Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Foundational Experiment: Cohen & Boyer (1972)
| What is the significance of the Cohen & Boyer (1972) experiment and how was it conducted? | - Significance: First instance of creating artificial recombinant DNA (rDNA), proving the Principle of Continuity of DNA across species. Process: Isolated an antibiotic resistance gene from a plasmid of *Salmonella typhimurium* and linked it to a plasmid of *E. coli* using ligase. |
India's Native CAR-T Solutions
| Name India's first indigenous CAR-T solutions and their target indications. | - NexCAR19: India's first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy for B-cell lymphomas and leukemia. Uses a humanized antibody to reduce immune rejection. Qartemi: India's first globally benchmarked CAR-T treatment specifically designed for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. |
🎯 PYQs — Biotechnology (High Frequency)
Most Asked Topics:
- CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism
- GM crops in India (Bt Cotton, DMH-11)
- Stem cell types and applications
- Gene therapy and RNAi (RNA interference)
- DNA profiling/fingerprinting
Common Traps:
- ❌ Bt Brinjal is NOT commercially cultivated (under moratorium)
- ❌ GM Mustard uses Barnase-Barstar, NOT Bt genes
- ❌ CRISPR is gene editing, NOT particle physics
1. Basics of Molecular Biology
Gene, DNA, RNA
| Compare Gene, DNA, RNA, Chromosomes, and Reverse Transcription. | - Gene: Segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein (~19,000–25,000 in humans). - DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double helix structure using four bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). Uses deoxyribose sugar. - RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Typically single-stranded; uses Uracil (U) instead of Thymine. Uses ribose sugar. - Chromosome: Thread-like structure of DNA wrapped around Histone proteins; 46 in humans (23 pairs). - Reverse Transcription: Flow of genetic information from RNA $\rightarrow$ DNA (typical of retroviruses like HIV). |
Central Dogma: Visualized
Types of RNA
| Detail the specific functions of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, siRNA, and miRNA. | - mRNA (Messenger): Carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes. - tRNA (Transfer): Brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation. - rRNA (Ribosomal): Forms the physical structure of the ribosome. - siRNA (Small Interfering): Triggers gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi). - miRNA (MicroRNA): Small non-coding RNA that regulates post-transcriptional gene expression (Nobel Prize 2024). |
Non-Coding & "Dark" DNA
| What is non-coding DNA, and detail the T2T project and Tmesipteris oblanceolata. | - Non-Coding DNA (Dark DNA): Genomic regions that do not code for proteins (approx. 98–99% of the human genome); crucial for gene regulation, controlling when and where genes are expressed. T2T Project (Telomere-to-Telomere): Successfully sequenced the remaining 8% of the human genome (mostly heterochromatin/repetitive sequences) that the original HGP missed. Tmesipteris oblanceolata: A fork fern discovered to have the largest known genome (160 billion base pairs), approximately 50 times larger than the human genome. |
2. Genome Sequencing & Bio-Governance
Major Genome Projects
| Compare the HGP, T2T, Genome India, INDIgen, and Earth Bio-Genome projects. | - Human Genome Project (HGP): 1990–2003; mapped 3.2 billion base pairs. Found only 1–2% of DNA codes for proteins. - T2T Project: Completed the sequencing of highly repetitive heterochromatin regions omitted by HGP. - Genome India Project (DBT): Sequenced 10,000 reference genomes from diverse Indian populations; stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, accessible via the FeED data portal. - INDIgen Project (CSIR): Whole genome sequencing of 1,000+ Indian individuals for precision medicine. - Earth Bio-Genome Project: A global effort to sequence all 1.5 million known eukaryotic species. |
India's Bio-Policies & Initiatives
| Outline India's key biotechnology initiatives, policies, and portals (Biopharma SHAKTI, Bio-E3, PI-Check, SUJVIKA). | - Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme (2026): Budget initiative with an outlay of ₹10,000 Crore over 5 years to scale biopharma manufacturing, biologics, and establish 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites. - Bio-E3 Policy (2024): High-performance biomanufacturing policy targeting a 300 Billion USD bioeconomy by 2030 (focusing on food, health, climate, and agriculture). - SUJVIKA Portal (2026): AI-driven Biotech Product Trade Intelligence tool to streamline R&D and trade insights. - Phenome India (PI-Check): CSIR health cohort database tracking health markers of 10,000 individuals to support precision medicine. - One Day One Genome: Daily release of annotated microbial genomes to catalog India's micro-biodiversity. - National Biofoundry Network: Established six automated biofoundries to design and optimize engineered organisms. |
Advanced 3D Bio-Modeling
| Explain Organoids, Aphroids, Chimeroids, Organ-on-Chip, and Xenotransplantation. | - Organoids: 3D structures grown from stem cells that mimic the organ's function (e.g., brain organoids). - Aphroids: 3D cell clusters designed to mimic tumor behavior for cancer research. - Chimeroids: Brain models built from stem cells of multiple individuals to study varying genetic drug responses. - Organ-on-Chip: Miniature devices mimicking blood flow and cellular environments to test drug toxicity. - Xenotransplantation: Transplantation of non-human tissues or organs (typically from genetically modified pigs) into humans. |
