The information contained in DNA is used to synthesize proteins that are necessary for the functioning of life. DNA is composed of four nucleotides: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). The information contained in DNA can then be thought of as a sequence of these four nucleotides: A, T, C, and G. DNA has coding and non-coding regions. Coding regions—where the sequence of these nucleotides are read in groups of three to produce individual amino acids—constitute only about 2% of human DNA. For example, the triplet of nucleotides CCG codes for the amino acid glycine, while the triplet GGA codes for the amino acid proline. Multiple amino acids are then assembled to form a protein.
Based only on the information provided above, which of the following statements can be logically inferred with certainty?
(i) The majority of human DNA has no role in the synthesis of proteins.
(ii) The function of about 98% of human DNA is not understood.
The question asks to identify statements that can be inferred with certainty, based solely on the provided information about DNA structure and its role in protein synthesis.
Analyzing DNA Information Statements
We must evaluate each statement to determine if it logically follows from the text provided, without making external assumptions.
Statement (i) Analysis: Role in Protein Synthesis
The text states that coding regions, which are read in triplets to produce amino acids for protein synthesis, constitute only about 2% of human DNA. The remaining 98% is described as non-coding.
While the text clarifies that 2% of DNA is directly involved in coding for amino acids, it does not explicitly state that the remaining 98% has no role whatsoever in protein synthesis. Non-coding regions can have regulatory functions (e.g., controlling gene expression) that indirectly affect protein synthesis. Since the text does not provide information to exclude any role for the non-coding regions, inferring with certainty that they have no role is not possible based *only* on the given text.
Statement (ii) Analysis: Understanding of Function
The text explains that specific nucleotide sequences (coding regions, about 2% of DNA) are used to synthesize proteins by coding for amino acids.
The provided text offers no information regarding whether the function of the remaining 98% of human DNA is understood or not. Therefore, this statement cannot be logically inferred with certainty.
Conclusion
Based on the provided text alone:
- Statement (i) cannot be inferred with certainty because the text does not exclude potential indirect roles for non-coding DNA in protein synthesis.
- Statement (ii) cannot be inferred with certainty as the text provides no information about the understanding of DNA functions.
Consequently, neither statement (i) nor (ii) can be logically inferred with certainty.
Important Questions from Inference
- Language X is in vigorous use, with literature in a standardized form being used by some, though this is not yet widespread or sustainable. Based on the EGIDS scale by Lewis and Simons 2010, what is the status of the language X?
- The Chāndogya Upaniṣad gives the mahāvākya – Tat tvam asi (Ch. Upa. 6:8:7), ‘That you are.' In this ‘great statement' what does “tat” (“that”) stand for?
Thousands of years ago, some people began dairy farming. This coincided with a number of mutations in a particular gene that resulted in these people developing the ability to digest dairy milk.
Based on the given passage, which of the following can be inferred?The World Bank has declared that it does not plan to offer new financing to Sri Lanka, which is battling its worst economic crisis in decades, until the country has an adequate macroeconomic policy framework in place. In a statement, the World Bank said Sri Lanka needed to adopt structural reforms that focus on economic stabilisation and tackle the root causes of its crisis. The latter has starved it of foreign exchange and led to shortages of food, fuel, and medicines. The bank is repurposing resources under existing loans to help alleviate shortages of essential items such as medicine, cooking gas, fertiliser, meals for children, and cash for vulnerable households.
Based only on the above passage, which one of the following statements can be inferred with certainty?Healthy eating is a critical component of healthy aging. When should one start eating healthy? It turns out that it is never too early. For example, babies who start eating healthy in the first year are more likely to have better overall health as they get older.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
