Q161. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) are essential tools in nanotechnology because they allow scientists to:
Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology: RAS Prelims MCQs
179 RAS Prelims MCQs on genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology cover DNA structure, chromosomes, recombinant DNA tools, plant tissue culture, biotech products and bioethics. Purines, base pairing, Chargaff’s rule, vectors, totipotency, Humulin, Feynman’s lecture, the Nagoya Protocol and biopiracy are asked as facts and sequences, with explanations that name the process behind each fact.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 161–170 of 179 questions
Q162. The famous 1959 lecture "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom", which conceptually launched nanotechnology, was given by:
Explanation
Richard Feynman gave the 1959 lecture There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom, which is seen as the conceptual start of nanotechnology.
Q163. Consider the following statements regarding applications of nanotechnology in medicine (nanomedicine):
I. Nanoparticles can be engineered for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
II. Magnetic nanoparticles are used as contrast agents to enhance MRI imaging.
III. Nanoshells can be injected into tumors and heated using infrared light to destroy cancer cells.
IV. Nanorobots are currently widely used in hospitals to perform complex open-heart surgeries independently.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Nanoparticles can be engineered for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
II. Magnetic nanoparticles are used as contrast agents to enhance MRI imaging.
III. Nanoshells can be injected into tumors and heated using infrared light to destroy cancer cells.
IV. Nanorobots are currently widely used in hospitals to perform complex open-heart surgeries independently.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nanomedicine utilizes nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to tumors and uses magnetic particles as contrast agents to improve MRI scans. Nanoshells are also used in photothermal therapy to selectively heat and kill cancer cells. However, nanorobots capable of performing independent surgeries are still largely in the theoretical stages and are certainly not yet widely used in hospitals for complex operations.
Q164. Consider the following statements about nanotechnology applications:
I. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in sunscreens because they absorb UV light and are transparent on the skin.
II. Silver nanoparticles are integrated into wound dressings and fabrics for their strong antimicrobial properties.
III. Nanofilters can remove viruses and heavy metal ions from contaminated water.
IV. Quantum dots are used in modern displays (QLED TVs) for brighter and more accurate colors.
V. Nanomaterials are unable to store hydrogen for clean energy applications.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in sunscreens because they absorb UV light and are transparent on the skin.
II. Silver nanoparticles are integrated into wound dressings and fabrics for their strong antimicrobial properties.
III. Nanofilters can remove viruses and heavy metal ions from contaminated water.
IV. Quantum dots are used in modern displays (QLED TVs) for brighter and more accurate colors.
V. Nanomaterials are unable to store hydrogen for clean energy applications.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nanotechnology has widespread applications: nanoparticles in sunscreens provide UV protection; silver nanoparticles serve as potent antimicrobials; nanofilters are used for water purification; and quantum dots enhance modern QLED displays. However, certain nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and metal-organic frameworks, are actually being extensively researched for their high efficiency in safely storing hydrogen for clean energy vehicles and power systems.
Q165. In the field of electronics, the integration of nanotechnology allows for:
Explanation
Moores Law is the observation that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years. To maintain this pace, transistors must become smaller and smaller. Nanotechnology allows engineers to design and manufacture transistors at the scale of just a few nanometers. This extreme miniaturization is essential for creating faster, more powerful, and more energy-efficient computers and electronic devices.
Q166. The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products like socks and refrigerators is primarily due to their:
Explanation
Silver has been known for its antibacterial properties for centuries. At the nanoscale, silver nanoparticles have a much larger surface area, which significantly enhances their ability to release silver ions that disrupt bacterial cell membranes and enzymes. This makes them highly effective at killing a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to their widespread use in many consumer products today.
Q167. Which application uses nanostructured materials to significantly increase the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity?
Explanation
Nanotechnology is being used to improve the efficiency and lower the cost of photovoltaic cells.
Q168. Nanoparticles can cross the blood-brain barrier. This property is advantageous for:
Explanation
The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective filtering mechanism that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood but also prevents most therapeutic drugs from reaching brain tissue. Some specially engineered nanoparticles are small enough and have the right surface properties to cross this barrier. This is a major breakthrough, as it allows for the targeted delivery of drugs.
Q169. In energy storage, how do nanomaterials improve the performance of batteries (e.g., lithium-ion)?
Explanation
In batteries like lithium-ion, the use of nanomaterials in the electrodes significantly increases their total surface area. This provides more sites for the chemical reactions that store and release energy to occur, and it allows lithium ions to move in and out of the electrodes more quickly. This results in batteries that can charge much faster and store more energy.
Q170. Identify the potential negative impact (toxicity) associated with nanotechnology.
Explanation
A major health concern with nanotechnology is the potential toxicity of inhaled nanoparticles. Because of their extremely small size, these particles can bypass the lungs natural clearance mechanisms and penetrate deep into the respiratory system. From there, they can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs, where they may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, or other types of cellular damage.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 161 | (b) Observe and manipulate individual atoms and molecules |
| 162 | (a) Richard Feynman |
| 163 | (c) I, II and III |
| 164 | (a) I, II, III and IV |
| 165 | (b) Moore’s law to continue by miniaturizing transistors to the nanoscale |
| 166 | (a) Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties |
| 167 | (c) Photovoltaic (solar) cells |
| 168 | (d) Treatment of neurological conditions and brain tumors |
| 169 | (a) Larger surface area for efficient charge transport |
| 170 | (c) Inhaled particles entering the blood and causing harm |
Key facts from Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
- Adenine is a purine and pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds; the distance between consecutive base pairs in B-DNA is 0.34 nm.
- Chargaff’s rule says that adenine equals thymine and guanine equals cytosine; the human karyotype has 22 pairs of autosomes.
- Telomeres maintain genomic stability during DNA replication; heterochromatin is the condensed, inactive region.
- Humulin was the first commercially produced genetically engineered human hormone.
- Totipotency is the capacity of a single plant cell to regenerate a whole plant; the meristem is used to get virus-free plants.
- Richard Feynman’s 1959 lecture began nanotechnology; the Nagoya Protocol governs benefit sharing; the US patent on turmeric was revoked after a biopiracy battle.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology?
This page has 179 practice MCQs on Genetics, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How many hydrogen bonds pair adenine with thymine?
Two. Adenine pairs with thymine by two hydrogen bonds, and guanine pairs with cytosine by three, which is why DNA rich in G and C is more stable.
What is totipotency?
The capacity of a single plant cell to regenerate into an entire plant. It is the basis of plant tissue culture, in which cells grown on a nutrient medium form a callus and then shoots and roots.
Which protocol deals with sharing the benefits of genetic resources?
The Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity. It ensures that the benefits from using genetic resources are shared fairly with the countries and communities that provide them.