Syllabus: Paper I > 12. Applications of Anthropology > Anthropology of sports
DNA Technology in Medicine — 2015 Paper I
Question · 2015 · Paper I · 10 Marks
DNA technology in Medicine.
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Explain how DNA-based technologies are applied to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases.
- Structuring the Response: Briefly identify major techniques and connect each with medical applications, while noting ethical concerns.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: PCR, sequencing, genetic diagnosis, prenatal testing, pharmacogenomics, recombinant DNA, gene therapy and personalized medicine.
Model Answer
Introduction: DNA technology comprises techniques for analysing, amplifying, sequencing and modifying genetic material. It has transformed medicine by enabling diagnosis and treatment at the molecular level.
Major applications
- Genetic diagnosis: DNA analysis detects mutations responsible for disorders such as:
- thalassaemia;
- sickle-cell disease;
- cystic fibrosis.
- PCR-based diagnosis: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies specific DNA sequences, permitting detection of:
- pathogens;
- inherited mutations;
- very small biological samples.
- Prenatal diagnosis: DNA obtained through procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can detect selected inherited abnormalities.
- DNA sequencing: Whole-genome and targeted sequencing help identify disease-associated variants.
- Recombinant DNA technology: It enables production of therapeutic proteins such as recombinant human insulin.
- Pharmacogenomics: Genetic variation can help predict:
Drug response → Appropriate drug/dose → Personalized treatment
- Gene therapy: Functional genetic material may be introduced or edited to treat selected genetic disorders.
DNA technology also supports cancer genomics and transplantation-related testing.
Ethical concerns
Issues include:
- genetic privacy;
- discrimination;
- informed consent;
- unequal access.
Conclusion: DNA technology has moved medicine toward early diagnosis, molecular therapy and personalized healthcare, while simultaneously creating important ethical responsibilities concerning the use of genetic information.
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2015 — Paper I
28 questions7(a) What is an anthropometric somatotype ? Describe Heath and Carter's method of somatotyping.
20 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Human growth and development > Human physique and somatotypes
1(a) Archaeological Anthropology.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology > Archaeological Anthropology
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Postmodernism in Anthropology
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man > Biological and cultural factors in human evolution
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution > Homo erectus
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4 Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.4 Human Evolution > Theories of evolution > Darwinism
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.4 Family > Definition and universality of the family
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Diffusionism and Evolutionism
5(e) DNA technology in Medicine.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 12. Applications of Anthropology > DNA technology in diseases and medicine
5(b) Down's Syndrome.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4(c) Autosomal aberrations > Down syndrome
Syllabus: Paper I > 7. Culture, language and communication > Emic and etic perspectives
Syllabus: Paper I > 12. Applications of Anthropology > Forensic Anthropology > Personal identification
Syllabus: Paper I > 3. Economic Organization > Formalist and Substantivist debate
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Symbolic and Interpretive Anthropology > Geertz and Turner
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.3 Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection
1(e) Historical Particularism.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Historical Particularism (Boas)
1(d) Horticulture.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 3. Economic Organization > Modes of subsistence > Horticulture
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.1 Human Genetics: Methods and Application > Immunological methods
1(c) Incest Taboos.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.3 Marriage > Rules of marriage > Incest taboo
5(c) Longitudinal method of studying growth.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Human growth and development > Methodologies for growth studies > Longitudinal method
5(d) Menopause and its impact.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Classical Evolutionism > Morgan
5(a) Palaeolithic culture.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution: broad outlines of prehistoric cultures > Palaeolithic
7(b) Critically examine the physiological responses and acclimatization to cold climate in Man.
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Man's physiological responses to environmental stresses > Cold climate
Syllabus: Paper I > 5. Religion > Theories of religion > Durkheim; sacred and profane; totemism
1(b) Society and Culture.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.2 The Nature of Society > Society and culture