UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies

Question 73: Science and Technology

Assertion (A): Fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet. Reason (R): The cells of the human body cannot synthesize any fatty acids.

aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A

cA is true but R is false

dA is false but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The assertion is true: the body needs essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and linolenic acid, from food. The reason is false: cells can make many fatty acids themselves; only the essential ones cannot be synthesised. So A is true and R is false.

A. Essential fatty acids must come from the diet.
R. The body can synthesise many fatty acids; only some are essential.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) R is false, so this cannot be right.
(b) R is false, so this cannot be right.
(c) Correct: A is true but R is false.
(d) A is true, so this cannot be right.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.