (2012), why it matters (treats diseases).
- Verify: Choice C provides accessible context without technical jargon.
💡 Strategy: For general audiences, prioritize clarity and significance over technical details.
Choice A is incorrect because it leads with unfamiliar names and technical terms (guide RNA). Choice B is incorrect because it jumps to controversies before establishing what CRISPR is. Choice D is incorrect because it's too technical for an unfamiliar audience.