Applications of Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy

1.Biotechnology in Agriculture

• Transgenic Crops and Their Engineered TraitsImportance 5/5UPSC 1999, 2010, 2012
  What makes a crop transgenic? Remember the three main traits engineered into crops, each with its standard example: resistance to pests (Cry proteins), tolerance to herbicides (Roundup Ready soybean) and better nutrition. Which concerns are specific to herbicide-tolerant crops?
• Male Sterility and Gene Silencing in Crop DevelopmentImportance 3/5UPSC 2014
  Learn what cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing are, and how each is used in crop improvement. Understand why male sterility makes hybrid seed production easier. Does male sterility occur only in engineered plants, or also in nature and in conventional hybrid breeding?
• Bt Cotton (Bollgard I and II)Importance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Which bacterium gives the gene, and which pests does it protect against? Remember the two generations (Bollgard I and II), what each carries and the year each was approved. Understand how Bt cotton cut pesticide use, why pink bollworm is still a problem, and why illegal herbicide-tolerant (HTBt) cotton is in the news. Is Bt cotton India's only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation?
• Bt BrinjalImportance 4/5UPSC 2011, 2012
  Which gene from Bt is in Bt brinjal, and which pest does it target? What did India decide about its commercial cultivation in 2010? Compare this with Bangladesh.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11)Importance 4/5UPSC 2018
  Which institution developed DMH-11? Understand the barnase-barstar system it uses to make hybrid seed, and the role of the bar gene. Why was GEAC's October 2022 decision a first for India, and why is it contested? The court case is covered separately.
• Golden RiceImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  Which deficiency is Golden Rice meant to fight? Understand which compound it makes in the grain and how it is produced. How does it differ from conventionally bred biofortified crops?
• Benefits and Concerns of GM CropsImportance 4/5UPSC 2010, 2012
  You should be able to explain the benefits (less pesticide, better nutrition, yield) and the concerns (gene flow and biodiversity, pest and weed resistance, seed prices and patents, labelling, biosafety). Also learn why a state government's consent is needed for GM field trials.
• Genome Editing in Crops and Its Difference From GM (SDN-1, SDN-2, SDN-3)Importance 5/5
  What do SDN-1, SDN-2 and SDN-3 each do to the plant's DNA? Understand why SDN-1 and SDN-2 products can end up with no foreign DNA, and why that makes them different from transgenic GM crops. The legal treatment is covered separately.
• India's Genome-Edited Rice VarietiesImportance 4/5
  Which two genome-edited rice varieties did ICAR release in May 2025? Remember the institute and the parent variety behind each, and the traits aimed at (yield and early maturity, salinity and alkalinity tolerance). What does the claim that they are the world's first mean?
• Biotechnology in LivestockImportance 2/5
  What are transgenic animals used for (for example proteins and disease models)? Remember India's first gene-edited sheep (institution and gene edited, 2025). Is a gene-edited animal the same as a transgenic one?
• Tissue Culture and MicropropagationImportance 3/5
  Understand the principle of totipotency and how a whole plant is grown from a small piece of tissue. Remember the benefits: fast multiplication, uniform plants and disease-free planting material. Why is meristem culture used to get virus-free plants?
• Biofortification and Food Fortification ComparedImportance 4/5
  At what stage is the nutrient added in each of the two? Remember the nutrients targeted (iron, zinc, amino acids, provitamin A) and a crop example for each. Are most Indian biofortified varieties genetically modified? Think of iron-rich pearl millet and zinc-rich wheat.
• BiofertilisersImportance 4/5UPSC 2000, 2010
  What are biofertilisers? Remember the main organisms and what each does: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, cyanobacteria (Anabaena-Azolla in paddy), mycorrhiza and phosphate-solubilising bacteria. Which of the nitrogen fixers live in symbiosis, and which live freely?
• BiopesticidesImportance 4/5UPSC 1999
  Which kinds of living things are used as biopesticides? Remember standard examples from bacteria (Bt), fungi (Trichoderma, Beauveria), viruses (nucleopolyhedrovirus) and plants (neem). Understand why they are called eco-friendly and target-specific.
• Biostimulants and Their RegulationImportance 3/5
  How does a biostimulant differ from a fertiliser and from a pesticide? Under which order were biostimulants brought into regulation in 2021? What changed in June 2025, when provisional registrations ended, and what must a product now have to be sold?

