Naan Mudhalvan &

AICSCC
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Vision 1000 | Mission 100

UPSC – PRELIMS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

-Darwin D
Year No of Questions
2015 7
2016 11
2017 8 1. CELL BIOLOGY
2018 13 2. HUMAN BODY
2019 14 3. MICROORGANISMS
4. DISEASES
2020 14 5. IMMUNE SYSTEM
2021 12 6. EVOLUTION
2022 14 7. BIOTECHNOLOGY

2023 8
2024 7
Total 108
 CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE
Cells are considered the basic units of life in part because they
Cells that have membrane bound nuclei are
come in discrete and easily recognizable packages. That's
called eukaryotic whereas cells that lack a
because all cells are surrounded by a structure called the cell
membrane bound nucleus are prokaryotic.
membrane. The cell membrane is sometimes also referred to
as the plasma membrane.

Ribosomes are non-membrane bound organelles found in all

• Mycoplasmas, the smallest cells, are only cells – both eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic. Within the cell,
0.3 µm in length while bacteria could be 3 ribosomes are found not only in the cytoplasm but also within
to 5 µm. the two organelles – chloroplasts (in plants) and mitochondria
• The largest isolated single cell is the egg of and on rough ER.
an ostrich.
• Among multicellular organisms, human red
blood cells are about 7.0 µm in diameter. Plant and animal cells are different as the former possess cell
• Nerve cells are some of the longest cells. walls, plastids and a large central vacuole which are absent in
animal cells. On the other hand, animal cells have centrioles
which are absent in almost all plant cells. Animal cells contain
another non-membrane bound organelle called centrosome
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant
and animal cells? (UPSC Prelims- 2020)
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes, unlike animal cells which do.
3. A mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Which one of the following is synthesized in the human
body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood
flow? 2024
1. Nitric oxide
2. Nitrous oxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Nitrogen pentoxide
 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of
microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional Gene
Regulation.

MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, are small, non-coding molecules of RNA. They are

typically around 19-24 nucleotides long and play an important role in
determining how much messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic
information, eventually gets translated into protein.

•These microRNAs act as molecular switches, fine-tuning

the expression of genes in different cell types and under varying
conditions.
•They regulates the production of proteins by bonding with and
subsequently silencing the mRNA at an appropriate juncture.
•The process is called post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Wave Life Sciences has successfully performed RNA editing to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
(AATD, an inherited disorder).
• In AATD, levels of protein α-1 antitrypsin build up and affect the liver and lungs
• Scientists used a technique called ‘Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA (ADAR)’ with guide RNA
(gRNA)
• RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? 2019
1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
• RNA interference prevents mRNAs from outlasting their need, by
disposing of them before they might otherwise naturally
degrade.
• RNA interference also serves a role in protecting cells from
viruses, by attacking their mRNAs and sometimes even their
RNA-based genomes before the cell’s synthesis machinery can
manufacture viral proteins.
In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes
seen in the news, refers to 2016

(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
• With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements
is not correct? 2019
(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of
different species.
(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living
cell in a laboratory.
(d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in
laboratory petri dishes.
Consider the following statements: 2022
DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:
1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following
situations? 2023
(a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
(b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a
habitat
(c) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving
animals
(d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and
animal samples from land surfaces
and water bodies
‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following? 2023
(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a
population
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) refers to DNA fragments
circulating freely in bodily fluids, like blood,
which can originate from both healthy and
diseased cells, and are used in various diagnostic
and prognostic applications, especially in
oncology and prenatal screening.
In the context of hereditary diseases,
consider the following statements: 2021
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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology,
“Pronuclear Transfer” is used for 2020
(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology? 2017
(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’,
often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 2017
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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 Steps Involved in Whole Genome Sequencing
– Scientists start by using molecular scissors to cut the DNA
of any organism (for example bacteria), which is made up of
DNA shearing
millions of bases, into pieces small enough for the
sequencing machine to read.
– Small pieces of DNA tags, or bar codes, are added by
DNA barcoding scientists to identify which piece of sheared DNA belongs to
which organism.
– Multiple bacteria’s bar-coded DNA is combined and
placed in a DNA sequencer.– Each bacterial sequence’s A, C,
DNA sequencing T, and G bases are identified by the sequencer.
– The sequencer uses the bar code to keep track of which
bases belong to which bacteria.
– Scientists use bioinformatic tools to compare the
sequences from different bacteria and identify differences.–
Data analysis
The number of differences between bacteria can indicate
how closely related they are.
Scientists discovered a naturally
existing DNA editing tool - Bridge
Recombinase Mechanism (BRM)
which utilizes mobile genetic
elements or “jumping genes”.

