Functional chromosomes and DNA tech — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2019
With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?
- Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
- Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
- A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
- Cells taken out from plasma and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
Explanation
Statement (a) is not correct
- Creating functional chromosomes by combining DNA from different species is not feasible with current scientific advancements. While scientists can transfer genes between species (as in genetically modified organisms), constructing fully functional chromosomes from DNA segments of different species is not yet possible.
Statement (b) is correct
- Scientists have developed the technology to artificially synthesize DNA sequences in the lab. Using automated machines and chemical processes, they can create specific pieces of DNA that mimic natural DNA sequences.
Statement (c) is correct
- The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a common laboratory technique that allows scientists to replicate or amplify a specific segment of DNA outside of living cells. This method uses enzymes, like Taq polymerase, to repeatedly duplicate the DNA, producing millions or even billions of copies from a single DNA fragment.
Statement (d) is correct
- Cells taken from animals (e.g., skin, blood, or organ cells) can be cultured in petri dishes under the right laboratory conditions. This process is known as cell culture.
Answer: (a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species; Difficulty Level: Easy
