Biotechnology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
1 previous year UPSC Prelims question on Biotechnology (Science and Technology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–1 of 1 question
UPSC 1997Science and Technology · Biotechnology
Q1. Which one of the following techniques can be used to establish the paternity of a child?
Explanation
Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect: Protein analysis lacks the precision needed for identifying individual genetic relationships, as protein expression can be influenced by multiple factors. Chromosome counting determines the number of chromosomes but cannot identify specific genetic relationships. Quantitative analysis of DNA measures the quantity of DNA but does not provide the unique genetic markers necessary for establishing paternity.
Option (d) is correct: DNA fingerprinting is the most accurate and reliable technique to establish paternity. This method analyzes specific regions of the DNA that are highly variable among individuals, called short tandem repeats (STRs). A child inherits half of their DNA from the mother and the other half from the father, making DNA fingerprinting a powerful tool to match the genetic profiles of the child and the alleged parent.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1997
(d) DNA fingerprinting
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Biotechnology?
This page covers 1 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Biotechnology (Science and Technology), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Biotechnology?
Questions on Biotechnology (Science and Technology) are available for 19 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
