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Topic Stem cells
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 12 years (2012–2024), peaking in 2012.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 2012
- Recurs across 2 years (2012–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2012 → CISF 2024
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (1 of 2) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CISF2024
Consider the following statements about stem cells
- Stem cells have the potential for self-renewal via mitotic cell division
- In 1908, James Thomas and his colleagues first derived human embryonic stem cells from donated blastocysts through in vitro fertilization
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: (A)
Science & Technology › Biology & Health
CSE2012
With reference to 'stem cells', frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
- Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs
- Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only ✓
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
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