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Biology Genetics Evolution

Asked 20 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1996 · last asked 2023

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'Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following?

2023Sci & Tech
AStudying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
BStimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
CPromoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
DAssessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

Explanation

Microsatellite DNA, also known as short tandem repeats, are repetitive DNA sequences used in molecular biology to study genetic variations and evolutionary relationships among different species. By analyzing the variations in microsatellite DNA, researchers can determine the relatedness and genetic diversity among various species of fauna, making it a valuable tool for studying evolutionary relationships.

In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg. 2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2021Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Mitochondrial replacement therapy can help prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. Since mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother, mitochondrial diseases are passed down maternally. Therefore, both statements are correct in the context of hereditary diseases related to mitochondria.

Consider the following statements: 1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs and sperms of a prospective parent 2. A person's genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage 3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2019Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In the field of genetic engineering, it is possible to introduce genetic changes in the cells that produce eggs and sperms of a prospective parent, edit a person's genome before birth at the early embryonic stage, and inject human induced pluripotent stem cells into the embryo of a pig. These three possibilities are technically feasible.

With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

2019Sci & Tech
AFunctional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species
BPieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories
CA piece of DNA taken from one species can be introduced into the cells of other species
DDNA segments of species can be used to create new enzymes

Explanation

Recent advancements in science have shown that it is possible to create functional chromosomes by combining DNA segments from cells of different species. Laboratories can also create artificial functional DNA fragments. It is also possible to introduce a DNA segment from one species into the cells of another species. However, it is not accurate to say that DNA segments of species can be directly used to produce new enzymes. DNA segments code for proteins, some of which may function as enzymes, but the DNA segments themselves do not have the capability to create enzymes.

The word 'Denisovan' is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to

2019Sci & Tech
Afossil of a kind of dinosaurs
Ban early human species
Ca cave system found in North-East India
Da geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent

Explanation

The term 'Denisovan' is often discussed in the media and was first identified in 2010. Despite being not yet officially classified, there is evidence of Denisovan genetic material among Aboriginal Australians. This indicates that 'Denisovan' refers to an early human species, making option (b) the correct choice.

With reference to the recent developments in science which one of the following statements is not correct?

2019Sci & Tech
AFunctional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
BPieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
CA piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
DCells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.

Explanation

In a recent development in science, researchers at the University of Texas successfully engineered the first living organism with 'artificial' DNA. This information eliminates option (b) as it is a correct statement. It is also known that DNA replication can be carried out outside a cell, dismissing option (c). Furthermore, cell division of Chlamydomonas, a type of algae, is typically induced in laboratory settings through exposure to alternating light and dark periods, ruling out option (d). Therefore, the incorrect statement among the options provided is (a), where functional chromosomes cannot be created by joining segments of DNA from cells of different species.

Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

2018Sci & Tech
AButterflies
BDragonflies
CHoneybees
DWasps

Explanation

Honeybees are known to perform a waggle dance to inform their fellow bees about the direction and distance of food sources.

In a DNA molecule, the adenine content is 15%. What is the content of cytosine?

2017Sci & Tech
A15%
B30%
C35%
DCannot be determined

Explanation

According to Chargaff's rule, if the adenine content in a DNA molecule is 15%, then the thymine content will also be 15%. Therefore, the combined content of guanine and cytosine will be the remaining 70% (100% - 30% for adenine and thymine). As guanine pairs with cytosine, the content of cytosine in the DNA molecule will be 35%.

In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome' sometimes seen in the news, refers to

2016Sci & Tech
Aa range of enzymes used in genome editing
Bthe full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
Cthe description of the mechanism of gene expression
Da mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

Explanation

Bioinformatics has brought attention to the term 'transcriptome' in recent news. It refers to the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism. The transcriptome encompasses all RNA molecules within a single cell or a group of cells.

DNA replication in bacteria occurs

2006Sci & Tech
ADuring S phase
BWithin nucleolus
CPrior to fission
DJust after cytokinesis

Explanation

In bacteria, the process of DNA replication happens before the cell undergoes binary fission, which is the method of cell division in bacteria.

If a colour blind man marries a woman who is homozygous for normal colour vision, the probability of their son being colour blind is

2005Sci & Tech
A0%
B25%
C50%
D100%

Explanation

In the scenario where a color blind man marries a woman with normal color vision genes, the likelihood of their son being color blind is 0%. This is because color blindness is a recessive trait carried on the X chromosome, which sons do not inherit from their fathers. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) 0%.

