With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only. 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs. 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 onlyCorrect
- C3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The correct answer is B because of the following reasons:
Statement 1 is incorrect because stem cells are not exclusive to mammals. They are found in all multicellular organisms, including plants and various non-mammalian animals like insects and amphibians.
Statement 2 is correct because stem cells can be used to grow specific human tissues in a lab. This allows researchers to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs on human cells before moving to clinical trials on people.
Statement 3 is correct because stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, is used to repair or replace damaged tissues. Common examples include bone marrow transplants for leukemia and treatments for skin grafts or certain eye conditions.
Since statement 1 is false and statements 2 and 3 are true, the correct code is 2 and 3 only.
Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Flowering plants Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India? 1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome. 2. The seeds of Bt b…
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? 1. To enable them to withstand drought 2. To increase the nutritive value of the produ…
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Coconut shells, groundnut …
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? 1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water. 2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water. …
- Prelims 2012GS1science-and-technology
Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance? 1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity. 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested s…