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 2021Science and Technology · Diseases
Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. Adenoviruses have single stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes. 2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Adenoviruses are non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. They are known for their ability to efficiently infect various cell types. A retrovirus is a virus that uses RNA as its genetic material. Upon infection with a retrovirus, a cell converts the retroviral RNA into DNA, which in turn is inserted into the DNA of the host.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Adenoviruses possess linear, double-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have single-stranded RNA genomes. Upon infecting a host cell, retroviruses use the enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA into double-stranded DNA, which is then integrated into the host’s genome.
Statement 2 is correct: Adenoviruses are known to cause respiratory illnesses, including symptoms similar to the common cold. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus.
UPSC 2021Science and Technology · Diseases
Q2. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccine’, consider the following statements: 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. 2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
A Recombinant Vector Vaccine is a vaccine that uses a genetically modified virus or bacterium as a carrier to deliver pathogen-specific genes, triggering an immune response.
Statement 1 is correct: Recombinant vector vaccines are developed using genetic engineering to insert genes encoding antigens into harmless viruses or bacteria, which serve as vectors. These vectors deliver the genetic material into the body, enabling the expression of target antigens and triggering an immune response against the pathogen. Examples include viral vector vaccines like Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) and Sputnik V for COVID-19.
Statement 2 is correct: Both bacteria (such as Salmonella) and viruses (such as adenoviruses and vesicular stomatitis virus) can be used as vectors to deliver genetic material into host cells to stimulate an immune response.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2021
(b) 2 only
2
2021
(c) Both 1 and 2
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.
