Question

Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a very special molecule. It (1)__________________ as the code for all life on Earth, holding the cellular instructions to (2)______________ everything from a beetle to a human. Because DNA is (3)_________________ to each species, it’s like a product barcode in a supermarket. As animals and plants live their lives, they (4)________________ fragments of their DNA into their environment (5)_________________ dead skin, hair, saliva, scat, leaves or pollen. These traces make up environmental DNA. There’s enough DNA in water and even air to tell species apart. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 4.

• A. melt
• B. treat
• C. strike
• D. shed

Answer 1

Answer:

D. shed

• This question belongs to the subject of English Language, specifically under the section of Reading Comprehension (Cloze Test). Explanation Correct Answer: D). shed 1. Context of the Sentence: The passage states: "As animals and plants live their lives, they (4)________________ fragments of their DNA into their environment..." 2. Why 'shed' is the answer: Meaning: In biological terms, "shed" means to naturally lose or cast off parts of the body, such as skin, hair, or leaves. Contextual Fit: The next part of the sentence mentions "dead skin, hair, saliva... leaves or pollen." Since these are parts that fall off or are released naturally, "shed" is the most accurate verb to describe how DNA enters the environment (Environmental DNA or eDNA). Usage: Animals shed hair; trees shed leaves. This is the standard way to describe the release of biological material.