Barbara McClintock

This topic has expert replies
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 222
Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 1:06 pm
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:1 members

Barbara McClintock

by abcgmat » Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:33 am
While studying the genetic makeup of corn, a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock,a discovery which led to greater understanding of cell differentiation.
A. a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock, a discovery which led
B. a new class of mutant genes in corn were discovered by Barbara McClintock, leading
C. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, and it led
D. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, a discovery that led
E. Barbara McClintock, who discovered a new class of mutant genes, leading

[spoiler]OA: D[/spoiler]

Is it neccessary for the underlined sentence to begin with Barbara McClintock

If we had a answer choice, will it be correct:
*a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock, a discovery that led

though I could eliminate wrong answer choices for other reasons

A- which with out comma before
B- class... were (Sub-Verb disagreement), should be was
C- Looks like 2 seperate ideas .
Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes
and Barbara McClintock led to greater understanding of cell differentiation
Also it refers to person here Barbara McClintock which is Incorrect
D- OK
E-Sentence fragment as no stand alone verb
if we remove modifier the sentence is like
Barbara McClintock leading to greater understanding of cell differentiation.
Source: — Sentence Correction |

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 641
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2011 1:15 am
Thanked: 149 times
Followed by:32 members
GMAT Score:760

by avik.ch » Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:42 am
While studying the genetic makeup of corn : an adverb of time. An adverb modifies the action that the subject perform.
At the same time, "studying" is an adjective ( a participle) so it must refer a noun

For the above reason, the sentence should have a logical subject - a subject who perform the action that the adverb modifies. Here the logical subject is "Barbara McClintock".

Hope this helps !!

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1248
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:57 pm
Location: Everywhere
Thanked: 503 times
Followed by:192 members
GMAT Score:780

by Bill@VeritasPrep » Thu Apr 12, 2012 7:00 am
As you said, the underlined portion must begin with Barbara McClintock, leaving us with C, D, and E.

C--what is "it?"

D--works; "a discovery" modifies "a new class..."

E--the modifier "leading..." is ambiguously placed. Since it's participial, it can modify the noun before the comma ("a new class...") or the subject ("Barbara McClintock"), neither of which makes much sense.
Join Veritas Prep's 2010 Instructor of the Year, Matt Douglas for GMATT Mondays

Visit the Veritas Prep Blog

Try the FREE Veritas Prep Practice Test

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 287
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:33 am
Location: Pune,India
Thanked: 60 times
Followed by:6 members

by GMAT Kolaveri » Thu Apr 12, 2012 8:13 am
abcgmat wrote: A. a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock, a discovery which led
B. a new class of mutant genes in corn were discovered by Barbara McClintock, leading
C. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, and it led
D. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, a discovery that led
E. Barbara McClintock, who discovered a new class of mutant genes, leading

[spoiler]OA: D[/spoiler]
While studying (opening modifier)--> what follows next must be the subject (Barabara Mc)
C -> what does it refer to? no clear antecedent.
D -> clear and the meaning shines thro'.
E -> Babara Mc,..., leading doesnt make sense
Regards and Thanks,
Vinoth@GMAT Kolaveri
https://www.facebook.com/GmatKolaveri
https://gmatkolaveri.tumblr.com/

Click the thank you button if you like my reply :)

Legendary Member
Posts: 2789
Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:19 am
Location: Chennai, India
Thanked: 206 times
Followed by:43 members
GMAT Score:640

by GmatKiss » Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:53 am
IMO: D

While studying the genetic makeup of corn, a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock,a discovery which led to greater understanding of cell differentiation.

A. a new class of mutant genes was discovered by Barbara McClintock, a discovery which led
B. a new class of mutant genes in corn were discovered by Barbara McClintock, leading
C. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, and it led
D. Barbara McClintock discovered a new class of mutant genes, a discovery that led
E. Barbara McClintock, who discovered a new class of mutant genes, leading

• Page 1 of 1