Genetics and Biotechnology Techniques

1.Biotechnology and Basics of Genetics

• Meaning of Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringImportance 2/5
  What is biotechnology, and what kinds of products come from it? Understand what genetic engineering does: how it changes genetic material, and why that changed material is put into a host organism.
• Genes and Their KindsImportance 3/5
  What is a gene, and roughly how many protein-coding genes does a human have? Be clear about the difference between structural, regulatory and non-coding genes, and what each does.
• Structure of DNA and Base PairingImportance 4/5UPSC 2001, 2008
  Read and remember the shape of DNA (strands, sugar-phosphate backbone), its four bases, and which base pairs with which. Understand how the order of bases carries information, and why the pairing makes copying of DNA possible.
• RNA and How It Differs from DNAImportance 4/5
  How does RNA differ from DNA in the number of strands, the sugar and the bases? Remember the four RNA bases. Understand what RNA does in making proteins and passing on genetic information.
• Chromosomes and Chromosome NumberImportance 3/5UPSC 2000
  What are chromosomes made of, and where are they found in a cell? Remember how many chromosomes, and how many pairs, a human cell has, and that each species has its own fixed number.
• Dark DNA and Junk DNAImportance 2/5
  What does "dark DNA" mean, and why is it hard to read with standard sequencing? Do "dark DNA" and the older idea of "junk DNA" refer to the same thing? Understand what roles it may play, and why those roles are still being studied.
• Central Dogma, DNA Replication and Reverse TranscriptionImportance 4/5UPSC 2002
  In which direction does genetic information flow according to the central dogma? Understand DNA replication and when it happens. Reverse transcription runs the other way: what does it make from what, and which viruses use it?
• Transcription and TranslationImportance 3/5UPSC 2007
  How do transcription and translation differ in what they make? Remember the jobs of mRNA, tRNA and ribosomes, and where in the cell translation takes place.

2.Genome Sequencing

• Genome Sequencing and Its UsesImportance 4/5UPSC 1997, 2011, 2017
  What does it mean to sequence a genome? Understand how it helps in studying inherited traits, finding disease-linked mutations and personalised medicine. What is pharmacogenomics, and how does it connect to personalised medicine?
• Whole Exome SequencingImportance 3/5
  What is the exome, and what share of the genome does it make up? How does whole exome sequencing differ from whole genome sequencing in cost, speed and coverage? Remember why it suits rare inherited diseases, and the 2026 discovery of the disease RPN1-CDG as an example.
• Transcriptome and Aerial MetagenomicsImportance 4/5UPSC 2016, 2023
  What is a transcriptome, and how does it differ from the genome? What does aerial metagenomics study, and where is the genetic material collected from?
• Human Genome ProjectImportance 4/5UPSC 2008, 2026
  In which year was the Human Genome Project launched, and when was it completed? Remember the size of the human genome in nucleotide pairs and the three initial goals of the project. What did the gapless (telomere-to-telomere) human genome of 2022 add?
• Earth BioGenome ProjectImportance 3/5
  What does the Earth BioGenome Project aim to sequence, and over how many years? Roughly how many species does it cover today? Remember the number of phases and what the "Digital Library of Life" is.
• Genome India ProjectImportance 5/5UPSC 2026
  Which department started it, in which year, and how many individuals are to be sequenced? Remember the lead institution, and what the project is meant to help with. Has its data been opened to researchers, and where is it held? Why does the world's genomic data under-represent South Asians, and why does that matter for health?
• IndiGen ProjectImportance 3/5
  Which body launched IndiGen, and what is it meant to do? How does it differ from the Genome India Project in who runs it? Understand how it helps in learning about disease risk and drug response in Indians.
• Human Microbiome Initiative of Select Endogamous PopulationsImportance 2/5
  Which groups does this initiative study, and what does it study in them? Remember the approach used and the four factors whose effect on gut microbes is examined.

