Health: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
13 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on health are on this page, from 2011 to 2023. UPSC asks how the Wolbachia method controls diseases, what ACE2 is, what B cells and T cells do, what probiotics are and how Zika spreads. The explanations link each term to a disease or body function.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
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UPSC 2012Science and Technology · Health
Q11. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? 1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water. 2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water. 3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It damages their DNA by disrupting the thymine bases, preventing reproduction and rendering them harmless.
Statement 2 is incorrect: UV radiation does not remove chemical compounds or gases that cause undesirable odors in water. These require additional processes like activated carbon filtration or oxidation techniques.
Statement 3 is incorrect: UV radiation does not affect solid particles, turbidity, or water clarity. These issues require mechanical filtration or sedimentation processes, such as sand filters or coagulation methods.
UPSC 2012Science and Technology · Health
Q12. With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only. 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs. 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
A stem cell is a special type of cell that can develop into different cell types and has the ability to self-renew, helping in growth, repair, and regeneration of tissues in the body.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Stem cells are not exclusive to mammals. They can be derived from a variety of organisms, including plants, non-mammalian animals, and other sources. For instance, plants have meristematic cells (responsible for the root and shoot growth of plants), which function similarly to stem cells in animals.
Statement 2 is correct: Stem cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells, are used in drug screening and toxicity testing. They help in assessing drug responses in a controlled laboratory setting.
Statement 3 is correct: Stem cells have significant applications in regenerative medicine, including treatments for blood disorders (like leukemia), neurodegenerative diseases, and tissue repair. Bone marrow transplants, for example, rely on hematopoietic stem cells.
UPSC 2011Science and Technology · Health
Q13. Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?
Explanation
Any substance that can inhibit the formation of unstable molecules known as free radicals, which harm DNA, cell membranes, and other components of cells, is referred to as an "antioxidant." Free radicals grab electrons from other molecules in order to complete their electron complement, which causes those molecules to suffer damage. Regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended because they are rich sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining health and promoting longevity by neutralizing free radicals produced during metabolism. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to ageing and various diseases. By donating electrons, antioxidants stabilize free radicals, thereby preventing cellular damage and supporting overall health.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2012
(a) 1 only
12
2012
(b) 2 and 3 only
13
2011
(c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism
What UPSC has tested in Health
The Wolbachia method is used to control viral diseases such as dengue, spread by mosquitoes.
ACE2 is talked about in the context of the spread of viral diseases; it is the receptor the coronavirus uses to enter cells.
B cells and T cells protect the body from infections as part of the immune system.
In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Health?
This page covers 13 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.
What is the Wolbachia method?
A method of controlling mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue by infecting Aedes mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium, which reduces their ability to transmit the virus. It has been tested in several countries, including India.
What is ACE2?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a protein on the surface of cells in the lungs and other organs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to it to enter cells, so it is central to how the virus spreads.
What do B cells and T cells do?
They are white blood cells of the adaptive immune system. B cells make antibodies that neutralise invaders, while T cells destroy infected cells and help coordinate the immune response, and both retain memory of past infections.
