Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) November 24, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) November 24, 2025

Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding emerging therapeutic approaches in genetic medicine:

1. CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors that can recognize and destroy cancer cells, but the cells cannot be edited using CRISPR technology.
2. CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise insertion of CAR at specific genomic locations, reducing off-target effects compared to earlier viral vector-based methods.
3. Allogeneic CAR-T cells edited via CRISPR can be produced in bulk, cryopreserved, and deployed without requiring personalized cell harvesting for each patient.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 2

With reference to the mechanisms of vaccine technology, which of the following correctly describes the pathway of mRNA vaccines compared to viral vector vaccines?

1. mRNA vaccines directly insert genetic code into host cell nucleus, while viral vectors require intact viruses to enter cells and hijack cellular machinery.
2. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in mRNA vaccines protect mRNA and facilitate cellular uptake, whereas viral vectors use engineered harmless viruses as natural delivery vehicles.
3. Both mRNA and viral vector vaccines trigger immune response through the same mechanism—direct presentation of viral proteins rather than cellular production of antigens.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 3

The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) programme, which succeeded the Nirbhay development project, incorporates several advanced features. Which of the following statements about this system is/are accurate?

1. ITCM features a Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by GTRE, reducing India’s dependency on Russian engines.
2. The missile employs terrain-hugging and sea-skimming capabilities, validated through recent tests with way-points at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5 km.
3. ITCM can carry only conventional warheads due to international treaty obligations, unlike the earlier Nirbhay variant.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 4

With reference to the Astra air-to-air missile system developed by DRDO, consider the following statements:

1. Astra Mark 2 incorporates dual-pulse solid rocket propulsion, enabling a range exceeding 150-200+ km and speeds up to Mach 4.5.
2. The missile is equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), allowing off-boresight targeting and mid-course data-link updates.
3. Astra Mark 2 uses ramjet propulsion similar to BrahMos, making it faster but reducing its operational compatibility with Su-30 MKI aircraft.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 5

Consider the following statements regarding terahertz (THz) communication in 6G networks:

1. The terahertz band for 6G operates in the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz, enabling data transmission rates of terabits per second (Tbps) and low latency communication.
2. 6G will operate exclusively within terahertz bands and cannot utilize existing 5G frequency bands such as sub-8 GHz or millimeter-wave ranges.
3. Terahertz communication enables applications including non-destructive imaging, spectroscopy, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC).

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 6

With reference to nanomedicine and drug delivery systems, which of the following is/are correct?

1. Nanoparticles enable passive and active targeting of drugs to specific organs; organic nanoparticles like liposomes and dendrimers offer superior biocompatibility for organ-specific applications.
2. Nanodrugs enhance oral bioavailability by protecting medications from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract through endocytosis pathways.
3. Current FDA-approved nanomedicine applications are limited to cancer therapy and cannot be extended to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 7

Consider the following statements regarding RuBisCO enzyme in photosynthesis:

1. RuBisCO catalyzes the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), the first committed step of the Calvin cycle, converting CO₂ into two 3-phosphoglycerate molecules.
2. RuBisCO exhibits both carboxylase and oxygenase activities; when oxygen concentrations are high, it oxygenates RuBP, leading to photorespiration, which wastes ATP without producing sugars.
3. In C3 plants, RuBisCO is located in bundle sheath cells, while in C4 plants, it is distributed throughout mesophyll cells, optimizing carbon fixation efficiency.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 8

With reference to plant auxins and their mechanism of action, consider the following:

1. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the primary endogenous auxin, is synthesized in apical meristems and transported via polar transport mechanisms facilitated by PIN-Formed (PIN) proteins.
2. Auxin promotes cell elongation by activating proton pumps that acidify the cell wall, reducing its rigidity through interactions with expansin proteins and other cell wall-loosening factors.
3. Auxin exclusively promotes cell elongation and cannot influence cell division, root geotropism, or interactions with other hormones like ethylene.

