Science and Technology (Part-II)

Total Questions: 50

21. In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome' sometimes seen in the news, refers to : [2016-1]

(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

Correct Answer: (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

Solution:The transcriptome is the set of all RNA molecules in one cell or a population of cells. It refers to all RNAs or mRNA.

22. What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Technology? [2017-1]

(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases

Correct Answer: (c) Reproductive cloning of animals

Solution:Encyclopedia Britannica says SCNT technology was used for cloning the sheep "Dolly". And over the years, the Hindu has been running news of cloning of buffalos by Somatic Cell technology. So, "c" is the answer.

23. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: [2018-1]

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?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:GM Mustard is a perfect flower so it 'self-pollinates'. Therefore Delhi University's then VC Dr. Deepak Pental created GM mustard so that he could cross-pollinate Indian variety with European variety to make new hybrid called DMH- 11. Hence #2 is right and #3 is wrong. And by elimination, we are left with answer b: Only 2.

24. With reference to the recent developments in science which one of the following statements is not correct? [2019-1]

(a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
(d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.

Correct Answer: (a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.

Solution:Scientists at University of Texas created First Living Organism With Artificial' DNA. So, B is eliminated. (Because we are required to find wrong option, whereas B is right.)

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.

25. 'RNA interference (RNA-i)' technology has gained popularity in the last few years why? [2020-1]

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 virtual pathogens.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 4 only

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4

Solution:Using RNA-interference technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) scientists have made major breakthroughs in introducing resistance to many viruses in various crops.

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.

26. With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement: [2020-1]

1. They can be used as the carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.

2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.

3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.

4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

Solution:Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules that consist of rolled-up sheets of single-layer carbon atoms. They are hopeful drug delivery platforms that can be functionalized with a variety of biomolecules, such as antibodies, proteins, antigens, and DNA.

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.

27. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? [2021-1]

(a) Low-density polyethylene
(b) Polycarbonate
(c) Polyethylene terephthalate
(d) Polyvinyl Chloride.

Correct Answer: (b) Polycarbonate

Solution:BPA is a precursor to important plastics, primarily certain polycarbonates and epoxy resins, as well as some polysulfone and certain niche materials. Therefore, option "b" is correct.

28. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of : [2021-1]

(a) Clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) Developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) Production of plant growth substances
(d) Production of biofertilizers

Correct Answer: (b) Developing genetically modified crop plants

Solution:It is associated with the genetically modified BT cotton. Therefore, option "b" is correct.

29. Consider the following heavy industries: [2023-I]

1. Fertilizer plants

2. Oil refineries

3. Steel plants

Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (c) All three

Solution:Green hydrogen can play a role in decarbonizing all of the mentioned heavy industries: fertilizer plants, oil refineries, and steel plants.

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.

30. Consider the following materials: [2024-1]

1. Agricultural residues

2. Corn grain

3. Wastewater treatment sludge

4. Wood mill waste

Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1,3 and 4 only

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution:Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is derived from renewable biomass and waste resources, offering similar performance to petroleum-based jet fuel but with significantly lower carbon emissions.

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).

« Previous 1 234 5 Next »