CAT 2025 Slot 1 VARC Question 6

Multiple choice (+3 / −1) · Verbal Ability · Parasummary · Try it, then check the answer and solution below.

The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage. Zombie cells may contribute to age-related chronic inflammation: this finding could help scientists understand more about the aging process and why the immune system becomes less effective as we get older. Zombie or “senescent” cells are damaged cells that can no longer divide and grow like normal cells. Scientists think that these cells can contribute to chronic health problems when they accumulate in the body. In younger people, the immune system is more effective at clearing senescent cells from the body through a process called apoptosis, but as we age this process becomes less efficient. As a result, there is an accumulation of senescent cells in different organs in the body, either through increased production or reduced clearance by the immune system. The zombie cells continue to use energy though they do not divide, and often secrete chemicals that cause inflammation, which if persistent for longer periods of time can damage healthy cells leading to chronic diseases.
Answer and solution

Answer: A) Aging leads to less effective apoptosis, and therefore zombie cells start to accumulate in the body, causing inflammation, which accelerates aging and leads to chronic diseases.

Step-by-Step Explanation:
1
Passage Context & Central Idea: The passage discusses how zombie (senescent) cells accumulate in the body as we age, leading to chronic inflammation and contributing to age-related diseases. The immune system's reduced efficiency in clearing these cells through apoptosis is a key factor.
2
Question Stem Analysis: The question requires identifying the summary that best captures the passage's main ideas, focusing on the relationship between aging, apoptosis, zombie cells, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
3
Option Analysis:
Option A: Accurately includes aging's effect on apoptosis, accumulation of zombie cells, inflammation, and chronic diseases, aligning with the passage.
Option B: Incorrect as it oversimplifies by referring to "dead cells" and misses the accumulation and inflammation details.
Option C: Partially correct but lacks the broader implications of inflammation and disease.
Option D: Partially correct but omits the inflammation and disease aspects and inaccurately implies cell resistance to apoptosis.
4
Final Answer Confirmation: Option A is the most comprehensive and accurate summary.
Correct Answer: A

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