3.Recombinant DNA Technology

• Recombinant DNA and Restriction EnzymesImportance 4/5UPSC 2001, 2002
  What is recombinant DNA? Understand what restriction enzymes do to DNA, why they cut only at specific sequences, and how the cut pieces are then joined with DNA from another source.
• Cloning Vectors, Plasmids and the Ti PlasmidImportance 4/5
  What is a vector, and what is a plasmid? Remember the three key elements of a vector and the job of each. Understand how the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens helps produce a plant with a new trait.
• Methods of Inserting DNA Into Host CellsImportance 3/5
  How do microinjection and biolistics differ in how DNA is put in? Remember which kind of cell each method is used for.
• Polymerase Chain ReactionImportance 4/5UPSC 2002, 2019
  What does PCR do to a gene of interest? Understand the three repeated steps (denaturation, annealing, extension), why primers and a heat-stable DNA polymerase (Taq) are needed, and how RT-PCR differs from PCR. Why is making many copies useful in recombinant DNA work and in diagnosis?
• Gene Expression and Uses of Recombinant DNAImportance 4/5UPSC 2013, 2019
  What does it mean for a transformed cell to express a gene? Remember the broad uses of recombinant DNA in medicine, agriculture and research.

4.Genome Editing

• Meaning of Genome EditingImportance 3/5UPSC 2020
  What changes can genome editing make to a living organism's DNA? Is it the same as adding foreign DNA by recombinant DNA technology? Remember the other names used for it.
• CRISPR-Cas9Importance 5/5UPSC 2018, 2019
  CRISPR-Cas9 has two parts: what are they, and what does each do? Understand how the target DNA is found and cut, and what kinds of edits can follow. Who discovered it, and what honour did they receive in 2020?
• TALENs, Zinc-Finger Nucleases and MeganucleasesImportance 3/5
  For each of these three tools, what part finds the DNA and what part cuts it? Be clear about which of them have separate binding and cutting parts and which do not.
• CRISPR-Based Therapies and BIRSA 101Importance 4/5
  How can CRISPR be used to treat a blood disorder? Why is sickle cell disease a suitable target for gene editing? Which indigenous CRISPR-based therapy was launched in India in November 2025, which institution developed it, and is it approved for general use or still in clinical trials? Which CRISPR therapy was the first to be approved anywhere, and when?

5.RNA Interference and Gene Silencing

• Mechanism of RNA InterferenceImportance 4/5
  What starts RNA interference? Understand the steps that follow, and the roles of Dicer, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the RISC complex. Remember the usual length of siRNA, and why the protein is not made at the end.
• Uses of RNA Interference (Pest-Resistant Plants, Research, Medicine)Importance 4/5UPSC 2019
  What natural job does RNAi do in cells? Remember its uses in research and in developing drugs. How was it used to protect tobacco plants from the nematode Meloidogyne incognita, and what role did Agrobacterium play?
• Gene Silencing and DNA MethylationImportance 3/5
  What is gene silencing, and what are its three routes? Is RNAi the only route? Remember the example of silencing fungal genes in groundnut and the uses of gene silencing. What is the role of microRNA as a natural silencer?

6.Gene Therapy

• Meaning and Method of Gene TherapyImportance 4/5UPSC 2026
  What is gene therapy meant to correct? Understand the steps by which a disabled virus carries a working gene into a patient's cells. Remember ADA deficiency (a form of SCID) as the standard example. How do somatic and germline gene therapy differ, and why are germline changes treated more strictly?
• Adenovirus and Retrovirus as Viral VectorsImportance 3/5
  How do adenovirus and retrovirus differ in genome, envelope and type of infection? Which enzymes let a retrovirus turn its RNA into DNA and insert it into the host genome, and does adenovirus need them? Understand why this matters when choosing a vector.
• Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A in IndiaImportance 3/5
  Which institution in India carried out the first-in-human gene therapy trial for haemophilia A? What kind of virus carried the gene, which gene was it, and whose cells were treated? Understand why the patient's own stem cells are used. Is the therapy approved for general use, or still a trial?

7.Cloning and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

• Process of Somatic Cell Nuclear TransferImportance 4/5UPSC 1999
  Understand the five steps of somatic cell nuclear transfer, from taking the body cell to implanting the embryo. What happens to the egg's own nucleus, and how is the egg made to start dividing?
• Uses of SCNT (Reproductive, Therapeutic and Conservation Cloning)Importance 3/5UPSC 2017
  Which animal was cloned in 1996, and why was it a milestone? How do reproductive and therapeutic cloning differ in their aim? Remember how SCNT may help endangered species.
• Ethical and Scientific Concerns of CloningImportance 2/5
  Be clear about the ethical concerns that cloning raises, for animals and for humans. Understand the scientific problem of low success and abnormal development in cloned animals.

