What is the mechanism by which TALEN (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease) technology achieves site-specific gene editing?
AUsing zinc fingers to recognize DNA sequences directly
BProteins derived from plant pathogens that recognize specific DNA sequences and direct FokI nuclease to cut
CUsing guide RNA complementarity only
DRandom cutting followed by selection
Correct Answer:
B. Proteins derived from plant pathogens that recognize specific DNA sequences and direct FokI nuclease to cut
EXPLANATION
TALENs are proteins from Xanthomonas bacteria that recognize specific DNA sequences with modular repeat domains and direct FokI endonuclease for precise DNA cleavage.
In gene editing using base editors, what advantage do they offer over traditional CRISPR-Cas9?
AThey can edit genes without creating double-strand breaks
BThey only work in prokaryotes
CThey require less complex equipment
DThey are less specific than Cas9
Correct Answer:
A. They can edit genes without creating double-strand breaks
EXPLANATION
Base editors (BEs) convert one DNA base to another without creating double-strand breaks, reducing off-target effects and cellular damage compared to standard CRISPR-Cas9.
What is the primary concern regarding the large-scale cultivation of Bt crops in India?
AIncreased soil fertility
BDevelopment of insect resistance and impact on non-target organisms
CImproved nutritional content
DReduced water requirements
Correct Answer:
B. Development of insect resistance and impact on non-target organisms
EXPLANATION
Major concerns include the development of resistance in target insects, impacts on non-target beneficial organisms, and long-term ecological effects of Bt crop cultivation.
In the year 2023-24, which Indian institute developed the CRISPR-based diagnostic kit for disease detection?
AIIT Delhi
BCSIR-IGIB
CIIT Bombay
DAll of the above
Correct Answer:
B. CSIR-IGIB
EXPLANATION
CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) has been at the forefront of developing CRISPR-based diagnostic tools for various diseases in India.
What is a chimeric gene in the context of genetic engineering?
AA gene that codes for a hybrid protein
BA gene composed of DNA sequences from different sources combined to create a new functional unit
CA gene that only exists in chimeric animals
DA mutated gene with no function
Correct Answer:
B. A gene composed of DNA sequences from different sources combined to create a new functional unit
EXPLANATION
Chimeric genes combine regulatory sequences from one organism with coding sequences from another, creating novel genetic constructs for transgenic organism development.
In the context of gene therapy, what does 'ex vivo' gene therapy mean?
AGene therapy administered outside the body to isolated cells
BGene therapy administered directly into the patient's body
CGene therapy using viral vectors only
DGene therapy that affects only the lungs
Correct Answer:
A. Gene therapy administered outside the body to isolated cells
EXPLANATION
Ex vivo gene therapy involves isolating cells from the patient, modifying them genetically outside the body, and then reintroducing them, reducing immune reactions.
In India's Western Ghats, the introduction of invasive species like Lantana camara has led to reduced native plant diversity and altered nutrient cycling. This phenomenon best demonstrates which ecological principle?
AResource partitioning among competing species
BCompetitive exclusion and niche displacement of native species
CFacilitation model of ecological succession
DMutualistic relationships in plant-herbivore interactions
Correct Answer:
B. Competitive exclusion and niche displacement of native species
EXPLANATION
Lantana camara outcompetes native vegetation through superior resource acquisition and allelopathy, leading to competitive exclusion. This reduces niche availability for native species, fundamentally altering community structure and ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling.
In the context of India's monsoon-dependent ecosystems, which adaptive strategy is most evident in deciduous forest species?
AIncreased leaf surface area for water absorption
BLeaf fall during dry season to conserve water
CDeep root systems throughout the year
DReduced photosynthetic capacity
Correct Answer:
B. Leaf fall during dry season to conserve water
EXPLANATION
Deciduous trees in Indian dry and moist deciduous forests shed leaves during the dry season (March-May) as an adaptation to seasonal water scarcity, reducing transpirational water loss while maintaining survival.
