UPSC Prelims 2022 · GS Paper I
Question 37: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements :
- 1.Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
- 2.Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
- 3.Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
A biofilm is a community of microbes held in a slimy matrix on a surface. Biofilms form on medical implants and catheters inside the body, on food and food-processing equipment, and on teeth. The matrix shields the microbes, making them far less susceptible to antibiotics and disinfectants. All three statements are correct.
- 1. Biofilms colonise implants and catheters in tissue.
- 2. They form on food and food-processing surfaces.
- 3. The protective matrix makes biofilm microbes much harder to treat with antibiotics.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Biofilms colonise implants and catheters in tissue.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: They form on food and food-processing surfaces.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: The protective matrix makes biofilm microbes much harder to treat with antibiotics.
Only (d) 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) Wrong. Antibiotic resistance in statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Wrong. Statement 1 on implants is also correct.
- (c) Wrong. Statement 2 on food surfaces is also correct.
- (d) Correct. All three are true of biofilms.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.