UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies
Question 133: Science and Technology
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Achievement in genetics) I. Discovery of transduction and conjugation in bacteria II. Establishing the sex-linked inheritance III. Isolation of DNA polymerase from E. coli IV. Establishing the complete genetic code List II (Scientists) A) Khurana B) Kornberg C) Lederberg D) Morgan E) Ochoa
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Lederberg discovered conjugation (with Tatum) and transduction (with Zinder) in bacteria; Morgan established sex-linked inheritance with white-eyed Drosophila; Kornberg isolated DNA polymerase from E. coli; and Khorana helped establish the genetic code. Ochoa, the decoy, worked on RNA synthesis. Remember that Khorana, Nirenberg and Holley shared the 1968 Nobel Prize for work on the genetic code.
- I. Lederberg discovered conjugation and transduction in bacteria.
- II. Morgan established sex-linked inheritance.
- III. Kornberg isolated DNA polymerase from E. coli.
- IV. Khorana is credited with establishing the genetic code.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Morgan and Lederberg are swapped, and Khorana is not DNA polymerase.
- (b) Khorana and Ochoa are wrongly placed.
- (c) Morgan and Lederberg are swapped, and the last two are mismatched.
- (d) Right: Lederberg, Morgan, Kornberg, Khorana.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.