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UPSC CSE Prelims 2015 · GS paper

With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, which of the following statements…

A question from UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies, explained with its sources.

Prelims 2015 · archive

Easy

With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. 1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
  2. 2.Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. Nanoparticles can carry drugs to the site of disease, which is targeted drug delivery. Nanotechnology is also used in gene therapy, where nanocarriers deliver genetic material into cells.

  • ✓ 1. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs specifically at the site of disease. They also improve the uptake of poorly soluble drugs. Anti-cancer drugs such as paclitaxel and doxorubicin have been formulated as nanoparticle-based carriers.
  • ✓ 2. Gene therapy needs a safe, efficient way to get genetic material into the right cells, and nanocarriers serve this purpose. Gene therapy is named among the fields where nanotechnology is showing successful and beneficial uses.
  • ✓ (c) Both statements hold, so 'Both 1 and 2' is right. Options (a) and (b) each drop one valid application, and (d) wrongly denies both.

Remember · Nanomedicine uses nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, as gene carriers in gene therapy, and for diagnostics and imaging (for example, quantum dots).

Sources

Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2015, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·

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