Re: The unassuming designations assigned to the enzymes
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12 Jun 2026, 04:00
Explanation
The sentence describes the "unassuming designations" given to DNA proofreading enzymes names so plain they are "cataloged merely by Greek letters." These simple names "serve to ______ the extraordinary precision" of the enzymes' work. The contrast is between the plainness of the names and the impressive reality of the function. The blank must mean conceal, hide, or give a false impression of.
The correct pair must be tight synonyms that both describe a deceptive contrast between appearance and reality.
- A. annul - To declare invalid; to cancel, nullify. "Annul" means to legally or formally abolish. Names do not annul precision; they merely conceal it. Incorrect.
- B. preclude - To prevent from happening; to make impossible. If names precluded precision, they would stop the enzymes from working - a far stronger claim than concealment. Incorrect.
- C. temper - To moderate, soften, or dilute. "Temper" implies reducing intensity, not hiding or contradicting. Names do not temper precision; they belie it. Incorrect.
- D. belie - To give a false impression of; to contradict appearances; to mask or disguise. "Serve to belie the extraordinary precision" perfectly captures the ironic contrast between plain names and sophisticated function. Correct.
- E. obscure - To keep from being seen; to conceal; to make unclear. "Serve to obscure the extraordinary precision" produces a sentence virtually identical in meaning to the one with "belie." Both describe the names hiding the true precision. Correct.
- F. underscore - To emphasize, highlight, underline. This is the opposite of what the blank requires. If names underscored the precision, they would draw attention to it, not hide it. Incorrect.