2021 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 73: Science and Technology
The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of
agenes introduced in the genetically modified plants
bdevelopment of India’s own satellite navigation system
cradio collars for wildlife tracking
dspread of viral diseases
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
ACE2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a protein on the surface of human cells in the lungs, heart, kidneys and gut. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to ACE2 to enter cells, which is why it was prominent in Covid-19 discussion. It is therefore linked to the spread and infection mechanism of viral diseases. It has nothing to do with GM plant genes, satellite navigation or wildlife radio collars.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: ACE2 is a human cell receptor, not a gene put into GM plants.
- (b) Wrong: India's satellite navigation system is NavIC.
- (c) Wrong: it is not related to wildlife radio collars.
- (d) Right: ACE2 is the receptor the coronavirus uses to enter human cells.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.