UPSC 1998 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Ergotism is historically known as "St. Anthony’s Fire" is directly linked to the consumption of grains (such as rye, barley, wheat, and oats) contaminated with the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea). The fungus infects the grains, producing sclerotia (ergot bodies) that contain toxic alkaloids. These alkaloids can cause two forms of ergotism:

Convulsive ergotism which is cracterized by seizures, hallucinations, and muscle spasms. Gangrenous ergotism which leads to restricted blood flow, causing tissue death and gangrene in extremities.

Explanation

In industrial applications, a wide range of microorganisms are used due to their ability to carry out various biochemical processes that are beneficial for different industries. The following microorganisms are widely used:

Bacteria is used in industries such as fermentation, bioremediation, and food production (e.g., yogurt, cheese, and antibiotics). Microalgae is used in the production of biofuels, aquaculture feed, and nutraceuticals. They are also involved in carbon sequestration. Fungi is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of antibiotics (such as penicillin) and enzymes. They are also used in fermentation and the production of organic acids.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Fruit develops from the ovary of the flower after fertilization. The ovary, which contains the ovules, transforms into the fruit as the seeds inside mature. This process is an essential part of the plant’s reproductive cycle. B is matched with 1: Seed originates from the ovule after fertilization. The ovule, located inside the ovary, contains the female gamete (egg cell). Once fertilized by the male gamete (pollen), the ovule develops into a seed, which contains the embryo and stored food for the new plant. C is matched with 3: Wood is produced from the stem of the plant. The stem, with its vascular tissues (xylem and phloem), supports the plant and transports nutrients. The xylem, which is a type of vascular tissue, forms the wood, providing structural support and helping in water transport. D is matched with 2: Starch is primarily produced in the leaf. During photosynthesis leaves use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose. Some of this glucose is converted into starch, a storage form of sugar, and is stored in the chloroplasts of the leaf.

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: Starch and cellulose are both found in plants. Starch serves as an energy reserve and cellulose is a structural component of plant cell walls. Statement (b) is correct: Both starch and cellulose are polymers made up of repeating units (monomers) of glucose. Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides Statement (c) is incorrect: While starch gives a blue-black color with iodine, cellulose does not give any significant color reaction with iodine under normal conditions. Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units and gives a blue-black color when iodine is added, which is a characteristic test for starch. Starch occurs in plants in the form of granules, and these are particularly abundant in seeds (especially the cereal grains) and tubers, where they serve as a storage form of carbohydrates. The Cellulose, a fibrous carbohydrate found in all plants, is the structural component of plant cell walls. Cellulose is also a polymer of glucose but its structure differs from starch. Cellulose does not form the characteristic blue-black color with iodine due to the difference in the way glucose molecules are linked in cellulose. Statement (d) is correct: Both starch and cellulose are made up of glucose molecules, but in different forms. Starch consists of alpha-glucose while cellulose consists of beta-glucose.

Explanation

An aerospace and defence scientist, Kalam was involved in the development of India’s first satellite launch vehicle SLV III and was the architect of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. He also served as the eleventh President of India from 2002 till 2007. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997 for his contributions to science and defense technology.

Explanation

The United Front was a coalition of political parties that was in power from 1996 to 1997. The major parties that were part of the United Front included the Samajwadi Party, the CPI (M), the Indian National Congress (which provided support), Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and smaller regional parties. Hence among the options, Bahujan Samaj Party, Haryana Vikas Party and Samata Party were not part of United Front.

Explanation

The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir occurred due to a collision with a Soyuz cargo ship in 1997 during a routine docking maneuver. The collision caused a significant breach in the module, leading to a loss of oxygen and other technical issues.

Explanation

The venue for the preliminary talks between the Sri Lankan Government and representatives of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) and other militant groups was Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. These talks took place in 1985 and were an attempt to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Tamil population and the Sri Lankan government.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Indian Standard Time (I.S.T.) is based on the meridian 82°30’ E, which is the reference for I.S.T. If it is noon (12:00 PM) at I.S.T., and people at another place are having 6:00 AM morning tea, that means the time difference between the two places is 6 hours. To calculate the longitude difference:

A time difference of 1 hour corresponds to a 15° difference in longitude. Therefore, a 6-hour difference corresponds to a 90° difference in longitude (6 × 15°). Since the other place is 6 hours behind I.S.T., it must be 90° to the west of the I.S.T. meridian. I.S.T. The meridian is at 82°30’ E, so moving 90° to the west brings us to 7°30’ W. Thus, the place is at a longitude of 7°30’ W.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Hugo de Vries proposed the Mutation Theory in the early 20th century which suggested that new species arise through sudden, discontinuous changes (mutations) in genetic material. B is matched with 3: Darwin>s Theory of Evolution was published in 1859 (On the Origin of Species). It explains evolution through natural selection and gave key concepts include adaptive radiation, survival of the fittest, and descent with modification. C is matched with 1: George Beadle and Edward Tatum proposed the One Gene One Enzyme Hypothesis, which states that each gene is responsible for producing a single enzyme that controls a specific biochemical reaction. D is matched with 2: Jacob and Monod>s Operon Concept was introduced in 1961 which explains how gene regulation in prokaryotes (e.g., lac operon in E. coli). It is key for understanding antibiotic resistance and gene expression.