8.Stem Cell Therapy

• Meaning and Working of Stem Cell TherapyImportance 4/5UPSC 2012
  What is stem cell therapy meant to repair? Understand the three steps of growing the cells in a laboratory, making them develop into a needed cell type, and implanting them in a patient.
• Sources of Stem CellsImportance 4/5UPSC 2002
  Remember the four sources of stem cells, with examples of each. Why is the use of embryonic stem cells more ethically sensitive than reprogrammed body cells?
• Stages of a Stem Cell TransplantImportance 2/5
  Remember the order of the six stages, from moving stem cells into the blood to the patient's recovery. Where does chemotherapy come in?
• Diseases Treated by Stem Cell TherapyImportance 3/5
  Remember the conditions stem cell therapy is used or tested for: an injury, a brain disease and a heart condition. Are these established treatments for everyone, or areas of research? Which stem cell treatment is established practice in India, and how are other uses regulated?

9.Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy

• Three-Parent Baby: Meaning and Mechanism of MRTImportance 5/5UPSC 2021
  Why is mitochondrial replacement therapy done, and why is the child called a "three-parent baby"? Understand how diseased mitochondria are replaced with a donor's healthy ones. From whom does a child inherit mitochondria, and what risk remains unknown?
• Maternal Spindle Transfer and Pronuclear TransferImportance 4/5UPSC 2020, 2021
  How do maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer differ? Be clear about the stage at which each is done, before or after fertilisation, and what is common to both.
• Legal Status of MRT and Reported BirthsImportance 3/5
  Which country first legally allowed mitochondrial replacement therapy, and in which year? Where were babies born after this treatment reported in 2025? When was the first MRT birth reported, and how did that case differ? Does any Indian law specifically provide for MRT?

10.DNA Barcoding and DNA Profiling

• Meaning of DNA BarcodingImportance 4/5
  What is a DNA barcode, and about how long is it? Understand how an unknown sample is identified by matching it with a library of barcodes.
• Uses of DNA BarcodingImportance 3/5UPSC 2022
  Learn the uses of DNA barcoding, for example in conservation, in detecting invasive species and in food safety. What is a cryptic species?
• DNA Profiling Technique and Its UsesImportance 4/5UPSC 1997, 2000
  Understand what a DNA profile is, and how it is used in crime, family and legal matters. Be clear about the difference between DNA profiling, which identifies an individual, and DNA barcoding, which identifies a species.
• Microsatellite DNA as MarkersImportance 3/5UPSC 2023
  What are microsatellites, and do they code for proteins? Understand why they differ from person to person and so work as markers in forensics and in studying inheritance.
• Legal Use of DNA Profiling (Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022)Importance 4/5
  Which older law did this Act replace, and what new kinds of records may now be collected, including samples for DNA? Who can refuse to give a biological sample, and in which cases can it be taken anyway? Remember how long records are kept, which agency keeps the central database, and when records are deleted. What privacy concerns arise? What happened to the separate DNA Technology Bill?
• Biometric IdentificationImportance 2/5
  Be clear about what biometric identification means. Which body traits and behaviours can be used to identify a person in this way?

11.Genetic Disorders and Mutations

• Mutations and Their Role in VariationImportance 3/5UPSC 1996
  What is a mutation? Understand why mutations are the main cause of diversity among organisms, and how a single large change differs from many small changes adding up over time.
• Single-Gene, Chromosomal and Multifactorial DisordersImportance 4/5UPSC 4 Years
  Genetic disorders fall into three main kinds: what are they, and what causes each? Remember one example of each kind.
• Chromosomal Disorders (Down's, Turner's, Klinefelter's, Cri-du-chat)Importance 4/5
  For each of the four disorders, what is the chromosome change, and which chromosome is involved? Which of them is a trisomy, a monosomy or a deletion?
• Sickle Cell AnaemiaImportance 4/5
  What causes sickle cell anaemia, and what happens to red blood cells and blood flow? Which national mission targets it, when and where was it launched, and what does it aim to achieve by its target year?
• UMMID Initiative and NIDAN KendrasImportance 3/5
  Which department runs UMMID, in which year was it first launched, and what is it for? What are NIDAN Kendras, and why are they set up beyond big cities? What was added to the programme in 2026?