Key Genomics Terminology
| Define Transcriptome, Proteome, Metagenomics, and Aerial Metagenomics. | - Transcriptome: The complete set of RNA molecules in a cell or tissue at a given time. - Proteome: The complete set of proteins expressed by a genome. - Metagenomics: The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples (soil, water). - Aerial Metagenomics: The study of genetic material recovered from airborne particles or aerosols. |
3. Genome Editing Technologies
CRISPR-Cas9 System
| Explain the CRISPR-Cas9 components (gRNA, Cas9, PAM) and India's BIRSA-101 therapy. | CRISPR-Cas9 Components: - Guide RNA (gRNA): Designed to match the target DNA sequence. - Cas9 Enzyme: Molecular scissors that bind to the gRNA and create a double-strand break using its HNH and RuvC domains. - PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif): A short DNA sequence (e.g., NGG) adjacent to the target site where Cas9 binds. BIRSA-101: India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene editing therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) using high-precision enFnCas9. |
DNA Editing vs RNA Editing
| Contrast DNA Editing (CRISPR-Cas9) and RNA Editing (ADAR/Cas13) in terms of permanence and safety. | - DNA Editing (CRISPR-Cas9): Permanent genomic changes; higher risk of off-target mutations; potential immune reactions to bacterial Cas9. RNA Editing (ADAR/Cas13): Temporary and reversible transcript modifications; lower safety risks as the ADAR enzyme is native to humans. |
Other Genome Editing & SDN Categories
| Detail ZFNs, TALENs, Base/Prime Editing, and the three SDN categories. | Genome Editing Tools: - ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases): Fusion of Zinc Finger DNA-binding proteins + FokI nuclease. - TALENs: Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases; higher precision than ZFNs. - Base/Prime Editing: Swaps single nucleotides without making double-strand breaks. Site-Directed Nucleases (SDN) Categories:
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SDN Categories: Visualized
Gene Editing Tools & Clonal Tech in News
| Explain ISDRA2TNPB, GlowCas9, SCNT, and Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT). | - ISDRA2TNPB: Miniature plant genome-editing tool developed by ICAR using the TnpB protein. - GlowCas9: A bioluminescent Cas9 variant fused with deep-sea shrimp nano-luciferase, allowing real-time tracking of gene editing. - Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): Transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg (e.g., Dolly the Sheep). - Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT): A three-parent baby technique to prevent inheritance of maternal mitochondrial diseases. Uses either Maternal Spindle Transfer (MST) or Pronuclear Transfer (PNT) to integrate donor mtDNA. |
4. RNA Interference (RNAi) & Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
RNAi (Gene Silencing) Mechanism
| Describe the biological mechanism and applications of RNA Interference (RNAi). | - Mechanism:
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Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Steps
| Detail the step-by-step process of producing recombinant DNA. | -
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Methods of Gene Transfer
| Compare Microinjection, Biolistics, Electroporation, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens gene transfer methods. | - Microinjection: Direct injection into animal cell nuclei. - Biolistics (Gene Gun): High-velocity microprojectiles coated with DNA shot into plant cells. - Electroporation: Electrical pulses create transient pores in membranes. - Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Soil bacterium used as a natural vector for plant gene transfer. |
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
| Explain the three main steps of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). | -
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5. Biotechnology Colors & Epigenetics
Biotechnology Color Spectrum
| Classify biotechnology colors: Red, Green, Blue, White/Gray, Yellow, and Gold. | - Red: Medical/Pharmaceutical (Vaccines, Antibiotics). - Green: Agriculture (GM crops, bio-fertilizers). - Blue: Marine/Aquatic resources. - White/Gray: Industrial processes (enzymes, bio-fuels). - Yellow: Food biotechnology (fermentation). - Gold: Bioinformatics, nanobiotechnology, and computational biology. |
Mycorrhizal & Epigenetic Biotechnology
| Explain mycorrhizal biotechnology, epigenome editing, and the DEEP project. | - Mycorrhizal Biotechnology: Mass production of mycorrhizal fungi to enhance soil phosphorus uptake and crop health. Epigenome Editing: Adjusting gene expression (via DNA methylation or histone acetylation) without altering the underlying genetic sequence. DEEP Project (Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership): CSIR-CCMB and University of Bristol collaboration studying epigenetic factors in global disease risks. |
6. Applications in Agriculture & Medicine
Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