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Question 9

Consider the following statements regarding stem cells and gene therapy technologies:

1. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state; they can model genetic diseases and are currently used in clinical trials for regenerative medicine applications.
2. Somatic cell gene therapy introduces genes into non-reproductive cells, whereas germline gene therapy modifies reproductive cells, with the latter banned in most countries due to ethical and safety concerns.
3. Gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) offer similar precision; however, CRISPR is preferred due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and fewer off-target effects.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Question 10

With reference to quantum computing, consider the following statements:

1. Quantum computers use qubits that can exist in a superposition of 0, 1, or both simultaneously, enabling massive parallelism compared to classical binary bits.
2. Superconducting qubits are maintained at room temperature under ultrahigh vacuum, making them more practical for commercial deployment than trapped-ion systems.
3. Quantum decoherence and the fragility of qubit states limit the number of sequential operations; for example, IBM’s 27-qubit system reported coherence times of only 47 microseconds.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

Question 1: Answer – (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: CAR-T cells CAN be edited using CRISPR technology. In fact, CRISPR-Cas9 is the most advanced and precise method for generating CAR-T cell therapies. CRISPR enables scientists to insert the CAR at precise target regions of the genome, knock out genes responsible for cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and edit multiple genes simultaneously—something historically challenging with earlier methods. The statement reverses the correct information.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: CRISPR-Cas9 allows precise insertion of the CAR at specific genomic locations, significantly reducing off-target effects compared to earlier viral vector-based methods that relied on random integration, leading to undesired effects like clonal expansion and transcriptional silencing.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: CRISPR-edited allogeneic CAR-T cells can be produced by knocking out genes responsible for non-self recognition, enabling them to be produced in bulk, cryopreserved, and stored at facilities without requiring personalized cell harvesting for each individual patient. This eliminates transportation requirements and increases accessibility.

Key Concept: CRISPR has revolutionized CAR-T therapy by enabling both autologous personalized approaches and allogeneic off-the-shelf products, representing a paradigm shift in precision medicine.

Question 2: Answer – (b) 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: mRNA vaccines do NOT insert genetic code into the cell nucleus. Instead, mRNA enters the cytoplasm of muscle cells and uses the cell’s own machinery (ribosomes) to produce the target antigen protein (e.g., spike protein). The mRNA is then broken down and removed as waste. Viral vectors do use intact engineered viruses to enter cells and hijack cellular machinery, but this comparison is inaccurate regarding mRNA.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) protect mRNA during transit and facilitate cellular uptake through endocytosis. Viral vector vaccines (e.g., Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Oxford AstraZeneca) use harmless viruses as natural delivery vehicles to introduce genetic material. Both trigger immune responses but through different delivery mechanisms.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: Both vaccine types do NOT trigger immune response through identical mechanisms. mRNA vaccines result in cellular production of antigens within the vaccinated person’s cells, which are then presented to the immune system. Viral vector vaccines introduce genetic material using harmless viruses as carriers. While both ultimately trigger adaptive immunity, the presentation pathways differ in timing and cellular location.

Key Concept: mRNA and viral vector vaccines differ in delivery mechanism (synthetic LNPs vs. biological viruses) and antigen presentation pathway, though both are effective immunological strategies.

Question 3: Answer – (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: The ITCM programme successfully incorporates the Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed indigenously by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This marks a significant achievement in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, eliminating dependency on Russian engines previously used in Nirbhay developmental tests and reducing import costs.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Recent developmental trials have successfully validated the missile’s terrain-hugging (flying at 5-50 meters altitude) and sea-skimming capabilities. The missile navigated waypoints at altitudes varying from 5 meters to 2.5 km, demonstrating its ability to follow terrain contours while maintaining subsonic speeds, making it difficult to intercept with conventional air defence systems.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: ITCM can carry BOTH conventional AND nuclear warheads, just like the Nirbhay system. There are no international treaty obligations restricting India’s cruise missiles to conventional warheads only. The missile is designed as a multi-platform system capable of surface-to-surface delivery across various platforms (Army, Navy, Air Force) with flexible payload options.

Key Concept: ITCM represents the evolution of Nirbhay with indigenous propulsion, enhanced guidance systems, and proven low-altitude flight capabilities critical for strategic deterrence.

Question 4: Answer – (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Astra Mark 2 features a dual-pulse solid rocket motor (compared to single-pulse in Mk-1), providing sustained thrust and high terminal energy. It achieves an operational range of 150-200+ km (an extended variant exceeds 200 km) and speeds up to Mach 4.5, enabling engagement of fast-moving aerial targets at beyond-visual-range (BVR) distances.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Astra Mark 2 is equipped with an indigenous RF (radio-frequency) seeker and Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) for precision strike and survivability in contested environments. It supports off-boresight targeting (engaging targets outside the aircraft’s nose direction) and mid-course data-link updates from the launch platform, enabling course corrections based on real-time intelligence.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: Astra Mark 2 does NOT use ramjet propulsion; it uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor. BrahMos uses a ramjet engine. Additionally, Astra Mark 2 is COMPATIBLE with Su-30 MKI, LCA Tejas, and will be integrated with future platforms like Rafale, AMCA, and TEDBF. The solid rocket motor configuration does not limit compatibility; rather, it provides the necessary thrust for the required range and speed characteristics.

