1997 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 63: Science and Technology
Which one of the following techniques can be used to establish the paternity of a child?
aProtein analysis
bChromosome counting
cQuantitative analysis of DNA
dDNA finger-printing
AnswerThe answer is (d).
DNA fingerprinting compares the pattern of repeated DNA sequences in a person's DNA. Half of a child's pattern comes from the mother and half from the father, so the father is shown by matching bands. Alec Jeffreys developed the technique in 1984-85. Protein analysis and chromosome counting do not give an individual pattern.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Protein analysis, such as blood groups, can exclude a man but cannot confirm paternity.
- (b) Chromosome counting only gives the number, which is the same in nearly everyone.
- (c) Measuring the amount of DNA does not show the sequence pattern.
- (d) Right: DNA fingerprinting.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.