Q731. What is a key limitation of using retroviral vectors in gene therapy?
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 731–740 of 1113 questions
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Q732. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, primarily microbes, to:
Explanation
Bioremediation is an environmentally friendly technology that utilizes the natural metabolic processes of living organisms, primarily bacteria, fungi, and plants, to clean up contaminated soil, water, and air. These organisms break down, transform, or neutralize hazardous pollutants, such as oil, pesticides, and heavy metals, into less toxic or non-toxic substances, effectively restoring the health of the polluted environment.
Q733. Consider the following statements about bioremediation:
I. Pseudomonas putida is a genetically engineered superbug used for cleaning oil spills.
II. Bioremediation is generally more cost-effective and eco-friendly than chemical cleanup methods.
III. Heavy metals like lead and mercury can be easily completely destroyed by microbial bioremediation.
IV. Phytomining uses plants to extract precious metals from low-grade ores.
V. Ex-situ bioremediation involves treating contaminated soil at the site without removing it.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Pseudomonas putida is a genetically engineered superbug used for cleaning oil spills.
II. Bioremediation is generally more cost-effective and eco-friendly than chemical cleanup methods.
III. Heavy metals like lead and mercury can be easily completely destroyed by microbial bioremediation.
IV. Phytomining uses plants to extract precious metals from low-grade ores.
V. Ex-situ bioremediation involves treating contaminated soil at the site without removing it.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Pseudomonas putida is a famous engineered superbug used for oil spills. Bioremediation is typically cheaper and more natural than chemical methods. Phytomining is an innovative use of plants to extract metals. However, heavy metals cannot be destroyed by microbes; they can only be transformed or accumulated. Also, ex-situ bioremediation involves removing contaminated material to another location for treatment.
Q734. The genetically engineered bacterium Pseudomonas putida, known for degrading multiple components of petroleum oil, was developed by:
Explanation
Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty was a renowned Indian-American microbiologist who developed the first genetically engineered bacterium, a strain of Pseudomonas putida. He successfully combined genes from different bacteria into one superbug capable of degrading multiple components of crude oil. This work led to a landmark 1980 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed for the patenting of living, human-made organisms in biotechnology.
Q735. Which of the following is a limitation of bioremediation?
Explanation
A major limitation of bioremediation is that it relies on living organisms, which are highly sensitive to their environment. Factors such as soil pH, temperature, moisture levels, and the availability of essential nutrients must be within a specific range for the microbes to survive and effectively degrade pollutants. If these conditions are not optimal, the cleanup process can be extremely slow.
Q736. The use of fungi to degrade environmental contaminants is specifically known as:
Explanation
Mycoremediation is a specific form of bioremediation that utilizes fungi to decontaminate an environment. Fungi are particularly effective because they produce powerful extracellular enzymes that can break down complex and resistant pollutants, including plastics and heavy metals. Their extensive mycelial networks can penetrate deep into soil, allowing them to reach and neutralize contaminants that might be inaccessible to bacteria.
Q737. Which of the following is an example of in-situ bioremediation?
Explanation
In-situ bioremediation refers to treating the contaminated material exactly where it is located, without excavating it. Bioventing is a classic in-situ technique where air and nutrients are delivered to the contaminated soil to stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous aerobic bacteria that break down organic pollutants. This contrasts with ex-situ methods like composting, which require material removal for treatment.
Q738. Some plants hyperaccumulate heavy metals from contaminated soils. These plants can then be harvested and safely disposed of. This technique is called:
Explanation
Phytoextraction is a type of phytoremediation where specific plants absorb large amounts of heavy metals or other contaminants from the soil through their roots. These pollutants are then transported and stored in the plants above-ground tissues.
Q739. Identify the incorrect statement about superbugs in bioremediation.
Explanation
Superbugs are multigene engineered microbes that degrade complex pollutants, the first patent for a living genetically modified organism was for a superbug, and their release is monitored. They do not degrade plastics instantly, so C is incorrect.
Q740. Bioremediation of municipal wastewater typically involves secondary treatment, where aerobic bacteria consume organic waste to form masses called:
Explanation
In secondary treatment of wastewater, aerobic bacteria consume organic waste and grow into masses called flocs, which settle out.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 731 | (d) Random genomic integration triggering oncogenic changes |
| 732 | (b) Degrade or detoxify environmental pollutants |
| 733 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 734 | (a) Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty |
| 735 | (c) Dependency on environmental parameters like pH and nutrients |
| 736 | (d) Mycoremediation |
| 737 | (b) Bioventing |
| 738 | (a) Phytoextraction |
| 739 | (c) They can degrade recalcitrant compounds like plastics instantly. |
| 740 | (d) Flocs |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.