Loss of limbs in snakes is explained by the evolutionary principle of

2002Sci & Tech
Ause and disuse of organs
Binheritance of acquired characters
Csurvival of the fittest
Dstruggle for existence

Explanation

Snakes losing their limbs can be understood through the evolutionary concept of use and disuse of organs. According to Lamarck, when a body part is used more frequently, it becomes stronger, while a less used part gradually diminishes over time.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List-I (Achievement in genetics): A. Discovery of transduction and conjugation in bacteria B. Establishing the sex-linked inheritance C. Isolation of DNA polymerase from E. coli D. Establishing the complete genetic code | List-II (Scientists): 1. Khurana 2. Kornberg 3. Lederberg 4. Morgan 5. Ochoa

2001Sci & Tech
AA – 4; B – 3; C – 2; D – 1
BA – 3; B – 4; C – 1; D – 5
CA – 4; B – 3; C – 1; D – 5
DA – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 1

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match achievements in genetics with the respective scientists who made them. Lederberg discovered transduction, Morgan established sex-linked inheritance, Kornberg isolated DNA polymerase, and Khurana established the complete genetic code. The correct matching of these achievements with the scientists is as follows: A – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 1.

Which of the following features of DNA makes it uniquely suited to store and transmit genetic information from generation to generation?

2001Sci & Tech
AComplementary of the two strands
BDouble helix
CNumber of base-pairs per turn
DSugar-phosphate backbone

Explanation

The unique feature of DNA that allows it to effectively store and transmit genetic information across generations is the complementary nature of its two strands. This means that the base pairs on one strand match up with their complementary bases on the other, ensuring accurate replication and inheritance of genetic material.

Assertion (A): "DNA finger printing" has become a powerful tool to establish paternity and identity of criminals in rape and assault cases. Reason (R): Trace evidences such as hairs, saliva and dried semen are adequate for DNA analysis.

2000Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

DNA fingerprinting is a powerful method used to determine paternity and identify criminals in cases of rape and assault. This technique can be applied to trace evidence such as hair, saliva, and dried semen for DNA analysis.

Assertion (A): Dolly was the first cloned mammal. Reason (R): Dolly was produced by in vitro fertilization.

1999Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

In the field of science and technology, the assertion is that Dolly was the initial cloned mammal, while the reason given is that Dolly was created through in vitro fertilization. The correct option is that the assertion is false, but the reason is true. It is worth noting that although Dolly is a well-known cloned animal, she was not the very first cloned mammal. The first cloned mammal was actually a mouse.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I: A. Theory of mutation B. Theory of evolution C. One gene one enzyme hypothesis D. Operon concept | List-II: 1. Beadle and Tatum 2. Jacob and Monad 3. Darwin 4. de Vries

1998Sci & Tech
AA – 3; B – 4; C – 1; D – 2
BA – 4; B – 3; C – 1; D – 2
CA – 4; B – 3; C – 2; D – 1
DA – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 1

Explanation

In the field of biology, different theories and concepts are attributed to various scientists. The theory of mutation was proposed by de Vries, while the theory of evolution is credited to Darwin. The operon concept, on the other hand, was developed by Jacob and Monad.

The sequencing of the entire genome (the totality of all genes) of an organism was completed in 1996. The organism was:

1997Sci & Tech
Aalbino mouse
Byeast
Chuman being
Dplasmodium vivax

Explanation

In 1996, the sequencing of the entire genome of an organism was successfully accomplished for the first time. The organism in question was yeast, specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Which one of the following techniques can be used to establish the paternity of a child?

1997Sci & Tech
AProtein analysis
BChromosome counting
CQuantitative analysis of DNA
DDNA finger printing

Explanation

DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to determine the biological relationship between individuals, such as paternity. This technology involves analyzing sample cells from the individuals in question. DNA fingerprinting is a valuable tool in solving cases like rape and murder.

Which of the following professional(s) are more likely to run the risk of a permanent change in their cell's DNA? 1. Researchers using Carbon 14 isotope 2. X-ray technician 3. Coal miner 4. Dyer and painter. Select the correct answer by using the codes given below Codes:

1996Sci & Tech
A2 alone
B1, 2 and 3
C1, 2 and 4
D1, 3 and 4

Explanation

Which of the following professionals are most likely to experience a permanent change in their cell's DNA? 1. Researchers using Carbon 14 isotope 2. X-ray technician 3. Coal miner 4. Dyer and painter. The correct answer is (a) 2 alone. X-ray technicians are more likely to be at risk of a permanent change in DNA due to the nature of their work. Researchers using Carbon 14 isotope and dyers/painters may also be at risk. Coal miners, however, are exposed to very low levels of Carbon 14 and are not likely to experience a change in their DNA.