Key Concept: Astra Mark 2 represents a significant upgrade in India’s air-combat capabilities, offering comparable performance to international systems like China’s PL-15 and the US AIM-120D AMRAAM.

Question 5: Answer – (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: The terahertz band for 6G encompasses frequencies from 0.1 to 10 THz, enabling peak data transmission rates of terabits per second (Tbps) and ultra-low latency communication. This massive bandwidth addresses spectrum scarcity challenges faced by current 5G networks and supports next-generation applications.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: 6G will NOT operate exclusively within terahertz bands. Instead, 6G will operate across a WIDE spectrum of frequency bands, complementing lower frequencies. According to current research, 6G communications will also operate at existing 5G frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz ranges, millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, and traditional bands. Terahertz represents an important but not exclusive component of 6G infrastructure.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Terahertz communication enables diverse applications including:

• Non-destructive imaging (security scanners)
• Spectroscopy (material analysis)
• Holographic communication
• Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
• Short-distance ultra-high-speed data transmission
• Wireless data center connectivity

Key Concept: Terahertz is a complementary technology for 6G, not a replacement for existing bands; it addresses ultra-high-speed communication needs while lower frequencies maintain coverage and penetration.

Question 6: Answer – (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Nanomedicine employs both passive targeting (based on the enhanced permeability and retention effect) and active targeting (using surface functionalization for specific binding). Organic nanoparticles like liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric micelles offer superior biocompatibility and functional flexibility. Different nanoparticle systems are designed for organ-specific delivery to the heart, lungs, brain, liver, kidneys, and digestive tract, navigating distinct anatomical and physiological barriers.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Nanodrugs enhance oral bioavailability by utilizing traditional absorptive endocytosis pathways. The small size of nanoparticles allows them to penetrate cell membranes more effectively and protects medications from enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, improving drug absorption and reducing systemic toxicity compared to conventional delivery methods.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: Nanomedicine applications are NOT limited to cancer therapy. FDA-approved nanotherapeutics and ongoing clinical research extend nanomedicine to:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases)
• Eye disorders and ophthalmology
• Antibiotic resistance management
• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
• Cardiovascular conditions

Nanomedicine represents a broad therapeutic platform applicable across multiple disease categories, with particularly promising results in treating complex neurological and chronic diseases.

Key Concept: Nanomedicine’s versatility stems from the ability to engineer nanoparticles with specific properties for targeted drug delivery to various organs and disease sites, marking a paradigm shift from conventional pharmacotherapy.

Question 7: Answer – (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) catalyzes the carboxylation of RuBP, converting it into two molecules of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). This is the first committed step of the Calvin cycle in carbon fixation, occurring in all plants (C3, C4, and CAM pathways). This reaction is the rate-limiting step of photosynthesis, with RuBisCO fixing only 3-10 CO₂ molecules per second per enzyme molecule.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: RuBisCO possesses dual enzymatic activities—carboxylase and oxygenase. Under high oxygen concentrations and low CO₂ levels, RuBisCO oxygenates RuBP, initiating photorespiration. This process produces phosphoglycerate (3-carbon) and phosphoglycolate (2-carbon), but neither generates ATP nor produces sugars, representing an energetically wasteful pathway that dissipates photosynthetic energy.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: The cellular location of RuBisCO is REVERSED in the statement. In C3 plants, RuBisCO is located in MESOPHYLL cells where the Calvin cycle occurs. In C4 plants, RuBisCO is concentrated in BUNDLE SHEATH cells, not mesophyll cells. This compartmentalization in C4 plants reduces photorespiration because CO₂ is initially concentrated in mesophyll cells and converted to a 4-carbon intermediate before being transported to bundle sheath cells, where RuBisCO encounters higher CO₂:O₂ ratios.

Key Concept: RuBisCO’s dual specificity for CO₂ and O₂ creates a fundamental trade-off in photosynthesis; C4 plants evolved to minimize photorespiration through spatial compartmentalization, demonstrating an elegant physiological adaptation.

