111年升大學學測英文試題
五、閱讀測驗(占 24 分)說明︰ 第 35 題至第 46 題,每題 2 分。
第 43 至 46 題為題組
Zebrafish, named for their characteristic stripes, have been a popular test subject for researchers. Only a few centimeters in length, the fish breed easily in captivity, grow quickly, and their transparent body makes it easy to study their organs. Above all, they possess some amazing "self-healing" power. When part of their heart is removed, they can grow it back in a matter of weeks. When blinded, they can quickly regain the ability to see.
Recent studies show that humans and zebrafish have the same major organs and share 70 percent of the genes. Moreover, 84 percent of human genes associated with disease find a counterpart in zebrafish. Scientists thus hope that understanding the self-healing mystery of the fish may one day allow humans to regenerate such organs as eyes, hearts, and spines.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University are particularly interested in zebrafish retina regeneration. They have learned that damage of retina can cause blindness in zebrafish, yet it only takes about three to four weeks before vision is restored. The structure and cell types of zebrafish retinas are almost identical to those of humans. If the process can be replicated in humans, it may give rise to new treatments for blindness caused by retinal damage.
In order to know exactly how zebrafish retina is regenerated, the team looked at the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that reduces the activity of neurons. They found that lowering GABA levels in zebrafish can trigger retina regeneration, while a high level of GABA concentration will suppress the regeneration process. This suggested that GABA plays an important role in the fish's ability to regain their sight.
The team is beginning to test the GABA theory on mice. If that works, human trials will be next on the agenda. If the research proves successful in humans, some of the nearly 40 million blind people worldwide may one day have a tiny, striped fish to thank.
43. What can we learn about zebrafish from the passage?
(A) How they should be studied in labs.
(B) Where they derive their regenerative ability.
(C) Why they share humans' genetic code.
(D) What they may offer in medical advancements.
44. Which of the following statements is true regarding GABA in zebrafish?
(A) Increasing GABA level facilitates neuron activities.
(B) There is a high level of GABA in the brain of zebrafish.
(C) Lowering GABA levels in the brain can stimulate retina regrowth.
(D) GABA contains chemical elements that trigger the growth of neurons.
45. Which of the following is closest in meaning to "replicated" in the third paragraph?
(A) Reproduced.
(B) Reassembled.
(C) Recycled.
(D) Restored.
46. According to the passage, which of the following is an opinion, but NOT a fact?
(A) Humans and zebrafish have 70 percent of genes in common.
(B) Zebrafish can quickly recover vision after damage to the retina.
(C) Scientists are testing if the GABA theory works on mice as it does on zebrafish.
(D) Understanding regeneration in zebrafish may allow humans to regrow their organs.
題組翻譯及選項解析如下:
Lung cancer is mostly associated with smoking.
肺癌大多與吸菸有關。
The mayor’s speech gave rise to a heated discussion.
市長的演說引發熱烈的討論。
I have my wife to thank for my successful career.
我要謝謝我的太太使我事業有成。