IASNOVA
The analysis shows that there are questions from applications of biotechnology every year in UPSC Prelims.
To illustrate the trend, we have compiled the questions below from previous years prelims exams-
2018 Prelims
Q-With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :
- GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agric It al University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c)2 and 3
(d)1, 2 and 3
Answer - B
2017 PRELIMS
Q- In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?
- It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
- Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
- Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
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
Answer: C
Q-It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
- Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
- Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
- Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Q-With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of `genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
- Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
- This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
- 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
Answer: D
Q-What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?
(a) Production of bio larvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
Answer: C
2016 PRELIMS
Q- In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(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
Answer: B
2015 PRELIMS
Q-With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
- The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
- Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
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
Answer:D
Q- With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
- Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- a) 1 only
- b) 2 only
- c) Both 1 and 2
- d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
2014 PRELIMS
Q- Consider the following techniques/phenomena:
- Budding and grafting in fruit plants
- Cytoplasmic male sterility
- Gene silencing
Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Answer – B
Q- Consider the following statements :
- Maize can be used for the production of starch.
- Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
- Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only.
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- D
2013 PRELIMS
Q-Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
- across different species of plants
- from animals to plants
- from microorganisms to higher organisms
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer - D
Q-With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?
- Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
- Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
- Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer - D
Q-Consider the following organisms
- Agaricus
- Nostoc
- Spirogyra
Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(e) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer - A
Q-Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
- resist drought and increase absorptive area
- tolerate extremes of PH
- Resist disease infestation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer - D
Hence , if prepared properly ,one can easily get all questions right from this topic.
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