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Biology

Class 12 · Science & Environment

Ch 10 · Biotechnology and its Applications

Real UPSC Prelims questions from 2016–2026, linked to this book. Try each one first, then open the answer. 2026 answers follow UPSC's provisional answer key.

Prelims 2019 · Q93

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

  1. (a)Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
  2. (b)Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
  3. (c)A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
  4. (d)Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Biology, Ch 9 (Biotechnology: Principles and Processes); Class 12 Biology, Ch 10 (Biotechnology and its Applications).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 12 Biology, ch 9–10: NCERT shows artificial recombinant DNA made in labs (b), DNA copied outside cells by PCR (c), and cells grown in culture (d). Since those three are true, the incorrect statement must be (a). Answer (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2019), question 93 ↗

Prelims 2019 · Q96

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

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

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1, 2 and 4
  2. (b)2 and 3
  3. (c)1 and 3
  4. (d)1 and 4 only
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Biology, Ch 10 (Biotechnology and its Applications).

The one fact NCERT doesn't give: RNA interference is also being used to develop therapies for cancer.

Class 12 Biology, ch 10: RNAi silences a specific mRNA (1), and cells use it to defend against viruses, so it can make crops resist viral pathogens (4). With the fact, 2 is true too. Only option (a) has 1, 2 and 4. Answer (a).

Beyond NCERT: RNAi medicines have reached patients: the RNAi drug patisiran received its first approval in 2018. Source: PMC8007863 (Front. Pharmacol. 2021), citing Hoy S.M. (2018), 'Patisiran: first global approval', Drugs 78

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2019), question 96 ↗

Prelims 2021 · Q67

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

  1. (a)clonal propagation of crop plants
  2. (b)developing genetically modified crop plants
  3. (c)production of plant growth substances
  4. (d)production of biofertilizers
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (b)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Biology, Ch 10 (Biotechnology and its Applications).

The one fact NCERT doesn't give: Bollgard I and Bollgard II are brand names of Bt cotton technology.

Class 12 Biology, ch 10: Bt cotton is a genetically modified crop. With the fact, Bollgard is about developing GM crop plants. Answer (b).

Beyond NCERT: Bollgard II, the second generation of Bt cotton, carries two Bt toxins (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) to slow bollworm resistance. It was commercialised in India in 2006. Source: ICAR journal (epubs.icar.org.in, J. Res. ANGRAU 2024, doi 10.58537/jorangrau.2024.52.4.03)

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2021), question 67 ↗

Prelims 2026 · Q41

Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?

  1. 1.Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
  2. 2.Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
  3. 3.Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 2 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer

UPSC's provisional answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Biology, Ch 10 (Biotechnology and its Applications).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 12 Biology, ch 10: gene therapy delivers a normal gene to compensate for a faulty one (1), for example using a retroviral vector (2). It replaces a defective gene, not the entire DNA (3 false). Answer (c).

Beyond NCERT: lipid nanoparticles are the other carrier in statement 2: mRNA vaccines wrap their mRNA in tiny lipid (fat) bubbles. Source: NHGRI (NIH), 'Understanding COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines' (genome.gov)

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2026), question 41 ↗

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