Biotechnology & Genetics UPSC PYQ — GM Crops, Gene Editing & Cloning

With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements: I. They are man-made proteins. II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens. III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A I and II only
2. B II and III only
3. C I and III only
4. D I, II and III

'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?

1. A Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. B Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. C Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
4. 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?

1. A Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
2. B Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
3. C Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
4. D Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

Consider the following statements: 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?

1. A 1 only
2. B 3 only
3. C 1 and 2
4. D 2 and 3

With reference to recent developments regarding 'Recombinant Vector Vaccines', consider the following statements: 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?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

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?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

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

1. A clonal propagation of crop plants
2. B developing genetically modified crop plants
3. C production of plant growth substances
4. D production of biofertilizers

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

1. A fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
2. B genetic modification of sperm producing cells
3. C development of stem cells into functional embryos"
4. D prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Consider the following statements : 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 ?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 2 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

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

1. A Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
2. B Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
3. C A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
4. D Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.

'RNA interference (RNAi) technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? 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.

1. A 1, 2 and 4
2. B 2 and 3
3. C 1 and 3
4. D 1 and 4 only

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

1. A A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
2. B A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
3. C A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
4. D A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 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?

1. A 1 and 3 only
2. B 2 only
3. C 2 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

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:

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?

1. A Production of biolarvicides
2. B Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
3. C Reproductive cloning of animals
4. D Production of organisms free of diseases

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

1. A a range of enzymes used in genome editing
2. B the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
3. C the description of the mechanism of gene expression
4. D a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. 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?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants? 1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population. 2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus. 3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

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?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3
3. C 1 and 3
4. D None

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.

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only. 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs. 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us? 1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock. 2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases. 3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is

1. A To make it pest-resistant
2. B To improve its taste and nutritive qualities
3. C To make it drought-resistant
4. D To make its shelf-life longer

Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. What is it?

1. A It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills
2. B It is the latest technology developed for under sea oil exploration
3. C It is a genetically engineered high biofuel yielding maize variety
4. D It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused fires in oil wells

A married couple adopted a male child. A few years later twin boys were born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and O negative. The blood group of the three sons is A positive, B positive, and O positive. The blood group of the adopted son is

1. A O positive
2. B A positive
3. C B positive
4. D Cannot be determined on the basis of the given data

Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was in the news for the following reason

1. A It is a genetically modified dwarf variety which is resistant to drought
2. B It is a genetically modified variety which is pest resistant
3. C It is a genetically modified variety with ten times higher protein content than regular maize crop
4. D It is a genetically modified variety used exclusively for bio-fuel production

Genetically modified “golden rice” has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice?

1. A The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
2. B Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
3. C Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
4. D Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D

Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills ?

1. A Agrobacterium
2. B Clostridium
3. C Nitrosomonas
4. D Pseudomonas

Which feature of some species of blue-green algae helps promote them as bio-fertilizers ?

1. A They convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily.
2. B They induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates.
3. C They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily.
4. D They induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities.

In the context of genetic disorders, consider the following: A woman suffers from colour blindness while her husband does not suffer from it. They have a son and a daughter. In this context, which one of the following statements is most probably correct ?

1. A Both children suffer from colour blindness
2. B Daughter suffers from colour blindness while son does not suffer from it
3. C Both children do not suffer from colour blindness
4. D Son suffers from colour blindness while daughter does not suffer from it

With reference to the latest developments in stem-cell research, consider the following statements: 1. The only source of human stem cells are the embryos at blastocyst stage. 2. The stem cells can be derived without causing destruction to blastocysts. 3. The stem cells can regenerate themselves in vitro virtually forever. 4. Indian research centres also created a few cell lines which can be developed into many types of tissues. Which of these statements are correct?

1. A 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. B 1, 2 and 3
3. C 1, 2 and 4
4. D 3 and 4

When one gene controls two or more different characters simultaneously, the phenomenon is called

1. A Apomixis
2. B Pleiotropy
3. C Polyploidy
4. D Polyteny

Assertion (A): Scientists can cut apart and paste together DNA molecules at will, regardless of the source of the molecules. Reason (R): DNA fragments can be manipulated using restriction endonucleases and DNA ligases. Which of the following is correct?

1. A Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true but R is false
4. D A is false but R is true

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

1. A Complementarity of the two strands
2. B Double helix
3. C Number of base pairs per turn
4. D Sugar phosphate backbone

The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?

1. A Bacillus subtilis
2. B Bacillus thuringiensis
3. C Bacillus amyloliquifanciens
4. D Bacillus globli

Which one of the following organisms can serve as a biofertilizer for rice crop?

1. A Blue-green algae
2. B Rhizobium sp
3. C Mycorrhizal fungi
4. D Azotobacter sp

Phytotron is a facility to

1. A grow plants under disease-free conditions
2. B conserve endangered species of plants
3. C grow plants under controlled conditions
4. D induce mutations

Insect resistant cotton plants have been genetically engineered by inserting a gene from a/an

1. A virus
2. B bacterium
3. C insect
4. D plant

Hybridoma technology is a new biotechnological approach for commercial production of

1. A monoclonal antibodies
2. B interferon
3. C antibodies
4. D alcohol

Canola refers to special type of oil seed mustard varieties bred for human consumption. The main characteristic of these varieties is that the

1. A seeds have very high oil content
2. B oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids
3. C oil has long shelf life
4. D oil has very low Erucic acid content

Assertion (A): In human beings, the females play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring. Reason (R): Women have two ‘X’ chromosomes.

1. A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true, but R is false
4. D A is false, but R is true

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.

1. A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true, but R is false
4. D A is false, but R is true

Indian farmers are unhappy over the introduction of “Terminator Seed Technology” because the seeds produced by this technology are expected to

1. A show poor germination
2. B form low yielding plants despite the high quality
3. C give rise to sexually sterile plants
4. D give rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds

Which one of the following genetic diseases is sex-linked?

1. A Royal haemophilia
2. B Tay Sachs disease
3. C Cystic fibrosis
4. D Hypertension

Assertion (A): Insect-resistant transgenic cotton has been produced by inserting Bt gene. Reason (R): The Bt gene is derived from a bacterium.

1. A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true, but R is false
4. D A is false, but R is true

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

1. A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true, but R is false
4. D A is false, but R is true

Haemophilia is a genetic disorder which leads to

1. A decrease in haemoglobin level
2. B rheumatic heart disease
3. C decrease in WBC
4. D non-clotting of blood

Which one of the following types of micro-organisms is most widely used in industries?

1. A Bacteria
2. B Bacteria and fungi
3. C Bacteria and algae
4. D Bacteria, micro-algae and fungi

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

1. A Protein analysis
2. B Chromosome counting
3. C Quantitative analysis of DNA
4. D DNA finger-printing

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

1. A albino mouse
2. B yeast
3. C human being
4. D Plasmodium vivax

Which of the following professional(s) are more likely to run the risk of a permanent change in their cell’s DNA? I. Researchers using carbon-14 isotope II. X-ray technician III. Coal miner IV. Dyer and painter Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. A II alone
2. B I, II and III
3. C I, II and IV
4. D I, III and IV

It is possible to produce seedless tomato fruits by

1. A applying trace elements in tomato fields
2. B spraying mineral solution on plants
3. C spraying hormones on flowers
4. D applying fertilisers containing radioactive elements