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Science & TechnologyMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper I

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

Correct answer

D. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is D, 1, 2 and 3. With today's gene-editing and stem cell tools, all three procedures are technically possible.

Changes made in germline cells, the cells that give rise to eggs or sperm, are passed on to the next generation, and tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 can make such edits. Editing an early human embryo has also been done: in 2018 a Chinese scientist announced the birth of twin girls whose genes had been edited at the embryo stage, which drew worldwide criticism and is barred in most countries. Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells; in 2017 researchers injected human iPSCs into pig embryos and produced early human-pig chimeras, a step towards growing human organs in animals.

A is wrong: statements 2 and 3 are also correct.

B is wrong: statement 1 is also correct.

C is wrong: statements 1 and 3 are also correct.

Exam tip: germline editing is heritable; CRISPR-Cas9 is the main tool; human-pig chimeras use human iPSCs.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKEasy

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over the first two indigenously designed and manufactured light combat aircrafts to the Indian Air Force in 2016. What is the name of these new combat aircrafts?

  1. A.Marut
  2. B.Garud
  3. C.Tejas
  4. D.Pushpak
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Tejas

Tejas is India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, and the first two were handed over to the Indian Air Force on 1 July 2016 to form No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers.

Q2.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements about Bitcoin is/are correct? 1. It is a decentralized virtual currency. 2. It is generated through complex computer software systems. 3. The Reserve Bank of India recognized it as a legal tender in January 2016. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1 and 2 only

Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency created by computer software, but the Reserve Bank of India has never made it legal tender.

Q4.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2025, GKMedium

"Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge" (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to :

  1. A.The college students studying in the undergraduate programme in the age group of 19 - 25 years.
  2. B.The research scholars in recognized research laboratories of national importance.
  3. C.The college teachers of the country.
  4. D.The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. The school children studying in classes 6 - 10 in the age group of 10 - 15 years.

INSPIRE-MANAK is the school-level part of INSPIRE. INSPIRE is run by the Department of Science and Technology to draw young talent into science.

Q5.Science & TechnologyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2016, GKMedium

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A.BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile made by India and Russian Federation.
  2. B.The name BrahMos came from two rivers, Brahmaputra of India and Moskva of Russia.
  3. C.Indian military scientists were capable of integrating BrahMos cruise missile with Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
  4. D.Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Defence Research and Development Organization is the manufacturer of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI is not made by DRDO; it was designed by Russia's Sukhoi bureau and is built in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Nashik.