1. 1.

   With reference to the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system, consider the following statements:
   1. The guide RNA is engineered to attach to specific DNA bases by complementary base-pairing.
   2. Cas9 supplies the DNA-targeting sequence, while the guide RNA acts as the nuclease that cuts the DNA.
   3. Its discoverers, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

   Consider the following statements about DNA and RNA:
   1. RNA contains ribose sugar, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose sugar.
   2. RNA is a double-stranded molecule like DNA.
   3. In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
   4. Uracil takes the place of thymine as a nitrogenous base in RNA.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

   With reference to mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), the so-called three-parent baby technique, consider the following statements:
   1. It can be carried out either before or after in vitro fertilisation of the egg.
   2. Maternal spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer are its most common techniques.
   3. In both techniques, the donor supplies the nuclear genetic material of the child.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

   As of October 2026, consider the following statements about the Genome India Project:
   1. It was initiated by the Department of Biotechnology in 2020.
   2. The genomic data of about 10,000 individuals sequenced under it have been released for use by researchers under set access protocols.
   3. The Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, coordinated the project.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
5. 5.

   Consider the following pairs:

   Disorder	Chromosomal change
   1. Down's syndrome	Trisomy of chromosome 21
   2. Turner's syndrome	An extra X chromosome in females
   3. Cri-du-chat syndrome	Deletion involving chromosome 5

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

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1, 2 and 3
   4. D1 and 3 only
6. 6.

   Match List I with List II:

   List I (Component or technique)	List II (Role in recombinant DNA technology)
   A. Restriction enzymes	1. Help identify successful recombinants
   B. Origin of replication in a vector	2. Amplifies the gene of interest to produce many copies
   C. Selectable markers	3. Cut DNA at specific sequences to create fragments
   D. Polymerase chain reaction	4. Ensures DNA replication in the host

   Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   1. AA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
   2. BA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
   3. CA-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
   4. DA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
7. 7.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: RNA interference starts when double-stranded RNA enters a cell.
   Statement-II: The enzyme Dicer cuts double-stranded RNA into small interfering RNA fragments about 21-23 nucleotides long.
   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
8. 8.

   Which one of the following correctly gives the sequence of steps in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)?

   1. AEgg enucleated; egg fertilised by sperm; somatic nucleus inserted; embryo implanted in a surrogate
   2. BSomatic cell taken; egg stimulated to divide; egg enucleated; somatic nucleus inserted; embryo implanted in a surrogate
   3. CSomatic cell taken; egg enucleated; embryo implanted in a surrogate; somatic nucleus inserted into the embryo
   4. DSomatic cell taken; egg enucleated; somatic nucleus inserted; egg stimulated to divide; embryo implanted in a surrogate
9. 9.

   Consider the following statements about stem cell therapy:
   1. It promotes the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives.
   2. Stem cells are implanted directly into the patient from the donor, without being grown or specialised in a laboratory.
   3. Fetal tissues such as the placenta and the umbilical cord cannot be used as sources of stem cells.
   4. Differentiated somatic cells cannot be used as a source, even after genetic reprogramming.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

    Consider the following statements:
    1. A DNA barcode is a standardised short DNA sequence of about 400-800 base pairs, matched against a library of barcodes to identify an unknown sample.
    2. DNA profiling identifies the species of a sample, whereas DNA barcoding identifies the individual.
    3. DNA barcoding can help in detecting alien species and assessing cryptic species.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
11. 11.

    Consider the following statements about the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022:
    1. It replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
    2. Records collected under it are kept for 75 years.
    3. The central record is maintained by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
    4. A person arrested for any offence can be compelled to give a biological sample.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
12. 12.

