Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Science and Technology (02 June 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Science and Technology

1. Consider the following statements, with reference to CRISPER Cas-9:

1. CRISPER is a gene editing technology.
2. It involves the introduction of any new gene from the outside.
3. Sickle cell anemia is the first disease that is targeted for CRISPER-based therapy in India.

How many statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • India approved a 5-year project to develop Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPER) to cure sickle cell anemia in 2021 and it is the first disease that is being targeted for CRISPER based therapy in India. It is a gene editing technology which replicates natural defense mechanism in bacteria to fight virus attacks using a special protein called Cas9. It usually involves the introduction of new gene or suppression of an existing gene through a process described as genetic engineering. Hence, statement 1 and 3 are correct.
  • CRISPER technology does not involve the introduction of any new gene from the outside. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

2. With reference to ‘Gagan’, consider the following statements:

1. GAGAN is an Indian Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
2. It is jointly developed by Airports Authority of India and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
3. India has become the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve such a feat in the field of Air Navigation Services (ANS).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: It is a Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) jointly developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and AAI to provide the best possible navigational services over Indian FIR (Flight Information Region) with the capability of expanding to neighboring FIRs. It is the first such system developed for India and neighboring countries in the equatorial region. India has become the first country in the Asia Pacific region to achieve such a feat in the field of Air Navigation Services (ANS). There are only four Space-Based augmentation systems available in the world namely India (GAGAN), the United States (Wide Area Augmentation System- WAAS) Europe (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service- EGNOS) and Japan (MTSAT Satellite Augmentation System- MSAS). Hence, all the three statements are correct.

3. Consider the following statements in reference to Nanoplastics:

1. Nanoplastics are tiny plastic debris particles smaller than 1,000 nanometre.
2. Due to their small size, nanoplastics can likely pass through physiological barriers and enter organisms.
3. It can lead to cell damage and inflammation in humans, growth impairments, larval deformities and other toxic effects in marine organisms.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Nanoplastics are tiny plastic debris particles smaller than 1,000 nanometre. Due to their small size, nanoplastics can likely pass through physiological barriers and enter organisms. Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland have found that small pieces of plastic called nanoplastics can travel up the human food web, through plants, insects and even fish. Results show that lettuce can take up nanoplastics from the soil and transfer them into the food chain. It can lead to cell damage and inflammation in humans, growth impairments, larval deformities and other toxic effects in marine organisms. Hence, all the statements are correct.

4. With reference to Nano Urea Liquid, consider the following statements:

1. NUL contains nano-scale nitrogen particles which have more surface area and number of particles making it more impactful.
2. China has become the first country globally to start commercial production of NUL.
3. It is cheaper than conventional urea and also reduces the requirement of conventional urea by 100%.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Nano Urea Liquid (NUL) contains nano-scale nitrogen particles which have more surface area and nmber of particles making it more impactful. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • India has become the first country globally to start commercial production of NUL. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • It reduces the requirement of conventional urea by 50% or more and also it is cheaper than conventional urea. It improves soil, air and water quality. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

5. In the context of Stem Cell Therapy, consider the following statements:

1. It is a type of treatment that uses a patient’s own stem cells to repair damaged tissue and injuries.
2. Stem cells are usually taken from bone marrow or adipose fat tissue in the upper thigh or abdomen.
3. Bone marrow transplant is used in Leukemia, tuberculosis and sickle cell anemia.

How many statements given above are incorrect?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • In stem cell therapy patient's own stem cell is used to repair damaged tissues and injuries. It is used to treat many disorders including neuromuscular and degenerative disorders. Stem cells are usually taken from bone marrow or adipose tissue in their upper thigh or abdomen. Since it is common to remove stem cells from areas of stored body fat, some refer to stem cell therapy as 'Adipose stem cell therapy'. Hence, statement 1 and 2 are correct.
  • Bone Marrow transplant is used in Leukemia-cell anemia and other immunodeficiency disorders and not for tuberculosis. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.