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UPSC has been asking words with prefix Bio- in recent years almost every year. The terms are from standard textbooks and the ones in news. Following questions are from last 5 years prelims exam and clearly show the trend.
Previous Years Questions – Last 5 Years
Q-1 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
Solution: C
Note- Bioremediation has been asked in UPSC prelims twice in past few years.
Q-2 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
Solution: B
Q-3 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
Solution: B
Q-4 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
Solution: D
There have been many previous years questions in Preliminary exam earlier also which were related to words starting with term Bio- such as Bioremediation(asked twice), Biopiracy etc.
It clearly does not mean that one must remember all terms starting with the word Bio-. The questions in prelims exam are from standard books only such as NCERT , ICSE Beta Publication and the ones which have been in news.
IASNOVA PRO subscribers have access to compilation of all such terminologies which are from standard books, which have been in news and which are most likely to come in Prelims – 2020.
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