• Extra DNA at the ends of

jumping genes gets joined together
and converts the DNA double helix
structure into a single-stranded RNA
molecule.
• This bridge RNA molecule
can bind to two DNA segments
(donor and target), allowing for
flexible DNA modifications.
 • What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? 2019
(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

Consider the following statements: 2019

1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Genetic engineering
• Genetic engineering, sometimes called genetic modification, is the process of
altering the DNA in an organism’s genome.
• This may mean changing one single base (A, T, C or G) to alter the function of a
gene or deleting or inserting a whole gene or region of DNA.
• In some cases, genetic engineering means extracting DNA from another
organism’s genome and combining it with the DNA of that individual.
• Genetic engineering is used by scientists to enhance or modify the characteristics
of an individual organism.
Methods Used in Genetic
Engineering

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)

technology

Gene editing (Ex: CRISPR-

Cas9)

Protoplast fusion

Gene silencing / gene

knockdown
The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two key
molecules that introduce a change (mutation)
into the DNA.
• These are an enzyme called Cas9. This acts
as a pair of ‘molecular scissors’ that can cut
the two strands of DNA, at a specific
location in the genome so that bits of DNA
can then be added or removed.
• a piece of RNA called guide RNA (gRNA).
This consists of a small piece of pre-
designed RNA sequence (about 20 bases
long) located within a longer RNA scaffold.
The scaffold part binds to DNA and the pre-
designed sequence ‘guides’ Cas9 to the
right part of the genome. This makes sure
that the Cas9 enzyme cuts at the right point
in the genome.
Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in
the human body? 2022
(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
REGULATION OF GM CROPS IN INDIA

● Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and the products thereof are regulated under the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986.
● The rules are enforced by the MOEFCC, DBT and State Governments.
● Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), a statutory body under MoEFCC, is the final approval authority for
allowing field trials and commercial cultivation of GM crops.
• GEAC is also responsible for certification of GMOs.
● Food has been moved out of Regulation of Genome Engineering Technologies recently. Accordingly, the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of GM food in India.

Government has allowed genome-edited plants without the cumbersome GMO (Genetically Modified
Organisms) regulation at the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

•The government has exempted Site Directed Nuclease (SDN) 1 and 2 genomes from Rules of the
Environment Protection Act, thus avoiding a long process for approval of GM crops through the Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

•The Institutional BioSafety Committee (IBSC) under the Environment Protection Act would now be entrusted
to certify that the genome edited crop is devoid of any foreign DNA.
 ● Bt brinjal is genetically engineered by inserting a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis for its insecticidal property.
Bt brinjal
● Since 2010 there has been an indefinite moratorium on commercial cultivation of Bt Brinjal in India.
● Resistance to bollworm pest
● Only GM crop allowed in India
● Short for Herbicide Resistant Bt Cotton
● The cotton seed is inserted with a gene from a soil bacterium.
HTBT Cotton ● This produces a modified protein glyphosate which makes it herbicide resistant.
Problem with Glyphosate:
● Glyphosate is a herbicide used in cotton fields which is known to be harmful to soil and also classified as 'probable human carcinogen' by WHO.
● Besides glyphosate also impacts honeybee gut microbiome thereby affecting pollination.
Recently, GEAC approved GM mustard for commercial use, the first genetically modified crop in the country to get approval in
two decades.
About GM Mustard
● Transgenic hybrid variety.
● Under normal conditions mustard plants do not cross across varieties as they are self pollinating in nature.
● As a result we do not have hybrid varieties of mustard due to which plant-breeders are not able to induce desired traits in
GM Mustard mustard plants.
● Genetic modification is done to alter the genes of 2 mustard varieties including Varuna and Heera.
(DMH-11)
● Genetic modification is done with the help of soil bacteria barnase and barstar which help create hybrid varieties of
Dhara Mustard mustard.
Hybrid Benefits:
● Increase in yield up to 20-30%
● Seeks to attain self-sufficiency in edible oil seeds production
Issues:
● The transgenic hybrid variety becomes tolerant to a herbicide called glufosinate ammonium upon genetic modification.
● Herbicides are extensively used in field trials including glyphosate, endosulfan.
● These may harm honey bees (the biggest pollinators of mustard fields).
• With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India,
consider the following statements: 2018
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-
resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

• Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of 2021

(a) clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) production of plant growth substances
(d) production of biofertilizers
With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccine’, consider
the following statements: 2021
1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the
following statements: 2022
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA
platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 Pneumococcal
Type of Unique type of inactivated subunit disease,
Description Diseases covered Polysaccharide vaccine composed of long chains of meningococcal
vaccines
Vaccines sugar molecules that make up the disease, and
Measles, mumps, surface capsule of certain bacteria. Salmonella
rubella (MMR Typhi
Live Contains a weakened version of the
combined vaccine)
attenuated living microbe so that it can not Contains man-made substances that
Varicella (chickenpox) Biosynthetic
vaccines cause disease. are very similar to pieces of the virus HIV
Influenza (nasal spray) vaccines
Rotavirus or bacteria.
The gene that codes for the COVID-19
Virus is first killed with chemicals,
heat, or radiation and then is used spike protein is inserted into a small,
DNA vaccine circular piece of DNA, called a ZyCoV-D
to make the vaccine.
Inactivated Hepatitis A, Influenza, plasmid. The plasmids are then
Inactivated vaccines usually do not
vaccines polio, rabies injected as the vaccine.
require refrigeration, and they can
be easily stored and transported in The vaccine contains mRNA molecules
a freeze-dried form. instead of an actual bacteria or virus.
When mRNA enters the human body
A piece of the virus that is through a vaccine, our cells read the
Hepatitis B
Sub-unit important for immunity, like the mRNA as a set of instructions to build
Human papillomavirus
vaccine spike protein of COVID-19, is used proteins (translation) that match up
vaccines
to make the vaccine.
with parts of the pathogen called Covishield/Cov
m-RNA vaccine
Contains a toxin or chemical made antigens. E.g., Cells produced the axin
by the bacteria or virus. They make spike proteins found on the surface of
Toxoid COVID-19 virus. Our immune system
a person immune to the harmful Diphtheria and tetanus
vaccines recognises the foreign protein as an
effects of the infection, instead of
to the infection itself. invader and triggers an immune
response by creation of antibodies,
and T-cells target that protein.
The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of
2021
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified
plants
(b) development of India’s own satellite
navigation system
(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in
microbial pathogens in India? 2019
1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Biofilms are a collective of one
or more types of
microorganisms that can grow
on many different surfaces.
Microorganisms that form
biofilms include bacteria, fungi
and protists.
Consider the following statements: 2022
1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the
following diseases? 2015
1. AIDS
2. Bird flu
3. Dengue
4. Swine flu

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 2016
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following statements: 2017
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that
transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following statements is not correct? 2019

(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C
viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d)Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show
the symptoms for many years.
Consider the following statements: 2021
1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have
doublestranded DNA genomes.
2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a
retrovirus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following:
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium? 2021
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following: 2018

1. Birds
2. Dust blowing
3. Rain
4. Wind blowing
Which of the above spread plant diseases?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in
Water can dissolve more substances
media in reference to 2019
than any other liquid because 2021
(a) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs
(a) it is dipolar in nature
(b) an early human species
(b) it is a good conductor of heat
(c) a cave system found in North-East India
(c) it has high value of specific heat
(d) a geological period in the history of Indian
(d) it is an oxide of hydrogen
subcontinent