UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 129: Science and Technology
Match List I (Scientists) with List II (Achievement) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Scientists) A. Arber and Smith B. Feldman C. Mullis D. Temin and Baltimore List II (Achievement) 1. Developed transgenic plants with Agrobacterium T-DNA 2. Discovered endonucleases 3. Discovered reverse transcriptase 4. Discovered polymerase chain reaction
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Arber and Smith (with Nathans) discovered restriction endonucleases, the enzymes that cut DNA at specific sites (A-2). Kary Mullis devised the polymerase chain reaction (C-4). Temin and Baltimore discovered reverse transcriptase (D-3). That leaves the transgenic-plant work with Agrobacterium T-DNA for Feldman (B-1). So A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
- A. Arber and Smith matches 2, endonucleases.
- B. Feldman matches 1, transgenic plants with Agrobacterium T-DNA (by elimination).
- C. Mullis matches 4, the polymerase chain reaction.
- D. Temin and Baltimore match 3, reverse transcriptase.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
- (b) C and D are right, but A and B are swapped.
- (c) A and B are right, but C and D are swapped.
- (d) All four pairs are mismatched.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.