UPSC 1997 Science and Technology Questions with Answers
23 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Science and Technology in the UPSC 1997 Prelims. 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 21–23 of 23 questions
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UPSC 1997Science and Technology · Biology: Zoology
Q21. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below:
List-I
List-II
A. Malaria
1. Bone marrow
B. Filaria
2. Brain
C. Encephalitis
3. Muscle
D. Leukaemia
4. Lymph node
5. Blood cells
Explanation
A is matched with 5: Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite which infects red blood cells. The parasite multiplies in the blood leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and anemia. B is matched with 4: Filaria, or lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, etc.) that infect the lymphatic system including lymph nodes. This leads to swelling and conditions like elephantiasis. C is matched with 2: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain which is often caused by viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, Japanese encephalitis virus). It affects brain tissue and can lead to neurological symptoms. D is matched with 1: Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It involves the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells which disrupts normal blood cell production.
UPSC 1997Science and Technology · Biology: Zoology
Q22. Antigen is a substance which:
Explanation
An antigen is any substance (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, or toxins) that the immune system recognizes as foreign. When an antigen enters the body, it triggers an immune response leading to the production of antibodies and activation of immune cells like T-cells and B-cells. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect:
Antigens do not have a role in regulating body temperature. Lowering body temperature is typically associated with antipyretics (e.g., paracetamol) or the body>s response to infections (fever reduction). Antigens do not destroy harmful bacteria. Instead they are recognized by the immune system which then activates immune responses (e.g., antibodies, white blood cells) to neutralize or destroy pathogens like bacteria. Antigens are not used as antidotes to poison. Antidotes are specific substances (e.g., activated charcoal, atropine) that neutralize or counteract the effects of toxins or poisons.
UPSC 1997Science and Technology · Biology: Zoology
Q23. The sequencing of the entire genome (the totality of all genes) of an organism was completed in 1996. The organism was:
Explanation
The genome of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was the first eukaryotic genome to be fully sequenced. The sequencing was completed in 1996 which marked a major milestone in genomics.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
21
1997
(b) A - 5; B - 4; C - 2; D - 1
22
1997
(c) triggers the immune system
23
1997
(b) Yeast
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Science and Technology?
This page covers 23 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Science and Technology in the UPSC 1997 Prelims, 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 Science and Technology?
Questions on Science and Technology in the UPSC 1997 Prelims are available for 30 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
