UPSC 2017 Science and Technology Questions with Answers

Explanation

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a technique used in cloning, where the nucleus of a somatic cell (any cell of the body other than a sperm or egg cell) is transferred into an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed. The SCNT-derived blastocyst used in reproductive cloning is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother, where it develops into a foetus and is carried to term.

Option (c) is correct: SCNT is used in reproductive cloning of animals. This technique allows the creation of genetically identical animals, such as Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell in 1996. The process involves taking the nucleus from a somatic cell (e.g., skin cell) of an adult animal and transferring it into an enucleated egg cell. The egg, now containing the somatic cell nucleus, begins to divide and develop into an embryo. This embryo can then be implanted into a surrogate mother to produce an offspring that is genetically identical to the donor animal. Fig.: Some classic examples of successful applications of biotechnology

Explanation

Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome by identifying the precise order of nucleotides--adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)--that make up its genetic material. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights into an organism’s genetic information, including variations, mutations, and functional elements such as genes and regulatory regions.

Statement 1 is correct: Genome sequencing can be used to identify specific genes or genetic markers in crops that confer resistance to diseases or tolerance to environmental stresses like drought. This allows plant breeders to select plants with these beneficial traits and accelerate crop improvement.

Statement 2 is correct: Genome sequencing speeds up the breeding process. Instead of relying on traditional trial-and-error methods to cross plants, scientists can use genome information to make more precise genetic selections.

Statement 3 is correct: Genome sequencing can also help researchers understand how crops interact with pathogens (like bacteria, fungi, and viruses). By mapping the genomes of both the host plant and the pathogen, researchers can identify the genes involved in defense mechanisms and the pathogen’s strategies for evading these defenses.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is also the primary vector for dengue fever. This mosquito species thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, making it a common carrier for both diseases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is well-adapted to urban environments and breeds in stagnant water, such as in containers, flower pots, and discarded tires.

Statement 2 is correct: Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual contact unlike other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or chikungunya. The virus can remain in semen for an extended period even after symptoms have resolved. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects such as microcephaly.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Lip items like lipsticks and other cosmetics including eye shadow, blush, compact powder, shampoo, and body lotion frequently include the contaminant lead.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: In some sodas and soft drinks, the citrus flavour is sometimes prevented from breaking out by the food additive brominated vegetable oil.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: MSG is commonly added to Chinese fast food and other processed foods to enhance flavor. While it is generally recognized as safe, some individuals may experience sensitivity to MSG, leading to symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect:

Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2017 was not a centrally sponsored scheme for developing Smart Cities. It is a nationwide initiative to promote innovation and problem-solving among students by leveraging digital technology. The event was organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with other government bodies.

Statement 2 is correct: SIH was launched to encourage young minds to develop innovative solutions to challenges faced by ministries, departments, and public sector organizations. It provided a platform for students to collaborate on real-world problems using digital technology.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon is not related to making financial transactions digital. The initiative aimed at promoting digital financial transactions is the Digital India campaign, which includes programs like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BHIM app, and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems.

Explanation

It is legally mandatory for service providers, data centres, and body corporate to report cybersecurity incidents to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013. CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents and ensuring the security of India’s cyber infrastructure.

Explanation

The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’, and ‘Standard Model’ are primarily associated with the observation and understanding of the Universe. Event Horizon is the boundary of a black hole where escape velocity exceeds the speed of light and thus nothing, including light, can escape once crossed. A gravitational singularity is a region in space where matter is infinitely dense, and gravitational forces become infinite. It is found at the center of black holes, where spacetime curvature becomes infinite, and the equations of general relativity fail to provide a meaningful description. String Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity by positing that fundamental particles are not point-like but rather one-dimensional "strings." It is a candidate for a theory of everything, aiming to explain all fundamental forces and particles in the Universe. Standard Model is the theory in particle physics that describes three of the four known fundamental forces (electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions) and classifies all known elementary particles. It is a cornerstone of modern physics and helps explain the behavior of matter and energy in the Universe.

Explanation

The evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) is a mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA) to detect and measure gravitational waves. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events, such as merging black holes or neutron stars. eLISA aims to provide a new way of observing the universe by directly measuring these waves which are otherwise invisible to traditional telescopes. Unlike ground-based detectors like LIGO, eLISA will operate in space, allowing it to observe lower-frequency gravitational waves that cannot be detected on Earth.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: OLEDs can be manufactured on flexible materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which allows the creation of foldable and bendable screens. Unlike LCDs, which require rigid glass substrates, OLEDs can use lightweight and flexible plastics, enabling the development of innovative designs like foldable smartphones and rollable displays.

Statement 2 is correct: The flexibility and thinness of OLEDs make them suitable for rollable screens that can be integrated into textiles or wearable devices. This innovation enables the creation of electronic clothing or fabrics with embedded displays, providing new possibilities in wearable technology.

Statement 3 is correct: OLED technology supports the development of transparent displays because it does not rely on a backlight. OLEDs produce light on their own, making it possible to create see-through screens that overlay digital content on real-world environments.