1. Skimming

Read through the text and quote the exact words used by the author to define, explain or amplify the following:

(a) molecular genetics

(b) the practice of genetic manipulation

(c) individual genes

(d) a DNA carrier

(e) bacteria and fungi

(f) searching in nature for wild micro-organisms

2. Understanding the text: True or False?

Decide which of the statements are true, and which are not.

(a) The practice of genetic manipulation has a long history,

(b) The science of molecular genetics is relatively modern.

(c) Only wild micro-organisms can act as hosts to foreign DNA.

(d) Microbial hosts will not accept plant DNA.

(e) Research in recombinant DNA is valuable only to industry.

(f) In recombinant DNA experiments, DNA is transferred direct to the host from the donor.

(g) Enzymes are used to identify and isolate DNA transfer.

(h) There are 40 enzymes in the group known as restricted nu­cleases.

(i) A lot of time and money is being spent on research into recombinant DNA.

(j) Not much can be expected of genetic manipulation in the future.

3. Find in the text the following words and expressions and translate them into Russian

to involve to emerge

in some way advantageous to to be capable of

to be engaged in applied biology

varieties of plants and animals a newly acquired gene

to be based on the input of capital into

one’s need for knowl­edge a highly-purified form

4. Scanning

Read through the text and look for these details.

(a) Why has the science of Molecular Genetics emerged?

(b) What is a cornerstone of the new Biotechnology based on?

(c)What is the main purpose of introducing foreign genes into wild micro-organisms?

(d)Which mechanisms are used today to make a recipient cell produce a “foreign” protein?

(e)How can recombinant DNA research bring a social benefit to the future?

5. Grammar Reference

In the article you can see the underlined word expressions. Can you translate them into Russian?

The rule:

Present participle (verb + ing) describes what somebody or something is.

Ex. It was a fascinating story. (What kind of story? Fascinating.)

Past participle (verb + ed(for regular verbs)) describes how somebody feels.

Ex. We were fascinated by his story. (How did we feel about his story? Fascinated.)

Practice exercises

Paraphrase the following using present participle

Example: The man who is speaking to Mary is a well-known surgeon. –

The man speaking to Mary is a well-known surgeon.

1. The sidewalks were crowded with people who were watching the carnival.

2. The conferences, which are held at the University every year, are devoted to ecological problems.

3. I looked at the people who were lying on the beach.

4. The man who phoned you yesterday is waiting for you downstairs.

5. The people who are waiting for the doctor have been sitiing here for a long time.

Paraphrase the following using past participle

Example: These are only a few of the attempts, which were made to improve the situation. – These are only a few of the attempts made to improve the situation

1. The animals, which were caught in the morning, struggled furiously.

2. There was a dead silence in the room, which was broken only by his cough.

3. The news, which you’ve brought to us, is exciting.

4. The answer, which had been so long expected, came at last.

5. The sunrays lighted the magnificent house, which was built on the hill.

Read the dialogue and choose the correct participle

A: I didn’t know you were 1) interesting/interested in gardening.

B: I am not. I think it’s really 2) boring/bored but my mum’s hurt her back and she was 3) concerning/concerned that the garden would become a mess.

A: Oh, I understand now. I was really 4) surprising/surprised to see you with a spade in your hand!

B: Don’t laugh! This is really 5) tiring/tired, I feel 6) exhausting/exhausted already.