    With reference to gene therapy, consider the following statements:
    1. A virus altered so that it cannot reproduce can be used to carry a functional gene into a patient's cells.
    2. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, a form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), is treated by introducing functional ADA genes into patients.
    3. Adenovirus vectors, unlike retrovirus vectors, integrate their DNA into the host genome.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
13. 13.

    The nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects the roots of tobacco plants and greatly reduces yield. Which one of the following best describes the RNA interference strategy used to protect tobacco from it?

    1. ACry toxin genes of Bacillus thuringiensis were introduced into tobacco using plasmid vectors
    2. BNematode genes were deleted from its own genome using CRISPR-Cas9 editing
    3. CSynthetic siRNA was sprayed on the roots of conventionally bred tobacco plants
    4. DNematode-specific genes were introduced into tobacco using Agrobacterium vectors
14. 14.

    Consider the following pairs:

    Process	Description
    1. DNA replication	DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division
    2. Transcription	A cell makes an RNA copy (mRNA) of a piece of DNA
    3. Translation	Takes place in the nucleus, using DNA as the template

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

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
15. 15.

    Which one of the following is correct about sickle cell anaemia?

    1. AIt is caused by a single-gene mutation that makes the haemoglobin abnormal, so red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped
    2. BIt is a chromosomal disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21
    3. CIt is a multifactorial disorder caused by many genes interacting with lifestyle factors such as diet
    4. DIt is a chromosomal disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 5

1. 1.

   UPSC 2018

   Consider the following pairs :

   	Terms sometimes seen in news	Context/Topic
   1.	Belle II experiment	Artificial Intelligence
   2.	Blockchain technology	Digital/Cryptocurrency
   3.	CRISPR – Cas9	Particle Physics

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

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

   UPSC 2012

   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.
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

   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
4. 4.

   UPSC 2026

   Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
   1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
   2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
   3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
   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
5. 5.

   UPSC 2023

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

   1. ACollecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
   2. BUnderstanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
   3. CUsing air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
   4. DSending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
6. 6.

   UPSC 2023

   ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?

   1. AStudying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
   2. BStimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
   3. CPromoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
   4. DAssessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
7. 7.

   UPSC 2022

   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. A1 only
   2. B3 only
   3. C1 and 2
   4. D2 and 3
8. 8.

   UPSC 2021

   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. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
9. 9.

   UPSC 2020

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

   1. Afertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
   2. Bgenetic modification of sperm producing cells
   3. Cdevelopment of stem cells into functional embryos
   4. Dprevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
10. 10.

    UPSC 2020

    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. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
11. 11.

    UPSC 2019

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

    1. AFunctional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
    2. BPieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
    3. CA piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
    4. DCells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
12. 12.

    UPSC 2019

    ‘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. A1, 2 and 4
    2. B2 and 3
    3. C1 and 3
    4. D1 and 4 only
13. 13.

    UPSC 2019

    What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

    1. AA molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
    2. BA biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
    3. CA gene that makes plants pest-resistant
    4. DA herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
14. 14.

    UPSC 2017

    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. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
15. 15.

    UPSC 2017

    What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology ?

    1. AProduction of biolarvicides
    2. BManufacture of biodegradable plastics
    3. CReproductive cloning of animals
    4. DProduction of organisms free of diseases
16. 16.

    UPSC 2016

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

    1. Aa range of enzymes used in genome editing
    2. Bthe full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
    3. Cthe description of the mechanism of gene expression
    4. Da mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
17. 17.

    UPSC 2013

    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. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
18. 18.

    UPSC 2011

    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. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
19. 19.

    UPSC 2009

    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. ABoth children suffer from colour blindness
    2. BDaughter suffers from colour blindness while son does not suffer from it
    3. CBoth children do not suffer from colour blindness
    4. DSon suffers from colour blindness while daughter does not suffer from it
20. 20.

    UPSC 2008

    Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
    1. Francis Collins — Mapping human genome
    2. Sergey Brin : Google Search Engine
    3. Jimmy Wales — Wikipedia
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
21. 21.

    UPSC 2008

    Nobel Prize–winning scientist James
    D. Watson is known for his work in which area?