Question 8: Answer – (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the primary naturally occurring plant auxin, synthesized predominantly in the shoot apex, apical meristems, and young leaves. IAA is transported throughout the plant via a polar transport mechanism facilitated by PIN-Formed (PIN) proteins and Auxin1/Like-Aux1 (AUX/LAX) transporters. This directional, cell-to-cell polar transport ensures precise spatial distribution essential for developmental regulation.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Auxin promotes cell elongation through multiple mechanisms: it activates proton pumps (H⁺-ATPases) that acidify the cell wall, reducing its rigidity. Additionally, auxin interacts with wall-loosening proteins like expansins and regulates the expression of genes encoding cell wall-modifying enzymes. The lowered pH enables cell wall extension and turgor-driven cell expansion, leading to increased cell length.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: This statement incorrectly limits auxin’s functions. Auxin has MULTIPLE physiological roles beyond cell elongation:

• Cell division: Involved in embryonic development
• Cell differentiation: Regulates organ formation
• Root geotropism: Promotes downward root growth in response to gravity
• Hormonal interactions: Cooperates with ethylene in regulating abscission, senescence, and apical dominance
• Vascular development: Essential for xylem and phloem formation

Auxin’s versatility as a developmental regulator makes it one of the most physiologically important plant hormones.

Key Concept: Auxin’s mechanism of action operates at multiple biological levels—molecular (gene expression), cellular (wall loosening, cell division), and organismal (organ development, environmental responses)—making it central to plant growth and tropism.

Question 9: Answer – (c) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived by reprogramming adult cells (skin, blood) back to an embryonic-like pluripotent state. iPSCs can differentiate into any cell type in the body and serve multiple functions:

• Disease modeling: Studying genetic diseases like Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, autism
• Drug development: Testing therapeutic compounds
• Regenerative medicine: Clinical trials for tissue repair (currently in early phases)
• Organ synthesis and cell production

iPSCs represent a breakthrough in regenerative medicine due to their unlimited self-renewal capacity and ethical advantages over embryonic stem cells.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Gene therapy approaches differ fundamentally:

• Somatic cell gene therapy: Modifies non-reproductive cells (body cells); therapeutic effects remain with the treated individual and are NOT inherited by offspring
• Germline gene therapy: Modifies reproductive cells (egg, sperm, or embryos); changes are transmissible to future generations
  Due to ethical concerns regarding long-term effects and unintended consequences for future generations, germline gene therapy is banned or severely restricted in most countries, while somatic gene therapy is advancing through clinical trials.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: While multiple gene editing tools exist (CRISPR-Cas9, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), TALENs), CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as the preferred technology due to:

• Precision: Fewer off-target effects compared to ZFNs
• Simplicity: Easier to design and implement than other systems
• Cost-effectiveness: Lower development and production costs
• Versatility: Can perform multiple edits simultaneously
• Efficiency: Higher success rates in generating CAR-T cells and other genetic modifications

CRISPR has become the gold standard for genetic medicine applications, with multiple ongoing clinical trials for conditions like sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.

Key Concept: iPSCs, somatic gene therapy, and CRISPR technology represent a convergence of regenerative medicine and genetic engineering, offering unprecedented opportunities for treating previously untreatable genetic and acquired diseases.

Question 10: Answer – (b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Quantum computers operate on principles fundamentally different from classical computing. Qubits can exist in a superposition of states—simultaneously being 0, 1, or both. Unlike classical bits that exist in only one state at any moment, this superposition enables quantum computers to explore multiple computational pathways simultaneously, providing massive parallelism and the potential for exponential speedup on specific problems like drug discovery, cryptography, and optimization.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: This statement contains a critical factual error regarding qubit types:

• Superconducting qubits: Maintained at temperatures NEAR ABSOLUTE ZERO (approximately -273°C) within vacuum chambers with vibration dampening and magnetic shielding. They are NOT at room temperature.
• Trapped-ion qubits: Manipulated using lasers and kept in ultrahigh vacuum environments
• Diamond defect qubits: Provide stability at room temperature

Superconducting qubits are currently the most developed and widely used (by Google, IBM) but require extreme cooling, making them less practical for widespread deployment than the statement suggests. Trapped-ion systems, while requiring ultrahigh vacuum, can achieve longer coherence times and higher fidelity operations.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Quantum decoherence represents a fundamental limitation of current quantum computing:

• Qubits require isolation in delicate quantum states, maintained through extremely low temperatures, precision lasers, and microwave pulses
• Decoherence times are extraordinarily short; for example, IBM’s 27-qubit system achieved coherence times of only 47 microseconds
• This severely limits the number of sequential quantum operations that can be performed reliably before quantum information is lost
• Error correction requires additional qubits and complex algorithms
• Google’s 72-qubit quantum computer requires near-absolute-zero temperatures, vacuum chambers, vibration isolation, and magnetic shielding, increasing complexity exponentially

Key Concept: While quantum computing offers tremendous potential for specific applications (drug discovery, materials science, optimization), current technological constraints—particularly decoherence and hardware fragility—remain significant barriers to practical universal quantum computation.

Daily Static Quiz