The passages given below are followed by a set of questions. Choose the most…
2023
The passages given below are followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.
A new US study has warned that adolescents who take performance-enhancing anabolic steroids are more likely to have adverse neural and behavioural consequences, like aggression and moodiness because of the steroids' effect on the underdeveloped brain and the nervous system. The study, by Northeast University in the US, centred around a brain chemical called serotonin which is linked to mood. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression. For the study, experiments were carried out on a strain of Syrian hamsters. This breed has similar neurological circuitry to humans, so experts felt it might be a good model for humans in this respect. The hamsters were given a high dose of anabolic steroids over the course of a month- which corresponds to 5 years, repeated dosage in humans. The researchers found that the hamsters were more aggressive than those not given steroids and these aggressive tendencies were mellowed if Prozac- a drug which boosts serotonin “uptake”-was given. However, subsequent analysis showed significantly lower than normal serotonin levels in the neural connections of the hamster’s brains. This suggests there may be a longer-term effect of taking steroids while the brain is still developing. Professor Richard Melloni, who helped run the study, was quoted as saying by BBC: “We know testosterone or steroids affect the development of serotonin nerve cells, which, in turn, decreases serotonin availability in the brain. The serotonin neural system is developing during adolescence and the use of anabolic steroids during this critical period appears to have immediate neural and behavioural consequences.”
According to the passage, why are adolescents particularly vulnerable to neural and behavioural consequences from anabolic steroids?
Answer: A. Steroids affect the underdeveloped brain more — ConceptIn literal reading comprehension, a causal choice must match both the passage's mechanism and the axis named in the question. When the question asks…
- A.
Steroids affect the underdeveloped brain more
- B.
None
- C.
Prozac, if taken in excess by adolescents, makes them aggressive
- D.
The effect of steroids hampers the growth of the brain
Attempted by 6 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
In literal reading comprehension, a causal choice must match both the passage's mechanism and the axis named in the question. When the question asks why one age group is especially vulnerable, prefer the choice that identifies the age-specific condition rather than a broader effect.
Application
The passage states that the serotonin neural system is still developing during adolescence. Steroids act on this underdeveloped brain and nervous system, affect serotonin nerve-cell development, and reduce serotonin availability; the unfinished stage of neural development therefore explains the adolescents' particular vulnerability.
Contrast
“Steroids affect the underdeveloped brain more” identifies the age-specific condition asked about: the adolescent brain and serotonin system are still developing when steroids act on them.
“None” would mean that the passage supplies no applicable explanation among the offered statements.
“Prozac, if taken in excess by adolescents, makes them aggressive” assigns aggression to Prozac, whereas the experiment describes Prozac as mellowing aggression through its effect on serotonin uptake.
“The effect of steroids hampers the growth of the brain” generalizes the mechanism to overall brain growth; the passage more specifically explains age-related vulnerability through an underdeveloped neural system and developing serotonin nerve cells.
Result
Therefore, the most appropriate answer is: Steroids affect the underdeveloped brain more.