Q. 29

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Reposted in this forum.

tnesbit4508229

Posted: 30 Apr 2008 11:38 pm Post subject: Suggestion for wording on specific questions.


29) What assumption is made about the T and R conformations and the substrate?
1. In the absence of any substrate, the T conformation predominates.[x]
2. In the absence of any substrate, the R conformation predominates.[x]
3. In the absence of any substrate, the T and R conformations are in equilibrium.[x]
4. In the absence of any substrate, the enzyme exists in another conformation, S.

The correct answer is #1, but that's not an assumption. That's an implicit statement in the passage. The only thing that would classify as an "assumption" is #3.

[admin]

Q29 This is another good question. The word 'assumption' seems quite clear to you from a Verbal Reasoning point of view. In Verbal Reasoning, 'assumption' could mean to suppose without proof to use as a basis for a further conclusion; and it is almost never explicitly stated. In science, assumptions are generally stated. In particular, if you are asked about an assumption made in science, and it clearly mentions it as an assumption in the passage, that is simply a gift. For that not to be the answer would be quite an unfair trick. This is the case of "thinking too much."

Likely you meant to say that the correct answer is explicitly stated in the passage as opposed to implicitly stated which would be more consistent with Verbal.

There is no doubt that constructing perfectly clear questions is actually simpler than embedding degrees of ambiguity, but the real question is: what most accurately resembles the real MCAT? These questions are in keeping with that philosophy (fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view).

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The most important thing is that you get a learning experience here that helps you to do well on the real MCAT. It is your goal as much as it is ours.

[jellywing_2058]

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