Language Point 1
Ready or not, the world is entering the age of genetic engineering. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Whether you are ready or not, the world is coming into the age of genetic engineering.
Language Point 2
Altered environments and human-created life forms will be part of this new age. (Para. 1)
Meaning: In this new age we will find changed environments and artificial life forms.
alter: v. change or make different; modify
It is obvious that the will has been altered. 很明显遗嘱被修改过。
The city was altered out of all recognition. 城市已改头换面，完全无法辨认。
Language Point 3
Plants may be transformed into miniature factories producing plastics, medicines, or perfumes. (Para. 1)
Meaning: People may change plants into very small factories that produce plastics, medicines, or perfumes.
transform: vt. change markedly the appearance or form of
She transformed the room by painting it. 她把房间粉刷了一下，使它焕然一新。
A steam engine transforms heat into power. 蒸汽机将热能转变成动力。
Language Point 4
Animals may be given human genes to make their tissues compatible with humans, allowing animal hearts and other organs to be transplanted into critically ill people. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Human genes may be given to animals so as to make their tissues well-suited for humans. In this way, animal hearts and other organs may be transplanted into people who are critically ill.
compatible: a.
1) able to coexist, well-suited, mutually tolerant；able to be used together without causing problems
Certain kinds of drug are not compatible and should never be taken together. 有些药物互相排斥，不能一起服用。
You should choose a roommate more compatible with your taste. 你应该挑一个与你意气更相投的人当室友。
2) consistent
This project is not compatible with the city's long-term plans. 这个项目与城市的长远规划不一致。
Their views are not compatible with their actions. 他们的观点和行动不一致。
transplant: vt. transfer (tissue or an organ) to another part of the body or to another body
Science and technology made it possible to transplant an artificial heart into a patient. 科学技术使移植人工心脏到病人体内成为可能。
His kidney was transplanted into his daughter. 他的肾移植到了他女儿的体内。
n．the operation of transplanting an organ, piece of skin, etc.
The young surgeon performed a successful heart transplant surgery. 年轻的外科医生成功地做了一例心脏移植手术。
Surgical transplant of a cornea is a very complicated operation. 眼角膜的外科移植是个复杂的手术。
Language Point 5
Scientists have cloned animals, and the cloning of humans may soon commence. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Scientists have created animals asexually, and reproducing humans in the same way may begin soon.
clone: vt. create an animal or plant in a laboratory that is an exact copy of another using the original animal's or plant's DNA
It has become quite common to clone a plant variety. 克隆植物品种已很常见。
It is only a matter of time before we are able to clone human beings. 我们将能够克隆人，只是时间问题而已。
commence: v. begin，start
We commenced building on March 18th. 我们于3月18日开工。
The second term commences in March. 第二学期3月开始。
Language Point 6
Gene therapy research is exploring ways to treat various inherited syndromes. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Gene therapy research is exploring to find ways to cure various inherited diseases.
syndrome: n. a set of medical symptoms which represent a disease
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) 获得性免疫缺陷综合征（艾滋病）
adult respiratory distress syndrome 成人呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)
Language Point 7
Many people believe we should rein in the use of genetic knowledge. (Para. 3)
Meaning: Many people hold the opinion that we should limit or control the use of genetic knowledge.
rein in: limit or control sth.; slow down or stop (as if) by pressure on the reins
It would be wise for you to rein in your spending at the moment. 眼下控制花费是明智的。
I am often advised to rein in my temper. 常常有人劝我控制脾气。
Language Point 8
They realize that they can be identified by their DNA, possibly compromising their personal privacy. (Para. 3)
Meaning: They are aware that their DNA can reveal their identity, which perhaps will put their personal privacy at risk.
compromise: vt. risk harming or losing sth. important
Such conduct will compromise your reputation. 如此举动将会损害你的名誉。
We cannot compromise the safety of our workers. 我们不能拿工人的安全冒险。
Language Point 9
In addition, genetic tests that reveal inherited diseases could prejudice employers against them. (Para. 3)
Meaning: Besides, if genetic tests reveal their inherited diseases, their employers may form an unfavorable opinion about them.