| Analyze key GM crops in India (Bt Cotton, Bt Brinjal, Golden Rice, DMH-11 Mustard) and their concerns. | - Bt Cotton: Expresses Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab genes from *Bacillus thuringiensis* targeting bollworms. The only commercially cultivated GM crop in India. - Bt Brinjal: Approved by GEAC but currently under an indefinite commercial moratorium. - Golden Rice: Fortified with beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor); not approved in India. - DMH-11 Mustard: Uses the Barnase-Barstar gene system for hybridization. Approved for environmental release in 2022; developed by Delhi University; exhibits herbicide (Basta) tolerance. - Concerns: Development of "superweeds" via herbicide resistance, gene escape via wild cross-pollination, and corporate monopoly of seeds. |
Nano-Biotech in Agriculture
| Explain Nano Urea/DAP, Nano Sulphur, biostimulants, and Kamla genome-edited rice. | - Nano Urea & Nano DAP: Developed by IFFCO; uses particles < 100nm to achieve 90% nutrient utilization efficiency, cutting fertilizer run-off. - Nano Sulphur (TERI): Biologically synthesized using bacteria; boosts mustard yields and serves as an antibacterial agent. - Biostimulants: Natural plant growth stimulators. Regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985. Animal-sourced approvals were withdrawn in 2025. - Genome-Edited Rice: ICAR developed DRR Dhan 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1 by knocking out the cell division-inhibiting CKX2 gene to boost yields. |
GMO Regulatory Bodies in India
| Name the five regulatory bodies for GMOs in India and their specific roles. | - RDAC (Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee): Advisory role. - IBSC (Institutional Biosafety Committee): On-site safety monitor. - RCGM (Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation): DBT body; regulates research and trials. - GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee): MoEFCC body; statutory authority giving final approvals for environmental release of GMOs. - SBCC (State Biotechnology Coordination Committee): State-level monitoring. |
GMO Governance: Visualized
Advanced Medicine & Stem Cells
| Explain gene therapy, stem cell potency levels, stem cell banking, and Monoclonal Antibodies. | Gene Therapy: Correcting defective genes (e.g.,SCID treated by inserting functional ADA cDNA into patient lymphocytes). Stem Cell Potency: - Totipotent: Can form all cell types + placenta (Zygote). - Pluripotent: Can form all body cell types except placenta (Embryonic Stem Cells). - Multipotent: Can form limited related lineages (Bone marrow HSCs). - iPSCs (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells): Somatic cells reprogrammed to pluripotency using 4 Yamanaka transcription factors. Stem Cell Banking: Storing cord blood or tissue in liquid nitrogen at -170°C. India's first livestock stem cell biobank established at NIAB Hyderabad. |
7. Environmental & Forensic Biotech
Bioremediation Techniques
| Compare Bioremediation, Phytoremediation, Oilzapper, and Biorock Technology. | - Bioremediation: Using microbes to degrade contaminants. - Phytoremediation: Using plants to clean soils (phyto-degradation, phyto-volatilization). - Oilzapper: A bacterial consortium developed by TERI/ONGC to clean crude oil spills. - Biorock Technology: Electro-accumulation of minerals to restore coral reefs. |
Forensic & Identification Tools
| Contrast DNA Barcoding and DNA Fingerprinting. | - DNA Barcoding: Identifying species using a short, standardized gene sequence (e.g., COI gene in animals, rbcL/matK in plants). DNA Profiling (Fingerprinting): Analyzes highly variable Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) or microsatellite DNA to establish identity or parentage. |
8. Clinical Trials & Recent Trends
Clinical Trials & CHIM
| Outline the phases of Clinical Trials and explain the Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM). | Clinical Trial Phases: - Phase I: Safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers (5-50 subjects). - Phase II: Efficacy and dosage optimization (25-1000 subjects). - Phase III: Large-scale efficacy and safety confirmation (100-10,000 subjects). - Phase IV: Post-marketing surveillance. CHIM (Controlled Human Infection Model): Intentionally exposing volunteers to pathogens to accelerate vaccine candidate testing. |
Recent Biotechnology Innovations
| Explain Gene Drive, Synthetic Biology, cfDNA, and ecDNA. | - Gene Drive: Using CRISPR to skew inheritance patterns, ensuring a modified gene spreads through a population (e.g., malaria-resistant mosquitoes). - Synthetic Biology: Designing and engineering synthetic biological components and organisms from scratch. - cfDNA (Cell-free DNA): Circulating DNA fragments in blood plasma used for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and liquid cancer biopsies. - ecDNA (Extrachromosomal DNA): Circular DNA particles separate from chromosomes, frequently driving aggressive gene amplification in cancer. |
🎯 UPSC Prelims 2026 Questions & Explanations
