UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 57: Science and Technology

Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills ?

aAgrobacterium

bClostridium

cNitrosomonas

dPseudomonas

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Pseudomonas putida was genetically modified in the 1970s by Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty to carry plasmids that let it break down several hydrocarbons in crude oil, making it the 'oil-eating' bacterium for treating oil spills; it was the first living organism to be patented. Agrobacterium transfers genes into plants, Clostridium is an anaerobe (some species cause tetanus and botulism), and Nitrosomonas oxidises ammonia in the nitrogen cycle.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Agrobacterium is used to transfer genes into plants.
(b) Clostridium is an anaerobic bacterium, not used for oil spills.
(c) Nitrosomonas oxidises ammonia in the nitrogen cycle.
(d) Right: engineered Pseudomonas putida degrades oil hydrocarbons.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.