2.Regulation of GMOs in India

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the 1989 GMO RulesImportance 4/5
  GMOs in India are regulated under this Act. Remember the full name of the Rules made under it, and what they cover (manufacture, use, import, export and storage). Learn the six competent authorities they set up: RDAC, IBSC, RCGM, GEAC, SBCC and DLC.
• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)Importance 5/5
  Under which ministry does GEAC work, and under which Rules? Understand what it appraises and from which angle. What was it called before, in which year did the name change, and who chairs it? Which kinds of approval does it give? What does the December 2024 amendment to the Rules require of its expert members, and why was it brought in after the GM mustard case?
• RCGM, IBSC and Other Committees Under the 1989 RulesImportance 3/5
  Follow a GM product from lab to field. Which body sits in each organisation doing genetic engineering work? Which body, under DBT, reviews contained research and recommends trials? Which body, under the environment ministry, approves confined field trials, large-scale trials and release? Learn the role of the state and district committees.
• Exemption for SDN-1 and SDN-2 Genome-Edited PlantsImportance 4/5
  What did the 2022 memorandum of the environment ministry exempt, and from which Rules? What condition must the plant meet? Is SDN-3 also exempt? Remember the DBT guidelines and procedures that followed, and who confirms that no foreign DNA is present.
• Regulation of GM Food (FSSAI)Importance 3/5
  Which law and which section govern GM food? Understand why GEAC and FSSAI both matter, and what each checks. What did the Rajasthan High Court order in 2025 direct FSSAI to do, and what did it bar until the regulations are notified? Have final GM food regulations been notified?
• Supreme Court Split Verdict on GM Mustard and the National GM PolicyImportance 4/5
  What did the two judges decide in July 2024, and on which point did they differ? What did both direct the Centre to do? Has the larger bench given its ruling, and has a national GM crop policy been issued?
• Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyImportance 3/5
  Under which convention was the Protocol adopted, and in which years was it adopted and brought into force? Understand what it regulates and the idea of advance informed agreement. Learn the supplementary protocol on liability and redress. How does it differ from the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing?

3.Biotechnology in Medicine

• Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins (Insulin, Growth Hormone)Importance 4/5
  Understand how a human gene placed in bacteria lets them make a human protein. Remember insulin and human growth hormone as the standard examples. Why did recombinant insulin replace insulin taken from animals?
• Recombinant Vaccines (Hepatitis B)Importance 3/5UPSC 2021
  Understand what a recombinant vaccine is. In which organism is the Hepatitis B antigen made? Why is such a vaccine safer than one made from the whole germ?
• Monoclonal AntibodiesImportance 5/5UPSC 2000, 2025
  Understand how hybridoma technology makes them (which two cell types are fused), why they bind a single epitope, and how the Fab region binds the antigen. Remember uses in cancer and autoimmune disease (for example Rituximab for lymphoma). Which uses are established, and which are still experimental? Is their use against Nipah virus approved yet?
• Biosimilars and Similar Biologics GuidelinesImportance 4/5
  What is a biologic, and how does a biosimilar differ from a generic drug? Which bodies issue India's Similar Biologics Guidelines, and which version is in force? What did the 2025 draft revision propose, and has it been finalised?
• Gene Therapy as Treatment (ADA-SCID, BIRSA 101)Importance 4/5UPSC 2026
  Understand how a disabled virus carries a working gene into a patient's cells. How is ADA-SCID treated? Remember BIRSA 101: which disease it targets, which institute developed it and which gene-editing platform it uses. At which stage of trials is it?
• Medical Uses of Stem Cell TherapyImportance 3/5
  Remember the conditions where stem cells are used or tested: spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and heart disease. Which stem cell use is already standard practice? Why are the uses in these three conditions still at the trial stage?
• Pharmacogenomics and Personalised MedicineImportance 3/5
  Understand what pharmacogenomics studies and how it leads to treatment suited to a patient's genes. Remember one standard example of a drug whose effect depends on a gene.
• Molecular Diagnostics (PCR, Antigen and CRISPR-Based Tests)Importance 3/5UPSC 2006
  What does RT-PCR detect, and how does that differ from rapid antigen and antibody (ELISA) tests? Remember FELUDA as a CRISPR-based paper-strip test: what it detects and who developed it.
• Biopharma SHAKTIImportance 4/5
  In which Union Budget was it announced? Remember what the acronym stands for, its outlay and period, and its parts: biologics and biosimilars, NIPER institutes, clinical trial sites and a stronger CDSCO. Has the scheme been approved and launched?
• National Biopharma MissionImportance 2/5
  Which agency runs it, in which year did it begin and who co-funds it? Which slogan goes with it?

