Diseases: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Diseases (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 2013Science and Technology · Diseases
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation
Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that require a host cell to reproduce. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat (capsid). They can cause a wide range of diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
Statement 1 is correct: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and lack the metabolic machinery, including enzymes, to generate energy. They depend entirely on their host cells for energy and replication.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Viruses cannot replicate or survive in synthetic media alone. They require living host cells for replication. Common methods of culturing viruses include using cell cultures, embryonated eggs, or live animals.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
While some viruses are transmitted through biological vectors (e.g., mosquitoes for dengue), many are transmitted by other means such as: Respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza virus), Direct contact (e.g., herpes simplex virus), Fomites (e.g., contaminated surfaces).
UPSC 2013Science and Technology · Diseases
Q2. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? 1. Chikungunya 2. Hepatitis B 3. HIV-AIDS Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Tattoos may cause diseases because tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilised. However, tattoo-related infections are uncommon in sterile, contemporary tattoo parlours using single-use needles. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Unsafe tattooing practices, such as using unsterilized needles or contaminated ink, can easily transmit Hepatitis B. Studies show that Hepatitis B has a significantly high transmission risk through needlestick injuries or exposure to infected blood. HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Though the risk of HIV transmission through tattooing is lower compared to Hepatitis B, it exists if contaminated needles are used. Chikungunya is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and is not spread through blood or contaminated instruments.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2013
(a) 1 only
2
2013
(b) 2 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Diseases?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Diseases (Science and Technology), asked from 2013 to 2021. 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 Diseases?
Questions on Diseases (Science and Technology) are available for 9 years, from 2013 to 2021. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
