Health: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Health (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 2022Science and Technology · Health
Q1. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: 1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast. 2. The organisms in probiotics are found in food we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut. 3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body.
Statement 1 is correct: Probiotics can be composed of bacteria, yeast, or both. The most common types of bacteria used as probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while Saccharomyces boulardii is an example of a yeast that is sometimes used as a probiotic.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Probiotics contain microorganisms that are similar to or the same as those naturally present in our bodies, especially in the digestive tract. Our gut microbiota consists of many types of bacteria, some of which are also found in probiotic products. These probiotics are often called "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they support gut health.
Statement 3 is correct: Some probiotic bacteria, like Lactobacillus, produce an enzyme called lactase, which helps in the digestion of milk sugar (lactose). Lactase breaks down lactose into simpler sugars, making it easier for the body to absorb. This is especially helpful for people who are lactose intolerant and have difficulty digesting dairy products.
Exam tip:
For S2, This is an absolute statement -- "do not naturally occur" -- and such extreme phrasing is a classic red flag in UPSC questions. In real life, most biological processes are not that absolute. If probiotics help human digestion and are being consumed to support the gut, wouldn’t it be more intuitive that those organisms already exist naturally in the gut to begin with? Yes! Hence S2 likely false.
UPSC 2022Science and Technology · Health
Q2. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
Explanation
B cells and T cells are integral components of the human immune system, each playing distinct roles in protecting the body from diseases caused by pathogens. B cells are primarily responsible for humoral immunity. They produce antibodies that specifically target and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. T cells play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity, not by producing antibodies but by carrying out essential immune functions. Helper T cells activate B cells to stimulate other immune cells to enhance the body’s defense. Cytotoxic T cells target and destroy infected or cancerous cells, eliminating harmful threats. Regulatory T cells help maintain immune balance by preventing excessive or inappropriate immune responses.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2022
(c) 1 and 3
2
2022
(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Health?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Health (Science and Technology), asked from 2011 to 2023. 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 Health?
Questions on Health (Science and Technology) are available for 9 years, from 2011 to 2023. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
