UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 43: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements about probiotic food:
- 1.Probiotic food contains live bacteria which are considered beneficial to humans.
- 2.Probiotic food helps in maintaining gut flora.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Both statements are correct. Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, that give a health benefit when taken in adequate amounts. They help keep up the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut (gut flora), aid digestion and may support immunity. Curd, yoghurt and some fermented foods are common examples.
- 1. Probiotic foods contain live, beneficial bacteria.
- 2. They help maintain a healthy gut flora.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Probiotic foods contain live, beneficial bacteria.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: They help maintain a healthy gut flora.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Statement 2 is also correct, so statement 1 alone is incomplete.
- (b) Statement 1 is also correct, so statement 2 alone is incomplete.
- (c) Both statements are correct.
- (d) Both statements are true, so neither being correct is wrong.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.