2017 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I

Question 78: Science and Technology

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology ?

aProduction of biolarvicides
bManufacture of biodegradable plastics
cReproductive cloning of animals
dProduction of organisms free of diseases

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

In Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer, the nucleus of a body (somatic) cell is placed into an egg cell whose own nucleus has been removed; the egg is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo that is a genetic copy of the donor. This is the technique that produced Dolly the sheep, so its application is reproductive cloning of animals. Biolarvicides, biodegradable plastics and disease-free organisms are produced by other methods.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: biolarvicides are produced from microbes, not by SCNT.
  • (b) Wrong: biodegradable plastics are made by other biotechnology methods.
  • (c) Right: SCNT is the technique used for reproductive cloning of animals.
  • (d) Wrong: SCNT copies the donor's genes, so it does not make disease-free organisms.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.