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Topic Genetic engineering
Asked 11 times across 3 UPSC exams over 32 years (1990–2022), peaking in 2001.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 8 of 11 PYQs
- Most asked in 2001
- Recurs across 8 years (1990–2022)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1990 → CDS 2015 → EPFO 2015
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (9 of 11) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2022
Which one of the following statements is not correct with regard to genetically modified organisms ?
- A In this technique a gene from one organism is isolated and transferred to the cell of another organism.
- B This technique has applications only in plants. ✓
- C Genes for insect resistance may spread from crop plants to wild plants.
- D To produce a transgenic animal the novel genes are inserted at a very early stage of development.
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
CSE2021
With reference to recent developments regarding 'Recombinant Vector Vaccines', consider the following statements
- Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines
- Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2 ✓
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
CDS2015
Who among the following is considered as the father of genetic engineering?
- A Philip Drinker
- B Paul Berg ✓
- C Thomas Addison
- D Alpheus S. Packard Jr.
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
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