Language Point 10
For better or for worse, genetic engineering will affect the major environmental problems of our time: increasing population, pollution, and the rapid loss of biodiversity. (Para. 4)
Meaning: Whatever happens, genetic engineering will create major problems to our environment, such as increasing population, pollution, and the rapid loss of biodiversity.
for better or for worse: whatever happens; used to say that sth. must be accepted whether it is good or bad
He has resolved to marry her for better or for worse. 不论是福是祸，他决心娶她为妻。
For better or for worse, we are determined to carry out our plan. 无论如何，我们决心实施我们的计划。
biodiversity: n.(or biological diversity) the variety of different types of plant and animal life in a particular region
Travel industry may threaten the biodiversity of this region. 旅游业可能会威胁这个地区的生物多样性。
We should attach greater importance to the retention of biodiversity. 我们应该更加重视保持生物多样性。
Language Point 11
It is crucially important that we take stock of this technology's probable effects on our planet's ecosystems. (Para. 4)
Meaning: It is of vital importance for us to consider the probable effects of this technology on the Earth's ecosystems so as to make a decision (on its future use).
take stock of: consider the state of things so as to make a decision
We have to take stock of our situation. 我们必须估计一下我们的处境。
While in hospital, Tom took stock of his life. 住院过程中，汤姆认真想了想他的生活。
ecosystem: n. organisms living in a particular environment, such as a forest or a coral reef, and the physical parts of the environment that affect them
This region has a very complex and delicate ecosystem. 该地区的生态系统错综复杂。
The rainforest is an independent ecosystem. 雨林是一个独立的生态系统。
Language Point 12
We should also take a sober look at the effects of genetic engineering in the social and political realms. (Para. 5)
Meaning: We should also take a serious look at the effects of genetic engineering in the social and political fields.
sober: a.
1) serious, thoughtful
Now it's time you take a sober look at your career development. 现在是你冷静考虑一下职业发展的时候了。
You should take a sober look at the whole situation. 你应该冷静考虑一下全局。
2) not drunk
He drunk much but remained sober. 他喝了很多酒，但是没有醉。
We'll talk about this tomorrow, when you're sober. 等你明天酒醒了我们再谈这件事。
Language Point 13
Because the agricultural and medical benefits of genetic engineering are expensive, poor individuals and poor nations will not be able to afford them — at least not for years to come. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Since the costs of agricultural and medical benefits of genetic engineering are very high, poor people and poor countries will not be able to meet these costs — at least they cannot afford them in the coming years.
at least not for years to come: at least not in the coming years; at least not in the near future
It's hard for human beings to step on the Mars — at least not for years to come. 人类很难登上火星，至少在最近若干年内不行。
Some people believe cancer cannot be conquered, at least not for years to come. 有些人认为癌症不能被征服，至少在最近若干年内不能。
Language Point 14
In addition, Third World leaders have sometimes vetoed the use of their plant and animal species in genetic research. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Apart from this, leaders in the Third World sometimes refuse to allow the use of their plant and animal species in genetic research.
veto: vt. prevent or forbid (some action); refuse to allow
veto a plan 否决一项计划
The President vetoed the bill. 总统否决了这项提案。
Language Point 15
Western companies want these species for genetic engineering projects and hope to obtain them with minimal expense; ... (Para. 5)
Meaning: Western companies want to use these species for genetic engineering projects and hope to get them at the least cost; ...
minimal: a. smallest in amount or degree
Fortunately, the storm only did minimal damage to the crops. 幸好, 暴风雨对农作物只造成很小的损害。
This is a practical course, with only a minimal amount of theory. 这是一门很实用的课程，理论极少。
Language Point 16
...Third World leaders want to ensure that their people are fairly compensated if these species are used to produce something of value. (Para. 5)
Meaning: ...Third World leaders want to make sure that their people can get satisfactory payment if these species are used to produce something valuable.
compensate: v. (for) provide with a suitable payment for some loss, damage, etc.; pay sb. for the work they do
The company compensates her for extra work. 公司因她的额外工作而给她报酬。
The travel agency will compensate for the loss of the luggage. 行李丢失了，旅行社将予以赔偿。
vi. (for) act as a balance (for); remove the bad effect (of)
Nothing can compensate for the loss of time. 虚度的光阴是无法弥补的。
Nothing can compensate for the loss of her favorite daughter. 任何东西也弥补不了她失去心爱女儿的损失。
Language Point 17
A genetically engineered crop, say a new type of cucumber, might accidentally reproduce with a wild relative in an adjoining field — a weed. (Para. 7)
Meaning: A genetically engineered crop, for example, a new type of cucumber, might unexpectedly reproduce with a related weed in a neighboring field.
a wild relative: a related plant living in natural conditions (Here it refers to a weed.)
adjoining: a. neighboring
The adjoining room is our office. 邻近的房间是我们的办公室。
Transgenic crops are planted in the adjoining farmland. 邻近的耕地里种的是转基因作物。
Language Point 18
Insect-proof, hard-to-kill weeds would not be welcome in twenty-first-century agriculture! (Para. 7)
Meaning: Weeds that successfully resist insects and cannot be killed by chemicals would be a nuisance in 21st-century agriculture!
insect-proof: fully or successfully resistant to insects
Similar expressions:
waterproof watches 防水表
a quakeproof building 抗震建筑
Language Point 19
Because of the dangers involved, work on gene therapy for humans is proceeding cautiously, but the prospective rewards of gene therapy are tremendous: we may be able to suppress or even prevent inherited disease. (Para. 8)
Meaning: Because there are dangers in human gene therapy, it is being developed carefully. On the other hand, the potential advantages of gene therapy are enormous: it may be possible to reduce the incidence of an inherited disease or even prevent it from occurring.
prospective: a. likely or expected to happen
They have achieved prospective results. 他们已经取得预期结果。
He was worried about the prospective loss. 他为可能出现的损失感到担忧。
suppress: vt.
