Science and Technology (Part-II)

• Transcriptome refers to the protein-coding part of an organism’s genome.
• It is set of RNA molecules such as messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and other noncoding RNA molecules that are present in cells or tissue type.
• A genome is the collection of all DNA present in the nucleus and the mitochondria of a somatic cell while the initial product of genome expression in the transcriptome.
• In contrast with the genome, which is characterized by its stability, the transcriptome actively changes.
• An organism’s transcriptome varies depending on many factors, including the stage of development and environmental conditions.
• Therefore, as mRNA is further translated into proteins, transcriptome can be seen as precursor of proteome (set of proteins expressed by an organism). In order to study the transcriptome of an organism, complementary DNA (cDNA) is synthesized using mRNA as template. mRNA can be isolated from different tissues of an organism at various time intervals to be able to capture maximum number of genes expressed in an organism in one time.
• Transcriptome data obtained from different types of cells can help researchers to gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes a specific cell type, how that type of cell normally functions, and how changes in the normal level of gene activity may reflect or contribute to disease. Furthermore, by aligning the transcriptome of each cell type to the genome, it is possible to generate a comprehensive, genome-wide picture of the gene expression.

1. A somatic cell is isolated and extracted from an adult female.
2. Then the nucleus and all of its DNA from an egg cell is removed.
3. After that the nucleus from the somatic cell is transferred to the egg cell.
4. After being inserted into the egg, the somatic cell nucleus is reprogrammed by the host cell and is stimulated with a shock.
5. The egg cell, with its new nucleus, will behave just like a freshly fertilised egg.
6. It developed into an embryo, which is implanted into a surrogate mother.

DNA replication can also be performed in vitro (outside a cell). So, c is eliminated.

Cell division of Chlamydomonas is usually achieved in the laboratory by alternation of light and dark periods. So, d is eliminated. Thus we are left with answer a.

So, #4 is right and we are left with option a or d. RNA-i is being explored as a form of treatment for a variety of diseases, including hepatitis, AIDS, Huntington disease, and cancer. So, #2 is right, therefore answer is a.

Carbon nanotubes can go into the cell by the millions, as they have a high surface area, and can have a very high efficiency of delivery to a specific cell.

Hence, statement 1 is correct. Using carbon nanotube as an artificial blood vessel can create blood clotting, so it is unsafe. Hence statement 2 is not correct. NASA has demonstrated Biochemical Sensors Using Carbon Nanotube Arrays. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Multiple types of microbes, including bacteria and fungi, have the capability to degrade carbon nanotubes. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is used to make hard plastic items, such as baby bottles, re-useable water bottles, food containers, pitchers, tableware and other storage containers.
• BPA is also used to make epoxy resins. Epoxy resin linings coat the inside of metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes. The purpose of epoxy linings is to keep the can material from corroding or reacting with the food.
• Small amounts of BPA may remain in polycarbonate products and epoxy linings after curing, and be released into food and beverages. Canned foods and liquids stored or heated in polycarbonate containers and epoxy-lined cans appear to be the main source of exposure to BPA.
• Scientists and government agencies have differing opinions about whether the levels of BPA found in contents from polycarbonate containers or epoxy-lined cans may harm human health. Scientists have recently looked for associations between BPA exposure and health effects in the general population. Some studies have reported associations between elevated BPA exposure and health effects such as diabetes or heart disease, while other studies have not.

• Bollgard I Bt cotton (single-gene technology) is India’s first biotech crop technology approved for commercialization in India in 2002. It was followed by Bollgard II – double-gene technology in mid-2006 by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the Indian regulatory body for biotech crops.
• Bollgard cotton contains an insecticidal protein from a naturally occurring soil microorganism, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This is known as Bt-Cotton.
• Bollgard II technology contains a superior double-gene technology - Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab which provides protection against bollworms and caterpillars.

About Bollgard-3

• It is a new pest-resistant genetically-modified (GM) cotton variety.
• It was developed by Monsanto more than a decade ago, and shows remarkable resistance to pests.
• It contains three Bt proteins Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A that cause insect death by disrupting their normal gut function. This in turn allows for the growth of a healthier cotton crop, and increases yield.
• Farmers are demanding the introduction of Bollgard-3, which is particularly effective against lepidopteran pests like pink bollworm.
• Bollgard-1 was a Monsanto-developed Bt cotton introduced in India in 2002, followed by Bollgard-2 in 2006. The latter remains prevalent today.
• And although these do have some pest-repellent properties, they are not effective against the whitefly and the pink bollworm, which arrived in Punjab in 2015-16 and 2018-19 respectively.

1. Fertilizer Plants: Fertilizer production is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. By using green hydrogen as a clean energy source, fertilizer plants can reduce their carbon emissions..

2. Oil Refineries: Oil refineries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to their energy-intensive processes and reliance on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen can be utilized in oil refineries to replace or supplement fossil fuels, reducing their carbon footprint.

3. Steel Plants: The steel industry is responsible for a significant amount of global carbon emissions. Green hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent in the steel making process, replacing coal or coke. This process, known as direct reduction, enables the production of "green" or low-carbon steel.

Key sources include corn grain, oil seeds, algae, fats, oils, greases, agricultural and forestry residues, wood mill waste, municipal solid waste, wet wastes, and dedicated energy crops. Producing SAF can create economic opportunities in farming communities, enhance environmental quality, and potentially improve aircraft performance.

Hence the correct answer is (c).