15. The author of the passage probably included Henrietta's age and mentioned her young children in order to
Answer: B
Cause the reader to feel sympathy for Henrietta and her family.
The author likely included Henrietta's age and her young children to evoke sympathy from the reader. By highlighting her status as a young mother, the narrative emphasizes the profound impact of her untimely death on her family, enhancing the emotional weight of her story.
A) Point out how dangerous cancer is.
While Henrietta's struggle with cancer illustrates the disease's severity, the mention of her age and children serves a different purpose. This choice does not effectively capture the emotional appeal intended by the author, as it fails to focus on the personal tragedy experienced by Henrietta's family.
B) Cause the reader to feel sympathy for Henrietta and her family.
This option accurately reflects the author's intention. By including details about Henrietta's young age and her role as a mother, the passage creates a poignant image that fosters empathy, allowing readers to connect with her personal loss and the broader implications of her story.
C) Suggest that Henrietta's age led to the immortality of her cells.
This choice misinterprets the relationship between Henrietta's age and the scientific significance of her cells. The author does not imply a connection between her age and the properties of her cells; rather, the focus is on the human aspect of her life and legacy.
D) Suggest that Henrietta's children might also have immortal cells.
This option is unfounded in the context of the passage. The author does not suggest that her children would have immortal cells, as the immortality of HeLa cells is specific to Henrietta's cancerous cells and does not extend to her offspring.
Conclusion
The correct answer, B, effectively captures the emotional intent behind the author's inclusion of Henrietta's age and her children. All other options fail to connect with the intended sympathy and personal tragedy conveyed in the narrative, demonstrating the importance of humanizing scientific discussions through personal stories.