    1. AMetallurgy
    2. BMeteorology
    3. CEnvironmental protection
    4. DGenetics
22. 22.

    UPSC 2006

    Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? Recent Scientific Achievement : Country

    1. ACreating the World’s first mouse : United Kingdom
    2. BCloning a human embryo for the first time : Germany
    3. CGuiding a spacecraft for collision with a comet : United States of America
    4. DLanding a spacecraft on an asteroid : Japan
23. 23.

    UPSC 2004

    Consider the following statements:
    1. Adam Osborne produced the first portable computer.
    2. Ian Wilmut created the first cloned sheep.
    Which of these statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
24. 24.

    UPSC 2002

    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. A1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. B1, 2 and 3
    3. C1, 2 and 4
    4. D3 and 4
25. 25.

    UPSC 2002

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

    1. AApomixis
    2. BPleiotropy
    3. CPolyploidy
    4. DPolyteny
26. 26.

    UPSC 2002

    Match List I (Scientists) with List II (Achievement) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
    List I (Scientists)
    A. Arber and Smith
    B. Feldman
    C. Mullis
    D. Temin and Baltimore
    List II (Achievement)
    1. Developed transgenic plants with Agrobacterium T-DNA
    2. Discovered endonucleases
    3. Discovered reverse transcriptase
    4. Discovered polymerase chain reaction

    1. A2 1 4 3
    2. B1 2 4 3
    3. C2 1 3 4
    4. D1 2 3 4
27. 27.

    UPSC 2001

    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. ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. BBoth A and R are individually 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
28. 28.

    UPSC 2001

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

    1. AComplementarity of the two strands
    2. BDouble helix
    3. CNumber of base pairs per turn
    4. DSugar phosphate backbone
29. 29.

    UPSC 2001

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
    List I (Achievement in genetics)
    I. Discovery of transduction and conjugation in bacteria
    II. Establishing the sex-linked inheritance
    III. Isolation of DNA polymerase from E. coli
    IV. Establishing the complete genetic code
    List II (Scientists) A) Khurana B) Kornberg C) Lederberg D) Morgan E) Ochoa

    1. AI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    2. BI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-E
    3. CI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-E
    4. DI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
30. 30.

    UPSC 2000

    Match List I (Diseases) with List II (Types of disease) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
    List I
    I. Haemophilia
    II. Diabetes
    III. Diabetes
    IV. Ringworm
    List II A) Deficiency disease B) Genetic disease C) Hormonal disorder D) Fungal infection
    Codes:

    1. AI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    2. BI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
    3. CI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
    4. DI-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
31. 31.

    UPSC 2000

    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. 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
32. 32.

    UPSC 2000

    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. 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
33. 33.

    UPSC 1999

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

    1. ARoyal haemophilia
    2. BTay Sachs disease
    3. CCystic fibrosis
    4. DHypertension
34. 34.

    UPSC 1999

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

    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
35. 35.

    UPSC 1998

    Haemophilia is a genetic disorder which leads to

    1. Adecrease in haemoglobin level
    2. Brheumatic heart disease
    3. Cdecrease in WBC
    4. Dnon-clotting of blood
36. 36.

    UPSC 1998

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
    List I
    I. Theory of Mutation
    II. Theory of Evolution
    III. One-gene-one-enzyme hypothesis
    IV. Operon concept
    List II A) Beadle and Tatum B) Jacob and Monod C) Darwin D) De Vries

    1. AI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    2. BI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    3. CI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    4. DI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
37. 37.

    UPSC 1997

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

    1. AProtein analysis
    2. BChromosome counting
    3. CQuantitative analysis of DNA
    4. DDNA finger-printing
38. 38.

    UPSC 1997

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

    1. Aalbino mouse
    2. Byeast
    3. Chuman being
    4. DPlasmodium vivax
39. 39.

    UPSC 1996

    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. AII alone
    2. BI, II and III
    3. CI, II and IV
    4. DI, III and IV
40. 40.

    UPSC 2007

    What is the broad area in which the Nobel Prize winners for the year 2006 in Physiology or Medicine worked to get the prize?

    1. APrevention of weakening due to ageing
    2. BFlow of genetic information
    3. CImmunology and disease resistance
    4. DAdult stem-cell research