With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
- 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
- Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (J Occup Med Toxicol, via NIH/NLM PubMed Central) ↗ “Nanoparticles can be used in targeted drug delivery at the site of disease to improve the uptake of poorly soluble drugs”
- Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare and Medicine (via NIH/NLM PubMed Central) ↗ “Nanotechnology is showing successful and beneficial uses in the fields of diagnostics, disease treatment, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, dentistry, oncology, aesthetics industry, drug delivery, and therapeutics.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2015, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
