PSAT Reading Question 496: Answer and Explanation

Question: 496

The author suggests that some of the most important fungi-related medical innovations came about primarily as a result of

• A. luck.
• B. evolution.
• C. economic investment.
• D. genetic engineering.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The author talks about Alexander Fleming somewhat accidentally discovering the antibiotic properties of penicillin (lines 12–17) and Akiro Endo discovering the benefits of statins while attempting to study Penicillium citrinum's antimicrobial properties. What these major discoveries have in common is that they were somewhat accidental. Thus, the answer is choice (A). These discoveries weren't a product of evolution or genetic engineering as in choices (B) or (D). Although they may have required economic investment, as in choice (C), the author doesn't mention this.