Before scientists learned how to make a synthetic growth hormone, removing it painstakingly in small ammounts from the glands.
b) scientists had learned about making a synthetic growth hormone, they had to remove it painstakingly
c) scientists learned how to synthesize the growth hormone, it had to be painstakingly removed
d) learning how to make a synthethic growth hormone, scientists had to remove it painstakingly
e) learning how to synthesize the growth hormone, it had to be painstakingly removed