Biotechnology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions 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 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2024Science and Technology · Biotechnology
Q1. "Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of:
Explanation
The membrane bioreactor (MBR) has emerged as an efficient compact technology for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. These systems have the advantage of combining a suspended growth biological reactor with solids removal via filtration. Membranes in MBR systems are designed to function efficiently in compact spaces while effectively removing contaminants like nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS). The filtration process supports higher biomass concentrations, enabling the use of smaller bioreactors. The effluent from MBRs contains low concentrations of bacteria, total suspended solids (TSS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). This facilitates high-level disinfection. Effluents are readily discharged to surface streams or can be sold for reuse, such as irrigation.
UPSC 2024Science and Technology · Biotechnology
Q2. Which one of the following is synthesised in the human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?
Explanation
Nitric oxide is a naturally synthesized molecule in the human body that plays a crucial role in vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. It is produced by endothelial cells lining the blood vessels through the action of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on L-arginine. Nitric oxide diffuses into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. It activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase, which increases the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP causes the relaxation of smooth muscles, leading to the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation). By relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels, nitric oxide increases blood flow and helps regulate blood pressure. It also has important functions in immune response and neurotransmission.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2024
(d) Wastewater treatment technologies
2
2024
(a) Nitric oxide
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Biotechnology?
This page covers 2 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.