1) prevent from appearing
She was struggling to suppress a sob. 她拼命不让自己哭出声来。
His true name was suppressed during the war. 战争期间他隐姓埋名。
2) put an end to forcibly
The troops suppressed the rebellion by firing on the mob. 军队向暴徒开枪镇压叛乱。
Opposition to the government was quickly suppressed. 反对政府的力量很快被镇压下去。
Language Point 20
Therapy someday will be directed at germ cells — sperm and egg cells — that do transmit genetic information to the next generation. (Para. 8)
Meaning: In the future, therapy will be aimed at germ cells, namely, sperm and egg cells. These cells can transmit genetic information to the next generation.
direct at：aim or point at; cause to move toward a goal
The firemen directed their hoses at the flames. 消防队员将水龙头对准火焰。
They directed their fire at the target. 他们将火力对准目标。
Language Point 21
Such therapy would remove, replace, alter, or inhibit the genes that cause inherited diseases; however, mistakes in such gene therapy could cause extreme mutations. (Para. 8)
inhibit: vt. prevent sth. from growing or developing well; make sb. feel embarrassed or nervous
Some drugs could inhibit normal bodily activity. 有些药物可能抑制正常身体活动。
Her introverted personality inhibits her from asking questions in class. 她的内向性格使她怯于在课堂上提问。
gene therapy: medical treatment that involves inserting a gene or genes into cells in order to produce proteins that change the function of those cells
mutation: n. a sudden structural change within a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type
Language Point 22
This is an area of medical research in which work must proceed with great care. No errors can be tolerated. (Para. 8)
Meaning: This is a medical research area where work must progress with great care and no errors are allowed.
Language Point 23
When gene therapy has become a precise procedure, prospective parents will be faced with a wide range of possibilities. (Para. 9)
Meaning: When gene therapy has become a precise medical technology, those who are expected to be parents will be faced with a wide scope of choices.
Language Point 24
Of course, they will want to make sure that, at their offspring's embryo stage, gene therapists correct any problems due to faulty genes. (Para. 9)
Meaning: Naturally, the parents will want to make sure that gene therapists put right any genetic problems due to faulty genes while the unborn child is still an embryo.
Language Point 25
Parents also may want the therapists to boost their children's IQ; add inches to their height; or endow them with superior athletic ability, curly hair, blue eyes, and a good complexion. (Para. 9)
Meaning: Parents also may want the therapists to enhance their children's IQ; make their children grow taller; or give them the ability of a superior sportsman, with curly hair, blue eyes, and good facial skin.
endow with: equip or supply with a talent or quality
She is endowed with great writing ability. 她具有杰出的写作天赋。
Nature endowed her with a beautiful singing voice. 她天生一副美妙的歌喉。
Language Point 26
The wealthy would surely have a monopoly on "custom-designed babies", because creating a baby according to parents' specifications would be far too expensive for the remainder of Americans, or most people in other countries. (Para. 9)
Meaning: The rich people would surely have the exclusive right to have babies that are designed according to their expectations, as this would be too expensive for ordinary Americans, or most of the people in other countries.
monopoly: possession of, or control over sth. which is not shared by others; a right or power held by one single person or group to provide a service, produce sth., etc.
Teachers do not have a monopoly on educational debate. 对教育问题的辩论，教师没有垄断权。
For years Bell Telephone had a monopoly on telephone services in the US. 贝尔电话公司垄断了美国的电话服务很多年。
specification: n. (usu. pl.) a detailed plan or set of descriptions or directions
We have products of a wide range of specifications. 我们有很多不同规格的产品。
remainder: n. the rest; what is left over
I will go ahead with three of you, and the remainder can wait here. 我将和你们中的三个向前走，剩下的人可以在这里等着。
She ate some of the candy and gave the remainder away. 她吃了一些糖，然后把剩下的送人。
Language Point 27
If the environment changes, however, new models that possess appropriate genes for survival will replace the standard models. (Para.11)
Meaning: However, if the environment changes, new models that possess the right or proper genes suitable for survival will take the place of the standard models.
