Question 1

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

In the context of agriculture in India, the technique of 'genome sequencing' can play a crucial role in the near future. Genome sequencing can assist in pinpointing genetic markers associated with disease resistance and drought tolerance in different crop plants. Additionally, this method aids in speeding up the process of developing new crop plant varieties. Furthermore, it can be utilized to unravel the interactions between hosts and pathogens in crops. Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) as all three statements are valid and can contribute significantly to agricultural advancements.

Question 2

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, 'Pronuclear Transfer" is used for

Accepted Answer

In the field of human reproductive technology, the technique known as "Pronuclear Transfer" is utilized to prevent mitochondrial diseases in offspring. This method involves the creation of a "three-parent baby" with genetic material from the father, mother, and a female donor.

Question 3

Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred 1. across different species of plants 2. from animals to plants 3. from microorganisms to higher organisms. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Accepted Answer

In the field of Genetic Engineering, Recombinant DNA technology allows for the transfer of genes across different species of plants, from animals to plants, and from microorganisms to higher organisms. This means that genetic material from various sources can be combined to create new DNA sequences. The correct answer to the question is (d), as all three scenarios are possible with Recombinant DNA technology.

Question 4

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Technology?

Accepted Answer

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Technology is primarily used for reproductive cloning of animals. This technology gained attention when the sheep "Dolly" was successfully cloned using SCNT. Furthermore, news reports have highlighted the cloning of buffalos using the same technology. Therefore, the correct application of SCNT Technology is the reproductive cloning of animals, making option (c) the correct answer.

Question 5

Consider the following techniques/phenomena: 1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants 2. Cytoplasmic male sterility 3. Gene silencing. Which of the above is\are used to create transgenic crops?

Accepted Answer

The techniques of budding and grafting in fruit plants are not used for creating transgenic crops. Instead, the technologies of cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing have been developed specifically for producing transgenic plants.

Biotechnology — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions

Biotechnology — UPSC Previous Year Questions

Year-wise Distribution

Sample Questions