Q96 · UPSC Prelims 2019 · Set A · Science and Technology

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'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

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

Explanation

  1. A

    1, 2 and 4

    (a) 1, 2 and 4. RNAi silences genes (including viral and oncogenes) and has been used to engineer virus-resistant crops (for example papaya ringspot via gene silencing). Hormone replacement therapy is not an RNAi use. That trio is the official key.

  2. B

    2 and 3

    (b) 2 and 3. Statement 3 is false; dropping 1 and 4 is wrong. Not the key.

  3. C

    1 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3. Statement 3 is false. Not the key.

  4. D

    1 and 4 only

    (d) 1 and 4 only. Statement 2 is also true: RNAi is explored in cancer therapy. Dropping 2 is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (a). RNA interference knocks down complementary mRNA. That is gene-silencing therapy, including oncology pipelines, and a plant-virus resistance tool. It does not replace hormones. Honour (a).

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2015 · Q18 · General Studies · 2 marks

    With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction. 2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete. 3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements. Select the correct answer using the codes given below

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