UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I

Question 37: Science and Technology

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

afertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

bgenetic modification of sperm producing cells

cdevelopment of stem cells into functional embryos

dprevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Pronuclear transfer is a mitochondrial donation technique. After fertilisation, the pronuclei (nuclear genetic material) of a zygote from a mother carrying defective mitochondria are moved into a donor zygote that has healthy mitochondria and has had its own pronuclei removed. The child then avoids mitochondrial disease inherited through the mother's egg. It is not simply IVF with donor sperm, editing of sperm-producing cells or making embryos from stem cells.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: in-vitro fertilisation with donor sperm is ordinary IVF.
(b) Wrong: the technique does not edit sperm-producing cells.
(c) Wrong: it does not make embryos from stem cells.
(d) Right: it prevents mitochondrial disease in offspring.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.