UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 23: Science and Technology
With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
- 2.Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Nanotechnology works at scales of billionths of a metre and is used in medicine in two ways relevant here. Nanoparticles can carry a drug to a specific tissue, such as a tumour, which makes targeted drug delivery possible. Nanoscale carriers can also deliver genetic material into cells, so nanotechnology can contribute to gene therapy. Both statements are correct.
- 1. Nanoparticles can carry drugs to targeted tissues.
- 2. Nanocarriers can deliver genetic material, aiding gene therapy.
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: Nanoparticles can carry drugs to targeted tissues.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Nanocarriers can deliver genetic material, aiding gene therapy.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Incomplete: nanocarriers also help deliver genes.
- (b) Incomplete: targeted drug delivery is also a real application.
- (c) Correct: both targeted drug delivery and gene therapy use nanotechnology.
- (d) Wrong: both statements are correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.