| (c) 1 and 2 only\n(d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the following statements ... | - Question 67: (c) 1 and 2 only\n(d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct? With reference to Artificial Intelligence (AI), consider the following statements: 3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs. 2. Reinforcement learning is a technique in which an agent learns by receiving rewards or penalties based on its actions in an environment. The 'bias' in LLMs is one of their major demerits. That is why they are widely covered in the news and the incorrectness of the third statement Correct Answer: (B) Key Concepts & Explanation: genome. 1. Genetic medicines\ncorrect/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease: recovery-10517380/ Correct. This is the fundamental principle of genetic medicine, which aims to fix or compensate for defective genes causing diseases.\n2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine: Correct. Viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus) and lipid nanoparticles are well-established medicines. 3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence: Incorrect. Genetic medicines target only specific faulty genes or segments, not the entire DNA sequence. Technologies like CRISPR make precise edits at targeted locations. Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT work by predicting the next token/word in a sequence. They assign probability distributions over possible next words and typically select based on highest probability (or use sampling strategies). Al-related developme nts and proliferatio n of Al-related LLMs. M FCA https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-ai-impact-summit-equity-justice-10546254/ EN Vision/ASA AITS 2026: Test 6333 1. Large Language models are high probability to the next possible words and then possible one with the highest probability. 2. LLMs process data through mathematical optimization to minimize prediction errors. LLMs are trained through mathematical optimization processes (gradient descent, backpropagation, that minimize a loss function, which measures prediction errors between the model output and actual training data.) With reference to Artificial Intelligence (AI), consider the following statements: Partial LLMs are known to produce biased outputs because they are trained on large corpora of text data from the internet that contain inherent biases related to gender, race, culture, and other factors. Bias in training data leads to biased outputs. Hence only statement 3 is not correct. language-related tasks. 3. Computer vision techniques require Large Language Models to interpret and classify images and videos. 4. Expert systems rely on predefined rules and knowledge bases rather than learning from large datasets. During training, LLMs use optimization algorithms like stochastic gradient descent to minimize the cross-entropy loss (prediction error). Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Incorrect. LLMs are well-documented to produce biased outputs reflecting biases present in their training data. This is a widely recognized limitation of current LLM technology. (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 The 'bias' in LLMs is one of their major demerits. That is why they are widely covered in the news and the incorrectness of the third statement VisionIAS Sandhan With reference to the Large Language Model (LLM), consider the following statements: 1. LLMs use positional encodings Year Asked: Prelims 2026 |
| Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Projec... | - Question 73: Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct? Correct Answer: (B) Key Concepts & Explanation: The Genomel India Project is an indigenous initiative of India and is independent of the Human Genome Project, which was an international effort completed in 2003. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with multiple partner institutions. Its primary objective is to create a comprehensive reference database by mapping the genetic diversity of the Indian population through genome sequencing of individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic groups. After the completion of the first part of the project it was in the news E FCA https://indianexpress.com/artice/explained/explained-sci-tech/genome-india-project-9938889/ EN Vision/ISA AITS 2026: Today (20 April 2026) News Today (20 April 2026) https://vision/is.in/c Compl/e Year Asked: Prelims 2026 |
| Which of the following statements with regard to Genomel India Proj... | - Question 74: Which of the following statements with regard to Genomel India Project is/are correct? Correct Answer: (B) Key Concepts & Explanation: The Genomel India Project is an indigenous initiative of India and is independent of the Human Genome Project, which was an international effort completed in 2003. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with multiple partner institutions. Its primary objective is to create a comprehensive reference database by mapping the genetic diversity of the Indian population through genome sequencing of individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic groups. After the completion of the first part of the project it was in the news E FCA https://indianexpress.com/artice/explained/explained-science/genome-india-project-9938889/ EN Vision/ISA AITS 2026: Today (20 April 2026) News Today (20 April 2026) https://vision/is.in/c Compl/e Year Asked: Prelims 2026 |
