Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

1. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situ

‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

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Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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The correct answer is A) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go.
Metagenomics is the study of the collective genetic material (DNA and RNA) from a community of organisms in an environmental sample, bypassing the need to isolate and culture individual species. “Aerial” refers to the air. Therefore, “aerial metagenomics” is the technique of collecting samples from the air (which contains DNA from airborne microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen, spores, environmental DNA from insects, etc.) and analyzing the extracted genetic material to understand the biodiversity and composition of the airborne biome in a specific habitat at a particular time.
This technique allows for the broad-scale monitoring of biodiversity and ecological dynamics in the air, potentially detecting invasive species, monitoring allergens (pollen, spores), or studying pathogen distribution without extensive fieldwork or culturing.

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2. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context

Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

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clonal propagation of crop plants
developing genetically modified crop plants
production of plant growth substances
production of biofertilizers
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
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Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are used in the context of developing genetically modified crop plants.
– Bollgard I and Bollgard II are trade names for genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds developed by Monsanto (now part of Bayer).
– These technologies involve introducing genes from the bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) into the cotton plant’s genome.
– The Bt genes (specifically *cry1Ac* in Bollgard I and *cry1Ac* and *cry2Ab* in Bollgard II) produce proteins that are toxic to certain insect pests, particularly the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and other lepidopteran pests.
– This genetic modification makes the cotton plant resistant to these pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and improving yields. This is a classic example of genetic modification for pest resistance in crops.
Bollgard cotton is widely cultivated in India and other parts of the world. While beneficial for pest control, its use has also raised concerns about pest resistance evolution and environmental impacts.

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3. With reference to recent developments regarding Recombinant Vector Vac

With reference to recent developments regarding Recombinant Vector Vaccines, consider the following statements:

  • Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
  • Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.
– Statement 1 is correct. Recombinant vector vaccines are developed using genetic engineering techniques. A gene from the target pathogen (e.g., the spike protein gene of SARS-CoV-2) is inserted into the genome of a harmless vector organism (usually a virus or bacterium). This process involves genetic manipulation.
– Statement 2 is correct. Both viruses (e.g., adenoviruses, vaccinia virus) and bacteria (e.g., attenuated Salmonella, Listeria) are used as vectors in the development of recombinant vector vaccines. The vector delivers the pathogen’s genetic material into host cells to trigger an immune response.
– Recombinant vector vaccines are one of the modern approaches to vaccine development. They combine elements of traditional vaccine approaches with genetic engineering, offering advantages in terms of safety and the ability to elicit strong immune responses. Several COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Johnson & Johnson) are examples of viral vector vaccines.

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4. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “P

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

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fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
genetic modification of sperm producing cells
development of stem cells into functional embryos
prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
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UPSC IAS – 2020
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Pronuclear Transfer is a technique used in assisted reproductive technology aimed at preventing the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child. It involves transferring the nuclear genetic material (contained in the pronuclei after fertilization) from the intended parents’ fertilized egg into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria but has had its own nucleus removed. This creates a zygote with the intended parents’ nuclear DNA and the donor’s mitochondrial DNA, which can then be implanted.
Pronuclear Transfer is a method specifically designed to prevent the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases.
This technique is sometimes referred to as ‘three-parent IVF’ because the resulting child effectively has genetic material from three individuals: nuclear DNA from both parents and mitochondrial DNA from a donor. Another related technique is Maternal Spindle Transfer.

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5. Consider the following statements : Genetic changes can be introduce

Consider the following statements :

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  • Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
  • A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
  • Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 and 3 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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All three statements are correct descriptions of capabilities or research areas in genetic technologies.
Statement 1: Genetic changes can be introduced in germline cells (cells that produce eggs or sperm) using gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. This is technically feasible, meaning the capabilities exist to perform such modifications. However, editing the germline in humans is highly controversial due to ethical concerns regarding heritable changes and is subject to strict regulations or prohibitions in most countries. The statement says “can be introduced”, which is true from a technical standpoint. Correct.
Statement 2: A person’s genome can be edited at a very early stage of development, such as the embryonic stage before implantation or shortly after. This is known as embryo editing or pre-implantation genetic modification. Gene editing tools can be applied to correct genetic mutations in embryos. Similar to germline editing, this is technically possible but raises significant ethical debates and regulatory challenges. Correct.
Statement 3: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or human embryonic stem cells can be injected into the embryos of other species, such as pigs or sheep, to create human-animal chimeras. The goal of such research is often to study human development, model diseases, or potentially grow human tissues or organs within the animal host for future transplantation purposes. This is an active area of biomedical research. Correct.
Advances in genetic engineering, particularly the development of precise gene editing tools like CRISPR, have opened up new possibilities but also raised complex ethical, legal, and social questions regarding their application in humans and other organisms.

6. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

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A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
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The correct option is A. Cas9 protein is a key component used in targeted gene editing.
Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is an enzyme that acts as a molecular scissors. It is guided by an RNA molecule to a specific location on a DNA strand and makes a precise cut. This makes it a fundamental tool in the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized molecular biology and genetic engineering by providing a relatively simple, fast, and inexpensive way to modify genes. It allows scientists to precisely edit DNA sequences, enabling potential applications in treating genetic diseases, developing new crops, and fundamental biological research.
B) While gene editing tools *could* potentially be involved in developing biosensors, Cas9 itself is not primarily a biosensor.
C) Cas9 is a tool for editing genes, not a gene that confers pest resistance directly, although it could be used to insert or modify genes to make plants pest-resistant.
D) Cas9 is a protein used for DNA modification, not a herbicidal substance.

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7. RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last

RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

  • It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
  • It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
  • It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
  • It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1, 2 and 4
2 and 3
1 and 3
2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
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The correct option is A, as statements 1, 2, and 4 accurately describe applications of RNA interference technology, while statement 3 does not.
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This mechanism is utilized to “silence” specific genes.
1. **Gene silencing therapies:** RNAi is a primary mechanism used in gene silencing. This property is being explored to develop therapies for various genetic disorders and diseases by turning off specific problematic genes.
2. **Cancer treatment:** RNAi can be used to silence genes that promote cancer cell growth, survival, or metastasis, making it a promising area of research for developing new cancer therapies.
3. **Hormone replacement therapies:** Hormone replacement therapy involves administering exogenous hormones to correct a deficiency or imbalance. RNAi deals with regulating gene expression and is not directly used in hormone replacement therapy.
4. **Crop resistance to viral pathogens:** RNAi can be engineered in plants to target and silence viral genes, thereby making the plants resistant to specific viral infections. This is a recognized application in agricultural biotechnology.

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8. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the

With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

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Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
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The correct answer is A) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
While recombinant DNA technology allows joining DNA segments from different species (e.g., inserting a gene from one species into a plasmid or chromosome of another to create a transgenic organism), creating an entire *functional chromosome* de novo by simply joining arbitrary “segments of DNA taken from cells of different species” is significantly more complex. A functional chromosome requires precise organization of elements like origins of replication, centromeres, and telomeres that are species-specific in their function and interaction with cellular machinery. Simply joining random segments from different species is unlikely to yield a functional chromosome capable of stable replication and segregation within a cell.
B) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories: This is correct and is the basis of synthetic biology, where DNA sequences can be synthesized from scratch.
C) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory: This is correct through techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which performs in vitro DNA amplification (replication).
D) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes: This is correct and describes standard cell culture and tissue culture techniques.
Therefore, creating a *functional chromosome* by simply joining segments from different species, implying a de novo assembly that functions correctly across generations, is the most biologically complex and least straightforward statement compared to the others, making it the most likely intended incorrect statement in this context.

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9. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) develo

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :

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?

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1 and 3 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The Genetically Modified mustard variety DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11) was developed in India.
Statement 1 is incorrect. GM mustard DMH-11 contains three genes: two from the soil bacterium *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* (*barnase* and *barstar*) and one from the soil bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus* (*bar*). The *barnase* and *barstar* genes are used in a male sterility/fertility restoration system to facilitate hybrid seed production. The *bar* gene confers tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium. It does not provide pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
Statement 2 is correct. The barnase-barstar system is a genetically engineered method to create male sterility in one parent line and restore fertility in the hybrid progeny, enabling the production of hybrid seeds through cross-pollination in a crop like mustard, which is often self-pollinating. This system allows the plant to undergo effective cross-pollination and hybridization to produce higher-yielding hybrids.
Statement 3 is incorrect. DMH-11 was developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University South Campus (DUSC), led by Dr. Deepak Pental, and in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). It was not developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
GM mustard DMH-11 is a herbicide-tolerant hybrid developed to boost India’s domestic edible oil production. It is a hybrid of the Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and the East European variety ‘Early Heera-2’. While approved by the GEAC in 2017 and again in 2022 for environmental release (field trials), its commercial cultivation is currently stayed by the Supreme Court.

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10. What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?

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Production of biolarvicides
Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
Reproductive cloning of animals
Production of organisms free of diseases
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The correct answer is C) Reproductive cloning of animals. Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is the technology most famously associated with cloning animals.
– Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) involves taking the nucleus from a somatic cell (any body cell other than sperm or egg) and transferring it into an enucleated egg cell (an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed).
– This reconstructed egg cell is then stimulated to divide, forming an embryo.
– If this embryo is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother and develops to term, it results in the birth of an organism genetically identical to the donor of the somatic cell nucleus. This is reproductive cloning.
– SCNT can also be used for therapeutic cloning, where the embryonic stem cells derived from the resulting embryo are used for research or potential therapy, rather than implanting the embryo.
Dolly the sheep, cloned in 1996, was the first mammal created using SCNT from an adult somatic cell. While SCNT has potential applications in conservation (cloning endangered species), agriculture (cloning livestock), and medicine (therapeutic cloning), its most direct and well-known application is reproductive cloning of animals.

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