1. Consider the following plants:
- Jasmine
- Sugarcane
- Turmeric
Which of the above can be propagated by vegetative methods?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Jasmine is propagated via cuttings or layering; sugarcane through stem cuttings (setts); and turmeric by planting rhizomes. All three methods are vegetative propagations, meaning new plants are produced from parts of the parent plant without the use of seeds. Thus, all listed plants can be propagated vegetatively.
2. Which of the following is/ are correct statements?
- Pellagra is prevalent in areas where maize is the staple food.
- Maize inhibits the absorption of vitamin B5 into the body
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2 ]
Notes:
Pellagra is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B5 which is also referred to as Niacin or Nicotinic acid or Pellagra preventing factor. Pellagra is prevalent in areas where maize is the staple food. Maize inhibits the absorption of vitamin B5 into the system and thus, this deficiency leads on to Beri Beri.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Pigeon Pea variant ‘Pusa Arhar 16’:
- It matures in a shorter duration compared to most other pigeon pea varieties.
- It is suitable for mechanized harvesting and requires less water than conventional types.
- Pusa Arhar 16 was developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Pusa Arhar 16 matures within 120 days, faster than the usual 160-270 days, and it requires less water while being compatible with mechanized harvesting. Statement 3 is incorrect: Pusa Arhar 16 was developed by scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), not at IIPM.
4. Consider the following:
- Gender
- Fingerprints
- DNA
With reference to identical (monozygotic) twins born without genetic mutation or abnormalities, which of the above characteristics will be identical?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Identical twins share the same gender and DNA as they arise from a single fertilized egg splitting into two embryos. However, fingerprints develop in response to unique environmental factors in the womb, making them different for each twin. Thus, only gender and DNA will be identical, not fingerprints.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the human body:
- Urea is produced in the kidneys.
- Insulin is produced in the pancreas.
- Gastrin is produced in the stomach.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2 and 3]
Notes:
Urea is produced in the liver, not in the kidneys; kidneys are responsible for its excretion. Insulin is synthesized by beta cells in the pancreas. Gastrin is a hormone secreted by the G-cells primarily in the stomach. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
6. Consider the following microorganisms:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Fungi
Which of the above is/are responsible for Biological Nitrogen Fixation?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Biological nitrogen fixation is mainly carried out by certain Bacteria (such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter) and some Fungi (such as certain actinomycetes). Viruses do not possess the metabolic capacity for nitrogen fixation, as they lack the necessary enzymes and cellular machinery for this biochemical process.
7. Consider the following:
- Sugarcane
- Bamboo
- Wheat
- Oats
- Buckwheat
Which of the above are true grasses?
[A] Only 2, 3 & 4
[B] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
[C] Only 1, 2, 3 & 4
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, and oats all belong to the family Poaceae, thus are true grasses. Buckwheat, however, is not a true grass; it belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is considered a pseudocereal. Therefore, only 1, 2, 3, and 4 are true grasses, while 5 is not.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Human Genome Project–write (HGP-write):
- HGP-write aims to construct an artificial human genome using advanced bioengineering techniques.
- The outcomes of HGP-write could contribute solutions to diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as HGP-write focuses on designing and synthesizing an artificial human genome using bioengineering tools. Statement 2 is also correct; by enabling synthetic biology advances, the project offers potential for developing genomic solutions to complex diseases, including vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, through innovative gene-based interventions.
9. Consider the following statements regarding Zika virus disease:
- The disease is spread through the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes.
- Zika can spread through saliva or urine.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The first statement is incorrect as Zika virus is transmitted mainly by Aedes species mosquitoes, not Culex. The second statement is correct; Zika can, though rarely, spread through bodily fluids such as saliva or urine, but not as efficiently as via mosquito bites. Thus, only statement 2 is correct.
10. Consider the following statements about Antibiotic resistance:
- Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections
- India’s Red Line campaign aims to curb irrational use of antibiotics
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Both are correct statements
Antibiotic resistance is an example of natural selection. It can be result of overuse of antibiotics and can be induced by horizontal gene transfer. India launched Red Line campaign to curb irrational use of antibiotics.
