Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering

Bioremediation is a technique that utilizes living organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted environments. It essentially harnesses and accelerates natural biodegradation processes for environmental cleanup. Statement 1 (correct): This accurately describes a key advantage of bioremediation. It leverages and accelerates natural biodegradation processes by introducing suitable microorganisms or optimizing environmental conditions. Statement 2 (incorrect): Bioremediation can be effective for many contaminants but not all. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead are often not readily broken down or removed completely. They might be transformed or immobilized, but not necessarily eliminated. Statement 3 (correct): Genetic engineering offers a promising approach for developing microorganisms with enhanced capabilities for bioremediation. These engineered microbes can target specific pollutants or work more efficiently in challenging environments.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) technology is primarily used for the purpose of reproductive cloning of animals. SCNT can be used to create genetically identical copies of animals. This involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. The egg cell is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is then implanted into a surrogate mother to produce a cloned individual. This technique is called reproductive cloning.

Statement 1 is correct. Genome sequencing can help identify specific genes or genetic markers associated with desirable traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance in crop plants, which can then be used for selective breeding and genetic improvement. Statement 2 is correct. Genome sequencing can accelerate the process of developing new crop varieties by providing a better understanding of the genetic makeup and facilitating more targeted breeding programs, thereby reducing the time required for varietal development. Statement 3 is correct. Genome sequencing can help researchers understand the genetic interactions between crop plants and their pathogens, which can aid in developing better strategies for disease management and resistance. Therefore, all the statements regarding the use of genome sequencing in agriculture in the immediate future are correct.

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.

Statement 1 is correct: Viruses that infect bacteria are known as bacteriophages or phages. These viruses use bacterial cells as hosts to replicate and propagate. Statement 2 is correct: Certain viruses, called mycoviruses, can infect and replicate within fungal cells, using them as hosts. Statement 3 is correct: Viruses that infect plants are known as plant viruses. They can hijack the cellular machinery of plant cells to replicate and spread within the plant. Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Neem-coated Urea dissolves more slowly compared to normal Urea, which helps prevent leaching and ensures a gradual release of nitrogen into the soil. Neem has inhibitory properties that reduce nitrogen loss at multiple stages, including volatilization and denitrification. By slowing down the conversion of Urea into nitrate, it minimizes excess nitrate accumulation, reducing denitrification losses and improving nitrogen use efficiency in crops. To curb misuse and diversion of highly subsidized Urea to the chemical industry, the Government of India made it mandatory for all Urea manufacturers to Neem-coat 100% of their production. This move not only ensures that Urea is used exclusively for agriculture but also enhances soil fertility and crop productivity by improving nitrogen retention.

The transcriptome refers to the complete set of RNA molecules present in a single cell or a population of cells at a given time. It can include all types of RNA or be limited to messenger RNA (mRNA), depending on the experiment's focus. Unlike the exome, which represents only the protein-coding regions of DNA, the transcriptome captures the actively expressed genes by identifying RNA molecules and their relative abundance. This provides crucial insights into gene expression patterns, cellular functions, and responses to environmental changes.

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.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. - The GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

A transgenic crop is a genetically modified organism (GMO). Transgenic indicates that a transfer of genes has occurred using recombinant DNA technology. Generally, a transgenic crop contains one or more genes that have been inserted artificially either from an unrelated plant or from different species altogether. Technique 1 is incorrect: Budding and grafting in fruit plants does not include genetic editing or modification. Thus, option 1 is eliminated. Technique 2 is correct: Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a condition where plants cannot produce viable pollen. It is typically controlled by genes in the cytoplasm. While CMS can occur naturally, it can also be introduced or manipulated using genetic engineering techniques to create transgenic lines for more efficient hybrid seed production. Technique 3 is correct: Gene silencing technique uses engineered genetic material to specifically suppress the expression of certain genes in a plant. This allows scientists to modify the plant's characteristics at the genetic level, which is the hallmark of transgenic crops. Thus, the right answer is option 'B'.