Question

The rise of biotechnology has led to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles. This approach holds promise for more effective and targeted therapies, but it also raises questions about the accessibility of such treatments and the potential for exacerbating health inequalities. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term implications of genetic modifications and their impact on future generations.
What is one concern related to personalized medicine mentioned in the passage?

• A. Personalized medicine is not effective for targeted therapies.
• B. Accessibility of treatments and potential for health inequalities.
• C. Personalized medicine does not involve genetic modifications.
• D. There are no long-term implications of genetic modifications.

Hint:

Identify both the positive aspects and the concerns discussed in a passage to choose the answer that highlights the issue or challenge described.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The passage highlights the promising advances brought by biotechnology in the form of personalized medicine, which tailors treatments to individuals based on their genetic profiles. This personalization is expected to improve the effectiveness and precision of therapies.
However, the passage also emphasizes concerns that come with these advances:
1. Accessibility: There is uncertainty about whether all patients will have equal access to these personalized treatments, which are often expensive or require advanced healthcare infrastructure.
2. Health Inequalities: The potential for these treatments to widen existing disparities in healthcare access is a key ethical and social issue. People from disadvantaged backgrounds may not benefit equally, potentially exacerbating inequality.
3. Additionally, the passage mentions worries about the long-term implications of genetic modifications, though this is a secondary concern here.
Analyzing the answer choices:
- (A) is incorrect because the passage states personalized medicine holds promise for effective targeted therapies, not that it is ineffective.
- (B) correctly captures the concern about accessibility and the risk of increasing health inequalities mentioned explicitly in the passage.
- (C) is incorrect since personalized medicine does involve genetic profiling and potentially genetic modifications.
- (D) contradicts the passage, which explicitly mentions concerns about long-term implications of genetic modifications.
Thus, option B most accurately reflects a major concern expressed in the passage regarding personalized medicine.