UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 48: Science and Technology
With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements :
- IThey are man-made proteins.
- IIThey stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
- IIIThey are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins, produced from identical immune cells, designed to bind one specific antigen. By binding, they can neutralise a pathogen, mark a cell for attack by the immune system or block a signal, which is how they support immune function. They are used against cancers and autoimmune diseases, and in viral infections: a monoclonal antibody has been used in treating Nipah virus infection. All three statements are correct.
- I. They are proteins made in laboratories.
- II. They bind specific antigens and so help the immune response.
- III. Monoclonal antibodies have been used to treat Nipah virus infection.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement I is correct, (b) goes: it leaves I out.
What you needed to know: They are proteins made in laboratories.
- Then, if you were sure statement II is correct, (c) goes: it leaves II out.
What you needed to know: They bind specific antigens and so help the immune response.
- Then, if you were sure statement III is correct, (a) goes: it leaves III out.
What you needed to know: Monoclonal antibodies have been used to treat Nipah virus infection.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
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: statement III on Nipah is also correct.
- (b) Wrong: statement I is also correct, since they are man-made proteins.
- (c) Wrong: statement II on binding to antigens is also correct.
- (d) Right: all three statements are correct.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.