Precision Medicine & Genomics
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, highlighting India's potential as a global hub for cutting-edge healthcare innovation, indigenous solutions for health challenges, and its role in achieving 'Viksit Bharat @2047'.
Precision medicine is an innovative approach to disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. Genomics, the study of an organism's complete set of DNA, plays a foundational role by providing insights into genetic predispositions and responses to therapies.
Facts & tables
- Tailored Treatment
- Customizes medical treatment based on an individual's genetic profile, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
- Improved Outcomes
- Enables more accurate diagnosis, targeted therapies, and improved patient outcomes.
- India's Advantage
- India's vast genetic diversity offers unique opportunities for biomedical research and developing indigenous solutions.
- Genome India Mission
- Building one of the world's largest genomic databases to accelerate the transition towards precision medicine.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
| Conceptual area | Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering |
| Conceptual area | Emerging Information Technologies |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Genome India Mission | Implements |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Tailored treatment based on individual genetics, lifestyle, environment.
- Leverages genomics for diagnosis and targeted therapies.
- India's genetic diversity is a research strength.
- Genome India Mission building large genomic database.
- AI enhances data analysis and clinical decision-making.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2023 | Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2017 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2013 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
-
Science & Technology
Conceptual area
-
Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering
Conceptual area
-
Emerging Information Technologies
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2015
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2017
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
On the Eve of Doctor's Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh illuminates the practice of precision medicine in the future
Precision medicine customizes healthcare based on individual genetic, lifestyle, and environmental data, leveraging genomics for targeted therapies and improved outcomes. India, with its genetic diversity and initiatives like the Genome India Mission, is poised to lead in this transformative field.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2013–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
On the Eve of Doctor's Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh illuminates the practice of precision medicine in the future
Precision medicine customizes healthcare based on individual genetic, lifestyle, and environmental data, leveraging genomics for targeted therapies and improved outcomes. India, with its genetic diversity and initiatives like the Genome India Mission, is poised to lead in this transformative field.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The GenomeIndia Project is an independent, pan-India initiative launched in January 2020. It is not a part of the international Human Genome Project (which was a global effort that ran from 1990 to 2003). Instead, it was inspired by the Human Genome Project to address the historical underrepresentation of Indian genetics in global databases. Statement 2 is Correct: The project is officially funded and spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Statement 3 is Correct: Its core objective is to map and build a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population. The project successfully sequenced 10,000 whole genomes from 99 distinct ethnic, social, and linguistic groups across India to create a reference genome for the Indian population. Therefore, Option B is correct.
Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?
* Metagenomics (also referred to as environmental and community genomics) is the genomic analysis of microorganisms by direct extraction and cloning of DNA from an assemblage of microorganisms. It involves: 1. Isolating DNA from an environmental sample, 2. Cloning the DNA into a suitable vector, 3. Transforming the clones into a host bacterium, 4. And screening the resulting transformants. * Such an approach helps in sampling an entire habitat at one go. Researchers have shown that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can potentially identify and monitor terrestrial animals. Animals shed DNA through their breath, saliva, fur, or faeces into the environment. These samples are called e-DNA. Hence, Statement A is correct.
In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India, is a viral vector vaccine. It uses a weakened chimpanzee adenovirus vector to carry genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells. Statement 2 is correct: Sputnik V is a vector-based vaccine, similar to Covishield. It uses two different human adenovirus vectors to deliver genetic material coding for SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. Statement 3 is correct: COVAXIN, developed by Bharat Biotech, is an inactivated virus vaccine. This means the SARS-CoV-2 virus used in the vaccine is inactivated (killed) so it cannot cause infection, but it still triggers an immune response.
It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The production of algae-based biofuels is not limited to seas only. It can be done on land, saline water, or wastewater. Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production does require a high level of expertise/technology, which might be a limitation for developing countries. Statement 3 is also correct. Economically viable production of algae-based biofuels does necessitate the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.
With reference to the use of nanotechnology in the health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is correct: Targeted drug delivery is a promising application of nanotechnology in medicine. Nanoparticles can be designed to carry drugs specifically to diseased cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Statement 2 is correct: Nanotechnology is being explored for gene therapy by creating nanocarriers that can deliver genetic material (e.g., DNA or RNA) into specific cells. This holds the potential for treating various genetic disorders. Therefore, both statements are correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
1. Across different species of plants.
2. From animals to plants.
3. From microorganisms to higher organisms.
Select the correct Solution using the codes given below.
Statement 1 is correct: Recombinant DNA technology allows genes to be transferred between different plant species to develop desired traits. Statement 2 is correct: Genes from animals can be inserted into plants (e.g., Bt toxin genes from bacteria into plants, or other examples in research), so cross-kingdom gene transfer is possible. Statement 3 is correct: Microbial genes are routinely transferred to higher organisms, such as insulin gene from bacteria to humans for production. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?
1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Correct: Genetic medicines (such as gene therapy and gene editing) treat or prevent diseases at their root cause. They work by introducing, removing, or changing genetic material to correct or compensate for faulty or missing genes responsible for a disease. Statement 2 is Correct: Genetic material cannot simply be injected into the body; it requires a carrier, or "vector," to successfully penetrate target cells. Engineered viruses (like adeno-associated viruses or lentiviruses) are genetically modified to remove their disease-causing properties and are widely used to deliver therapeutic genes. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are highly effective non-viral vectors that encapsulate the genetic payload (such as mRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 tools) in a protective fat layer to safely deliver it into cells. Statement 3 is Incorrect: Genetic medicines do not alter the entire DNA sequence. The human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs and over 20,000 genes. Gene therapies are highly precise, targeting only specific localized sequences or single genes (e.g., replacing one defective gene or making a targeted cut) while leaving the vast majority of the patient's native DNA completely unchanged. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Consider the following statements:
1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
3. Human /induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 allow the editing of genes in sperm or egg cells (germline cells) before fertilization. This can potentially correct genetic diseases passed on to future generations. Statement 2 is correct. Genome editing in early embryos CRISPR and other techniques can be used to edit genes in embryos at a very early stage of development. This allows for correcting genetic defects before implantation in the womb, potentially preventing the child from inheriting the disease. Statement 3 is correct. Scientists can reprogram adult human cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that have the potential to develop into any cell type. These hiPSCs can be injected into animal embryos, like pigs, to create chimeric embryos containing both human and animal cells. This technology is used for research purposes to study human development and disease. All three statements are correct.