Science & Tech. (Applications of Technological Developments in our everyday life) by Rajvardhan
- Category
GS -III - Test Date
14-03-2024 07:00 AM
Instruction:
- There will be 2 questions carrying the First Question is-10 marks Write your answers in 150 words and the Second Question is-15 marks Write your answers in 250 words.
- Any page left blank in the answer-book must be crossed out clearly.
- Evaluated Copy will be re-uploaded on the same thread after 2 days of uploading the copy.
- Discussion of the question and one to one answer improvement session of evaluated copies will be conducted through Google Meet with concerned faculty. You will be informed via mail or SMS for the discussion.
Question #1. Discuss the applications of biotechnology for energy production. 10 marks (150 words)
Question #2. Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in the health sector. 15 marks (250 words)
(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate's grasp of his/her material, its relevance to the subject chosen, and to his/ her ability to think constructively and to present his/her ideas concisely, logically and effectively).
Model Answer
Question #1. Discuss the applications of biotechnology for energy production. 10 marks (150 words)
Biotechnology is emerging as a game-changer in the energy sector, offering ways to produce cleaner and more sustainable energy. Here's a look at its key applications:
Biofuels: Biotechnology helps create fuels from renewable sources like plant material (biomass). Microbes are engineered to efficiently break down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls, into fermentable sugars. This is then converted into bioethanol (alcohol fuel) or biodiesel (similar to diesel).
Enhanced Biomass Production: Scientists are using genetic modification to create crops with higher yields and faster growth rates. This allows for more efficient production of biofuel feedstocks without increasing land use. Additionally, research is underway on engineering plants that can convert sunlight more efficiently, boosting overall biomass production.
Microbial Fuel Cells: These innovative devices use bacteria to break down organic matter and generate electricity. The microbes release electrons as they consume the organic material, which can be channeled through electrodes to produce a current. While still under development, microbial fuel cells hold promise for powering small devices or even generating electricity in wastewater treatment plants.
Biorefineries: Similar to traditional oil refineries, biorefineries use biotechnology to convert biomass into a wider range of bio-based products. This includes not just biofuels but also bioplastics, biochemicals, and other valuable products. By utilizing all components of the biomass, biorefineries promote a more sustainable approach to resource management.
Fossil Fuel Improvements: While biofuels aim to replace fossil fuels, biotechnology can also optimize their use. Microbes can be employed to enhance oil recovery from depleted fields and even clean up oil spills. Additionally, bioengineering can create microorganisms that can break down pollutants generated during fossil fuel combustion, reducing their environmental impact.
These are just some of the ways biotechnology is transforming energy production. As research continue more innovative applications that will lead to a cleaner and more secure energy future would be developed.
Question #2. Discuss the applications of nanotechnology in health sector. 15 marks (250 words)
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing healthcare by offering tools to manipulate matter at the incredibly tiny scale of nanometers (one billionth of a meter). This unique size allows them to interact with cells and molecules in the body, opening doors for exciting applications:
Drug Delivery: Nanoparticles can be designed to act as Trojan horses, carrying medication directly to diseased cells. This targeted approach minimizes side effects by delivering drugs only where needed.
Diagnostics: Nanobiosensors can detect biomarkers associated with diseases like cancer at much earlier stages. These tiny sensors can be incorporated into diagnostic tools or even be ingested for internal monitoring. Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates.
Imaging: Nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents in imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound. By accumulating in specific areas, they enhance the contrast between healthy and diseased tissues, allowing for clearer and more accurate diagnoses.
Tissue Engineering: Imagine using nanofibers to create scaffolds that mimic the natural environment of cells! This paves the way for regenerating damaged tissues or organs. Research is ongoing for applications in bone repair, wound healing, and even artificial skin grafts.
Therapies: Nanoparticles can be used not just for drug delivery but also for direct therapeutic interventions. For instance, gold nanoparticles can be heated with lasers to destroy cancerous cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Nanotechnology is still in its early stages within healthcare, but the potential is immense. As research progresses, we can expect even more sophisticated applications leading to personalized medicine, targeted treatments, and potentially even cures for currently untreatable diseases.
Procedure of Answer Writing:
To participate in the answer writing program, Register yourself for the test. Copies will be evaluated only for the registered students. Registration will be closed after the scheduled date.
Answer Writing, Copy Evaluation, and Marks Improvement Cycle:
Step 1 (Theme, Details & Its Topics):
- Every round of Answer writing initiative will be around a theme related to the Subject/Topic.
- Please read the theme and its description, and try to cover the topics given within the theme before writing the answer along with the sources.
Step 2 (Answer Writing):
- Questions will be uploaded on the portal on the scheduled date at 7:00 AM.
- You have to write your answers on an A4 size sheet leaving margins on both sides based on the UPSC pattern.
- Mention your name, email id, location, and phone number on the 1st page in the top right corner and the page number on each page.
- After writing the answers, Click pictures of each page of your answer sheet, merge them all in a single PDF and upload them in the upload section of the same question.
- Kindly submit your written answers before 7:00 PM. Only the first 100 copies will be considered for evaluation. No request for late submission or evaluation will be entertained once the 100 mark is reached.
Note: Answer sheets without the proper guidelines given above will not be accepted for evaluation.
Step 3 (Copy Evaluation): Copies will be evaluated in the next 72 hours of the test date. After evaluation, copies will be uploaded into your account. During the copy evaluation period, doubt clearing and discussion about the theme or topic of the test with respective mentors of the test will be done in the telegram group.
Step 4 (Mentorship): Evaluated copies will be sent to you via mail and also uploaded into your account on the website. After that a mentorship session for the marks improvement with respective faculty will be conducted on the Google Meet, so that students can get a wider perspective of the topics. Here you can discuss your evaluated copies also with the faculty. Top 5 copies of every test will be shared in the telegram group for reference.
Note: Aspirants who have not written the test can also participate in the mentorship session.
For Updates and Mentorship of the session, you will be notified through SMS or Telegram Group.
Note: You have to write your answers on an A4 size sheet leaving margins on both sides based on UPSC pattern. Mention Your Name on 1st page and Page Number on each page. After writing the answer, Click pictures of each page of your answer sheet, merge them all in a single PDF and upload in the Your Answer Copy section of the same question.
Copy submission is closed now for this test.
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