Question

but the scientific issues, while no slam - dunk, have become serious enough in the past few years to call into question whether gene patents, meant to promote research, instead ______ it, with no offsetting benefits. source: newsweek immigrate enchant accelerate impede

Explanation:

The context implies that gene - patents, which were intended to promote research, might be having the opposite effect. "Impede" means to hinder or obstruct, which is the opposite of "promote". The other words "immigrate" (move to a country to live), "enchant" (attract or delight someone), and "accelerate" (increase in speed) do not fit the context.

Answer:

D. impede