4.Biotechnology in Environment

• BioremediationImportance 5/5UPSC 4 Years
  Learn what bioremediation is and where it works. Understand the difference between in situ and ex situ methods. Remember oil-eating microbes such as TERI's Oilzapper as an example.
• PhytoremediationImportance 3/5
  How do plants clean contaminated soil and groundwater? Understand the main kinds (phytoextraction, phytostabilisation, rhizofiltration, phytovolatilisation, phytodegradation) and what each does to the contaminant.
• Biorock TechnologyImportance 4/5
  Understand how minerals dissolved in seawater build up on a steel frame on the sea bed, and what power source is used. What is it used for? Remember India's use of it in the Gulf of Kachchh.
• Biofuels as a Biotechnology ProductImportance 3/5UPSC 2014
  Understand which microbe, enzyme or alga makes which fuel: fermentation for ethanol, enzymes for ethanol from plant waste, algae for biodiesel and microbes for biogas. Generations and blending policy belong elsewhere.

5.Industrial Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

• Industrial Biotechnology and FermentationImportance 4/5UPSC 1998, 2014
  Why is industrial biotechnology called "white" biotechnology? Understand how microbes and enzymes replace chemical processes. Remember products such as enzymes, organic acids, antibiotics and bio-based chemicals.
• Biomanufacturing and BiofoundriesImportance 3/5
  Be clear what biomanufacturing is. Understand what a biofoundry does and the steps of the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle. How does a biofoundry differ from a biomanufacturing hub?
• Synthetic BiologyImportance 3/5
  Understand what synthetic biology is and how it goes beyond moving one gene between organisms. Remember uses such as engineered microbes making drugs, fuels and chemicals.
• Smart Proteins and Precision FermentationImportance 3/5
  What are smart proteins? Distinguish plant-based, precision-fermented and cell-cultivated (cultivated meat) products. How does precision fermentation work? Which BioE3 thematic sector covers smart proteins?
• Bio-Based Chemicals and BioplasticsImportance 3/5
  Learn what bio-based chemicals and plastics are, with PLA and PHA as examples. Is every bio-based plastic biodegradable? Understand how bio-based, biodegradable and compostable differ.