| Which of the following statements with regard to Genomel India Proj... | - Question 75: Which of the following statements with regard to Genomel India Project is/are correct? Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population: The project seeks to sequence around 10,000 Indian genomes to create a reference database that reflects the genetic diversity across India's various population groups. Hence statement 3 is correct. was a voyage of biological discovery led by an international group of researchers looking to comprehensively study all of the DNA (known as a genome) of a select set of organisms. Launched in October 1990 and completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project's signature accomplishment – generating the first sequence of the human genome – provided fundamental information about the human blueprint, which has since accelerated the study of human biology and improved the practice of medicine. Hence statement 3 is correct. intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits. 2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India. Which of the following statements with regard to India's Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct? Correct Answer: (B) Key Concepts & Explanation: The Genomel India Project is an indigenous initiative of India and is independent of the Human Genome Project, which was an international effort completed in 2003. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with multiple partner institutions. Its primary objective is to create a comprehensive reference database by mapping the genetic diversity of the Indian population through genome sequencing of individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic groups. After the completion of the first part of the project it was in the news E FCA https://indianexpress.com/artice/explained/explained-science/genome-india-project-9938889/ EN Vision/ISA AITS 2026: Today (20 April 2026) News Today (20 April 2026) https://vision/is.in/c Compl/e The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) recently said that the exercise was to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and create a database under the Centre-backed Genome India Project. The Genome India project was approved by the government in 2020 with the aim of creating a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations found in the Indian population. A map of genetic diversity is essential for understanding the history of our evolution, discovering the genetic basis for various diseases, and creating therapies of the future. The Human Genome Project (HGP) is one of the greatest scientific feats in history. The project was a voyage of biological discovery led by an international group of researchers looking to comprehensively study all of the DNA (known as a genome) of a select set of organisms. Launched in October 1990 and completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project's signature accomplishment – generating the first sequence of the human genome – provided fundamental information about the human blueprint, which has since accelerated the study of human biology and improved the practice of medicine. Hence statement 3 is correct. Current Which of the following The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 with a total budget outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for the period 2023–2031. https://indianexpress.com/articl e/upsc-current-affairs/upsc- Sandhan Test Series PT 365 https://visio Compl capabilities in quantum technologies through advancements in quantum computing, communication, sensing, metrology, and materials research. As part of its implementation framework, the mission also proposes establishing specialized Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in leading academic and national research institutions. indias-first-quantum-facility-amravati-upsc-10643135/ Mission (NQM): Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) Associated Institutes NAL QUANT today/UM MISSIO 02-N (NQM) nce-Monthland-y技hnology/fo-undati on-ceremo ny-of-ammarav ati-guantu m-quantuvalley-heldMissio https://vision/as-in/current/affairs/month/year-magazien/5-08-and/19/eco/nomy/r-esearc-h-Chemement-and-innovation-r-d-ion-rdi-2026): It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits: One of the major objectives of the National Quantum Mission is the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits over an eight-year period using superconducting and photonic technology platforms. Hence, statement 1 is correct. https://www.pi.b.gov.in/PressR.eleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111953®=3&lang=2 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) Associated Institutes India's Deep Ocean Mission was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and was approved in June 2021 with a budget allocation of ₹4,077 crore for a five-year period. Often in the E news https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/exp Sandhan Test Series Consider the following statements with respect to the Deep Ocean Mission: PT 365 2026 SnT: Article 8.7. DEEP OCEAN MISSION 2025-N https://vision/assets.in/current/affairs/news-today/today-Mission_08-2025-16/science-news-and-technology/ Year Asked: Prelims 2026 |
High-Yield S&T Rapid Revision: Biotech & Genetics
- Gene Editing:
- CRISPR-Cas9: Molecular mechanism pairing guide RNA with Cas9 enzyme for site-specific DNA cleavage (DBT).
- RNAi: RNA interference pathway causing post-transcriptional gene silencing by degrading target messenger RNA (DBT).
- MRT: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy preventing mitochondrial disease inheritance by utilizing donor mitochondria alongside maternal nuclear DNA (DBT).
- Omics: Genome representing full DNA sequence; Transcriptome representing full messenger RNA profile; Proteome representing full protein expression (DBT).
- Vaccines: Covishield utilizing an adenovirus viral vector, and Covaxin using an inactivated whole-virion pathogen platform (ICMR).
- Regulating Body: GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee), a statutory body operating under the Environment Protection Act for appraising genetically modified organisms and crops (MoEFCC).