Language Point 28
One veteran wheat breeder tells me "nature does most of the work" when new strains of wheat undergo testing. (Para. 11)
Meaning: One experienced wheat breeder tells me that nature plays the most important role when new types of wheat of the same species are being tested. new strains of wheat: new types of wheat of the same species
strain: n. a particular type of plant, animal, etc.
a hybrid strain 杂交种
a superior strain of wheat 小麦的高级品系
Language Point 29
If a strain under study remains vigorous despite elevated temperatures or drought, or disease problems in adjacent plots, it may be a winner — always subject to further diligent testing. (Para.11)
Meaning: If a strain under study continues to grow vigorously despite high temperatures or serious dry weather, or disease problems in nearby fields, it may be a success. However, further thorough testing would then be necessary to confirm this.
elevated: a. raised or increased in amount or degree
Elevated cholesterol levels may lead to a heart attack. 胆固醇的增高可能会导致心脏病。
Elevated blood sugar levels are bad to health. 高血糖对身体有害。
diligent: a. careful and thorough
The book required years of diligent research. 这本书需要数年的潜心研究。
After diligent interrogations the police obtained some useful clue to the case. 经过细致反复的审问警方获得了一些对这个案件有用的线索。
Language Point 30
Plant breeders recognize the danger of reducing a crop's gene pool and want to maintain the genetic variety the plants may need to meet future adverse conditions. (Para. 12)
Meaning: People who are engaged in plant breeding recognize the risk of reducing a crop's gene supply. They want to keep the genetic variety the plants may need so as to meet unfavorable conditions in the future.
pool: n. a number or amount of sth. available for sharing
This provides employers with a pool of skilled labour. 这给雇主们提供了合用的熟练工人。
There is a car pool for common use in the factory. 工厂里有一个公用车队。
adverse: a. harmful or unfavorable, contrary to one's interests or welfare
My suggestion met with many adverse responses. 我的建议遇到了很多反对意见。
Smoking by parents could have an adverse effect on their children's health. 父母抽烟可能有害子女的健康。
Language Point 31
In wild areas, a diversity of life forms interact with each other in complex ways to create a healthy ecosystem, ... (Para. 13)
interact: vi. have an effect on each other or sth. else by being or working close together
These chemicals can interact to form a new compound. 这些化学物质可以互相作用生成新的化合物。
Lucy interacts well with other children in the class. 露茜与班里其他孩子相处得很好。
Language Point 32
Nature's inventory of life forms is decreasing, although the decline can't be exactly quantified. (Para. 13)
Meaning: The total number of life forms in the world is decreasing，although the exact quantity of the reduction is not clear.
inventory: n.
1) the quantity of goods and materials on hand; stock
The shop is closed for a week to clear inventories. 商店停业一周以盘点存货。
The company decided to have a sale to reduce its inventory. 公司决定大甩卖以减少存货。
2) a detailed list , esp. one of all the goods in a place
The university is going to have the facilities inventory updated. 学校要对设备清单加以更新。
An inventory of all the stock has to be made before the shop can be sold. 先得开列存货清单才能把店铺卖出去。
quantify: vt. determine or express the quantity of
The scientists have found a way to quantify the risks of exposure to this kind of asbestos. 科学家找到了一种方法来测量接触这种石棉的风险。
Can you possibly quantify happiness? 你能把幸福量化吗？
Language Point 33
...played a vital role in developing a process to synthesize DNA. (Para. 14)
synthesize: vt.
1) artificially produce chemical compounds
Protein could be synthesized from petroleum. 可以用石油合成蛋白质。
There are many hidden problems with synthesized foods. 合成的食品存在很多潜在问题。
2) combine so as to form a new, complex whole
His works synthesize photography, painting and linguistic devices. 他的作品综合了摄影、绘画及语言学的手法。
Only by synthesizing your personal and career needs can you get the most satisfaction from your career. 只有把个人需要与职业需要相结合，你才能从职业中得到最大的满足。
Language Point 34
... made it possible to duplicate DNA molecules in large numbers. (Para. 14)
duplicate: vt. make an exact copy of
It is not easy to recognize that the painting is duplicated. 不容易看出这张画是复制品。
He duplicated his former mistakes. 他又犯了和以前一样的错误。
Language Point 35
The retention of genetic diversity everywhere in the world is in our interest; genetic material from a rare bamboo in a remote location might someday provide a crucial therapy. (Para. 15)
Meaning: It is in the interest of human beings to keep genetic diversity everywhere in the world; genetic material from an uncommon bamboo in a remote region might supply people with some vital therapy in the future.
retention: n. the state of action of keeping sth.
Retention of these territories became a sacred national cause. 保住这些领土成了一项神圣的民族大业。
The United Nations voted on the retention of sanctions against the country. 联合国投票表决是否继续对该国进行制裁。