6.The Bioeconomy and Its Policies

• Meaning and Segments of the BioeconomyImportance 3/5
  Be clear about the meaning of a bioeconomy and of a circular bioeconomy. Remember the four segments in which India measures it: BioPharma, BioAgri, BioIndustrial and BioServices.
• Size and Targets of India's BioeconomyImportance 4/5
  Which report measures India's bioeconomy, and which body publishes it? What size does the latest report give, and how fast has it grown? Know the targets set for 2030 and 2047. What is driving the growth?
• Branches of Biotechnology by ColourImportance 2/5
  Which field does each colour stand for: red, green, white and blue? Remember that others, such as grey and yellow, are also used. This is a common labelling convention, not a legal category.
• BioE3 Policy and Its Thematic SectorsImportance 5/5
  What does BioE3 stand for, in which year was it introduced and which bodies implement it? Understand its aims: high-performance biomanufacturing, a circular bioeconomy and a Net Zero carbon economy. What are its six thematic sectors?
• BioE3 Framework and BioEnablers (Bio-AI Hubs, Biofoundries, Biomanufacturing Hubs)Importance 4/5
  Remember the three tiers: Discovery Research Network, Bridging the Gap and BioEnablers. What does each kind of BioEnabler facility do? Which network of biofoundries was launched in August 2025 under BioE3? Learn the regional and institutional mechanisms: public-private partnership, mission mode, the share set aside for the North-East and State BioE3 Cells.
• Department of Biotechnology and BIRACImportance 3/5
  Under which ministry does DBT work? When and by whom was BIRAC set up, and what is its legal form? Understand its role as the agency linking industry and start-ups with the department's schemes.
• Bio-RIDE SchemeImportance 4/5
  What does Bio-RIDE stand for, and when did the Cabinet approve it? Which two earlier DBT schemes did it merge? Learn its three components, including the new one on biomanufacturing and biofoundries. For which period was the outlay approved, and has the scheme been extended?
• BIO-NIVESH and the RDI FundImportance 4/5
  Which two bodies built BIO-NIVESH, and whom does it connect? Understand its objectives: private investment, patient capital for scale-up, and helping investors understand long development cycles. How does it link to the RDI Fund, and what is BIRAC's role there? What is the size of that fund?
• Biotech-KISANImportance 3/5
  What does Biotech-KISAN stand for, which department runs it and when did it begin? Understand its design: a hub-and-spoke link between scientists and farmers, with a focus on women farmers.

1. 1.

   Consider the following statements regarding Bt cotton in India:
   1. Bollgard I, a single-gene technology, was India's first biotech crop technology approved for commercialisation, in 2002.
   2. Bollgard II, a double-gene technology, followed Bollgard I.
   3. The toxin genes in Bt cotton are taken from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
2. 2.

   With reference to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India, consider the following statements:
   1. It functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
   2. Under the 1989 Rules, it is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
   3. It is chaired by a representative of the Department of Biotechnology.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
3. 3.

   Consider the following pairs regarding the competent authorities under the 1989 Rules for genetically engineered organisms:

   Authority	Feature
   1. Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation	Functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
   2. Institutional Biosafety Committee	Constituted by an occupier or research institution handling genetically engineered organisms
   3. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee	Has a representative of the Department of Biotechnology as Co-Chairman

   Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

   1. A2 and 3 only
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
4. 4.

   Match List I (component of the BioE3 framework) with List II (role):

   List I	List II
   A. Discovery Research Network	1. Pilot-scale facilities that let start-ups and SMEs scale up without heavy upfront capital
   B. Bio-AI Hubs	2. Data-driven, programmatic research support
   C. Biofoundries	3. Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle with high-throughput bio-automation
   D. Biomanufacturing Hubs	4. Innovative biosynthetic platforms and proofs of concept

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   1. AA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
   2. BA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
   3. CA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
   4. DA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
5. 5.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: The 2022 exemption from Rules 7 to 11 of the 1989 Rules covers genome-edited plants of all three categories, SDN-1, SDN-2 and SDN-3.
   Statement-II: SDN-3 involves larger DNA elements or full-length genes of foreign origin, which makes it similar to genetically modified organism development.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
6. 6.

   Hybridoma technology is used to make monoclonal antibodies. Which one of the following pairs of cell types is fused to create the hybridoma?

   1. AT lymphocytes and myeloma cells
   2. BB cells and embryonic stem cells
   3. CMacrophages and B cells
   4. DB cells and myeloma cells
7. 7.

