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The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

A Japanese government panel announced that it recommends regulating only genetically modified organisms that have had foreign genes permanently introduced into their genomes and not those whose endogenous genes have been edited. The only stipulation is that researchers and businesses will have to register their modifications to plants or animals with the government, with the exception of microbes cultured in contained environments. Reactions to the decision are mixed. While lauding the potential benefits of genome editing, an editorial opposes across the-board permission. Unforeseen risks in gene editing cannot be ruled out. All genetically modified products must go through the same safety and labeling processes regardless of method.

Solution

βœ… Correct Option: 1

We need to find the main concern being discussed -> Japanese panel wants to regulate only some GMOs but not others -> this creates debate about risks.

From passage: "Reactions to the decision are mixed... an editorial opposes across-the-board permission. Unforeseen risks in gene editing cannot be ruled out."

The passage shows a conflict: panel says "don't regulate endogenous gene editing" -> but editorial warns "this might be risky" -> the essence is this disagreement about exempting endogenous gene editing from rules.


🟠 Option 1 -> captures main debate -> mentions the core concern that exempting endogenous gene editing might be risky, which matches the editorial's opposition in the passage

πŸ”΄ Option 2 -> irrelevant -> brings in "defies laws" which isn't mentioned anywhere in passage -> goes beyond what's written

🟠 Option 3 -> too narrow -> just states one fact (panel says they're different) but misses the whole debate/concern aspect -> doesn't capture the essence which is the disagreement

πŸ”΄ Option 4 -> minor detail -> microbes exception is just a small part -> doesn't address main concern -> also adds "premature" which isn't stated

The key is spotting that this passage is about a disagreement -> panel wants lenient rules vs editorial warns about risks. Option 1 captures this central tension perfectly.

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