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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2023/Paper I/Applied & Forensic Anthropology
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper I 2023 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Practical Applications of DNA Technology — 2023 Paper I

Question · 2023 · Paper I · 15 Marks

Describe the practical applications of DNA technology in the current scenario.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Introduction DNA technology encompasses techniques used to study, manipulate, and sequence genetic material. With the advent of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, DNA technology has transitioned from a purely diagnostic tool to a foundational pillar of the modern bio-economy, offering solutions to pressing global challenges.

Body: Practical Applications in the Current Scenario

  1. Healthcare and Medicine
  • Gene Therapy & Precision Medicine: Technologies like CRISPR are being used to cure genetic disorders. Example: The recent approval of 'Casgevy' (CRISPR-based therapy) for Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassemia.
  • Advanced Therapeutics: CAR-T cell therapy involves genetically reprogramming a patient's immune cells to fight cancer (e.g., India's indigenous NexCAR19).
  • Vaccine Development: DNA and mRNA platforms (which rely on genetic sequencing) enabled the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., ZyCoV-D, the world's first plasmid DNA vaccine).
  • Genomic Surveillance: Projects like INSACOG and the Genome India Project are sequencing thousands of genomes to map disease susceptibility and track pathogen mutations.
  1. Agriculture and Food Security
  • Genome Editing (SDN1/SDN2): India has exempted certain genome-edited crops from stringent GMO regulations, accelerating the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties.
  • Transgenics: Developing pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops. Example: GM Mustard (DMH-11) for increasing domestic edible oil production.
  • Bio-fortification: Enhancing the nutritional profile of crops to fight hidden hunger (e.g., Golden Rice).
  1. Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity
  • Conservation Genetics: DNA profiling is used to track wildlife poaching and manage the genetic diversity of endangered species. Example: Genetic mapping in 'Project Cheetah' to prevent inbreeding.
  • eDNA (Environmental DNA): Analyzing DNA traces in water or soil to monitor local biodiversity without capturing animals.
  • Bioremediation: Genetically engineered microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas putida) are used to clean up oil spills and degrade microplastics.
  1. Governance, Forensics, and Internal Security
  • Disaster Victim Identification: DNA profiling was extensively used to identify victims of recent mass tragedies, such as the Balasore train accident.
  • Crime and Justice: Advanced Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling helps in solving cold cases, establishing paternity, and securing convictions with infallible evidence.

Challenges and Ethical Concerns in the Current Scenario While applications are vast, they bring challenges regarding Data Privacy (misuse of genomic data), Bio-ethics (fears of 'designer babies' via germline editing), and Ecological Risks (unintended consequences of gene drives).

Conclusion DNA technology is the cornerstone of the 21st-century bio-economy. To harness its full potential while mitigating risks, India must operationalize robust regulatory frameworks—such as the proposed DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation guidelines—balancing scientific innovation with bio-ethics and data privacy. This will be crucial in achieving a 'Healthy India' and driving the 'BioE3' (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) vision.

2026 What is meant by a somatotype? Discuss the Heath-Carter anthropometric method, giving its advantages over that of Sheldon's method. How can somatotyping be applied in sports sciences? 2026 Anthropometry in ergonomics. 2026 Health as a cultural construct. 2025 Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique.

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2023 — Paper I

28 questions

1(b) Cultural impact of Iron Age

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution > Iron Age
2023Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

1(e) Gene expression

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.7 The biological basis of life > Gene and protein synthesis
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(c) Glottochronology

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 7. Culture, language and communication > Language change
2023Paper ICulture & SocietyModel answer available

5(d) Menopausal symptoms

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyAnswer coming soon

5(a) Polygenic Inheritance

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.2 Mendelian genetics in man > Polygenic inheritance
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(c) Race and Ethnicity

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.5 Race and racism > Race and ethnicity
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(e) William Ogburn and Cultural lag

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Cultural lag (Ogburn)
2023Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available