   Consider the following statements regarding the GM mustard hybrid DMH-11:
   1. It was developed by the University of Delhi's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.
   2. In its hybrid seed system, barstar causes male sterility while barnase restores fertility.
   3. In July 2024, the Supreme Court bench directed the Centre to formulate a national policy on GM crops covering research, cultivation, trade and commerce.
   4. In the same case, the bench unanimously quashed the Centre's 2022 decision on its environmental release.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
8. 8.

   With reference to the genome-edited rice varieties released by ICAR in 2025, consider the following statements:
   1. DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, from the Samba Mahsuri variety.
   2. Pusa DST Rice 1 was developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, from MTU 1010, for higher yield in saline and alkaline soils.
   3. Both were developed through SDN-3 editing, which inserts a foreign gene.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 2 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
9. 9.

   Consider the following statements:
   1. Food fortification is the practice of adding vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods during processing.
   2. Biofortification is the process in which food crops with improved nutritional value are grown.
   3. Most biofortified crops in India are genetically modified.
   4. Iron-rich pearl millet and zinc-rich wheat were developed through conventional plant breeding.
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
10. 10.

    As of February 2026, which one of the following correctly describes Biopharma SHAKTI, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27?

    1. AA policy framework built around six thematic sectors to promote high-performance biomanufacturing
    2. BA platform developed by DBT and BIRAC to connect biotechnology start-ups with investors
    3. CAn office memorandum exempting SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome-edited plants from Rules 7 to 11 of the 1989 Rules
    4. DA scheme of Rs 10,000 crore over five years to strengthen the biopharma sector, with new NIPERs and accredited clinical trial sites
11. 11.

    Consider the following statements regarding environmental biotechnology:
    1. Biorock is formed by the electro-accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater on steel structures lowered onto the sea bed.
    2. Phytoremediation uses only microorganisms to remove contaminants from soil and groundwater.
    3. Bioremediation uses microorganisms to remove or detoxify toxins from soils, water or sediments.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
12. 12.

    The Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 are made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which one of the following is not among the competent authorities provided under these Rules?

    1. AReview Committee on Genetic Manipulation
    2. BState Biotechnology Coordination Committee
    3. CNational Biodiversity Authority
    4. DInstitutional Biosafety Committee
13. 13.

    Consider the following pairs:

    Initiative or product	Feature
    1. BIO-NIVESH	Developed by DBT and BIRAC to connect biotechnology innovators with investors
    2. BioE3 Policy	Implemented by the Department of Biotechnology jointly with BIRAC
    3. Golden Rice	Biofortified with vitamin D to combat malnutrition

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. A2 and 3 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C3 only
    4. D1 and 2 only
14. 14.

    With reference to India's BioE3 Policy, consider the following statements:
    1. BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment, and the Union Cabinet approved it in August 2024.
    2. It is implemented solely through the Department of Biotechnology, with no role for BIRAC.
    3. Futuristic marine and space biomanufacturing is one of its six thematic sectors.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D2 and 3 only
15. 15.

    Consider the following statements regarding medical biotechnology:
    1. Recombinant insulin is produced by inserting the insulin gene into bacteria.
    2. The Hepatitis B vaccine is made from whole inactivated virus without using recombinant DNA techniques.
    3. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is used mainly to treat bacterial infections.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone

1. 1.

   UPSC 2017

   In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ?
   1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
   2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
   3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
2. 2.

   UPSC 2021

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

   1. Aclonal propagation of crop plants
   2. Bdeveloping genetically modified crop plants
   3. Cproduction of plant growth substances
   4. Dproduction of biofertilizers
3. 3.

   UPSC 2018

   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. A1 and 3 only
   2. B2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
4. 4.

   UPSC 2015

   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. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
5. 5.

   UPSC 2014

   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. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3
   3. C1 and 3
   4. DNone
6. 6.

   UPSC 2014

   Consider the following statements :
   1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
   2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
   3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B1 and 2 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
7. 7.

