Under ethical guidelines recently adopted...

[phase]

Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the National Institutes of Health, human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which ________ treatments are unsatisfactory.

A. similar
B. most
C. dangerous
D. uncommon
E. alternative

[ss6872]

e. alternative

[phase]

Why?
I am puzzled by the meaning of "alternative" here

[ss6872]

The sentence can be recast as:
The NIH has stated that manipulation of human genes must be only used as the last option(due to ethical reasons) i.e only if NO OTHER treatments are satisfactory to correct the disease.
What is the best word that would replace ' other' here

alternative

[aveno]

Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the National Institutes of Health, human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which ________ treatments are unsatisfactory.

A. similar
B. most
C. dangerous
D. uncommon
E. alternative

In vernacular, it means that human genes can be manipulated only for diseases which have no other alternative. "Alternative" in this context means no other choice.

[Mits83]

Can it not be b) most?

[Acrimone]

The use of the word "only" suggests that this is a last ditch remedy. Using the word "most" would suggest that there are still other options.

The use of the word "alternative" in this instance is being used to categorize "all other treatments other than gene manipulation."

Thus the sentence could be read as...

Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the National Institutes of Health, human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which [all other alternative] treatments are unsatisfactory.

The problem here is that the word "alternative" has a standard meaning in the medical community, and there's a great potential for confusion. Just trust that they mean alternatives to gene manipulation and soldier on!

best of luck,

-Acri

[Mits83]

Originally Posted by Acrimone

The use of the word "only" suggests that this is a last ditch remedy. Using the word "most" would suggest that there are still other options.

Yup, u're absolutely right... i didn't see that before. THanks!

[dipen01]

Yeah even i went with most..though i knew alternative might be another alternative..

Nice explanation Acrimone.. Now i can bet...One cannot get 800+800 and 6.0 score just by hunch...U need solid base..

And ur 1600 and 6.0 are truly deserving...

Regards,
Dipen

[WellThen]

Originally Posted by Acrimone

The use of the word "only" suggests that this is a last ditch remedy. Using the word "most" would suggest that there are still other options.

The use of the word "alternative" in this instance is being used to categorize "all other treatments other than gene manipulation."

Thus the sentence could be read as...

Under ethical guidelines recently adopted by the National Institutes of Health, human genes are to be manipulated only to correct diseases for which [all other alternative] treatments are unsatisfactory.

The problem here is that the word "alternative" has a standard meaning in the medical community, and there's a great potential for confusion. Just trust that they mean alternatives to gene manipulation and soldier on!

best of luck,

-Acri

I totally did not see that. Thanks!
I put most in my answer. What you picked up was very subtle.
I wonder how I can catch errors like this in the future.