   UPSC 2012

   What are the reasons for the people's resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?
   1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
   2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
   3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
   4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

   1. A1, 2 and 3 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C3 and 4 only
   4. D1, 2, 3 and 4
8. 8.

   UPSC 2012

   Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?
   1. To enable them to withstand drought
   2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
   3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
   4. To increase their shelf life
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B3 and 4 only
   3. C1, 2 and 4 only
   4. D1, 2, 3 and 4
9. 9.

   UPSC 2011

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

   1. ATo make it pest-resistant
   2. BTo improve its taste and nutritive qualities
   3. CTo make it drought-resistant
   4. DTo make its shelf-life longer
10. 10.

    UPSC 2011

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

    1. AIt is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills
    2. BIt is the latest technology developed for under sea oil exploration
    3. CIt is a genetically engineered high biofuel yielding maize variety
    4. DIt is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused fires in oil wells
11. 11.

    UPSC 2010

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

    1. AIt is a genetically modified dwarf variety which is resistant to drought
    2. BIt is a genetically modified variety which is pest resistant
    3. CIt is a genetically modified variety with ten times higher protein content than regular maize crop
    4. DIt is a genetically modified variety used exclusively for bio-fuel production
12. 12.

    UPSC 2010

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

    1. AThe grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties
    2. BIts grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body
    3. CIts modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids
    4. DIts modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D
13. 13.

    UPSC 2010

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

    1. AAgrobacterium
    2. BClostridium
    3. CNitrosomonas
    4. DPseudomonas
14. 14.

    UPSC 2010

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

    1. AThey convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily.
    2. BThey induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates.
    3. CThey have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily.
    4. DThey induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities.
15. 15.

    UPSC 2001

    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. ABacillus subtilis
    2. BBacillus thuringiensis
    3. CBacillus amyloliquifanciens
    4. DBacillus globli
16. 16.

    UPSC 2000

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

    1. ABlue-green algae
    2. BRhizobium sp
    3. CMycorrhizal fungi
    4. DAzotobacter sp
17. 17.

    UPSC 2000

    Phytotron is a facility to

    1. Agrow plants under disease-free conditions
    2. Bconserve endangered species of plants
    3. Cgrow plants under controlled conditions
    4. Dinduce mutations
18. 18.

    UPSC 2000

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

    1. Avirus
    2. Bbacterium
    3. Cinsect
    4. Dplant
19. 19.

    UPSC 2000

    Hybridoma technology is a new biotechnological approach for commercial production of

    1. Amonoclonal antibodies
    2. Binterferon
    3. Cantibodies
    4. Dalcohol
20. 20.

    UPSC 2000

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

    1. Aseeds have very high oil content
    2. Boil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids
    3. Coil has long shelf life
    4. Doil has very low Erucic acid content
21. 21.

    UPSC 1999

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

    1. Ashow poor germination
    2. Bform low yielding plants despite the high quality
    3. Cgive rise to sexually sterile plants
    4. Dgive rise to plants incapable of forming viable seeds
22. 22.

    UPSC 1999

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

    1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    3. CA is true, but R is false
    4. DA is false, but R is true
23. 23.

    UPSC 1998

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

    1. ABacteria
    2. BBacteria and fungi
    3. CBacteria and algae
    4. DBacteria, micro-algae and fungi
24. 24.

    UPSC 2006

    Consider the following statements:
    1. ELISA test is employed as the first and most basic test for an individual to detect cancer.
    2. Almost 50% of human beings have Rh+ blood while the remaining have Rh- blood.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
25. 25.

    UPSC 2026

    Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?
    1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
    2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
    3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
26. 26.

    UPSC 2025

    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. AI and II only
    2. BII and III only
    3. CI and III only
    4. DI, II and III
27. 27.

    UPSC 2021

    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. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
28. 28.

    UPSC 1999

    Neem tree has acquired industrial importance as a source of

    1. Abiopesticide and anti-fertility compound
    2. Banti-fertility compound, biofertilizer and anti-cancer drug
    3. Cbiofertilizer, biopesticide and anti-fertility compound
    4. Danti-cancer drug, biopesticide and biofertilizer