Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) November 3, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Science and Tech) November 3, 2025

Question 1 : Consider the following statements regarding artificial satellites and their orbital characteristics:

1. A geostationary satellite is always a geosynchronous satellite, but the reverse is not necessarily true

2. A satellite in geosynchronous orbit must be positioned directly above the Earth’s equator to appear stationary relative to a fixed ground location

3. Both geostationary and geosynchronous satellites have orbital periods equal to Earth’s sidereal day (23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds)

4. A satellite in inclined geosynchronous orbit will appear to oscillate in a figure-eight or analemma pattern when viewed from Earth’s surface

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Question 2. Which one of the following statements best describes the primary application of satellites placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

(a) Continuous weather monitoring of specific geographical regions
(b) High-resolution Earth observation and remote sensing
(c) Global navigation and positioning systems
(d) Fixed telecommunication services for broadcasting

Question 3. Consider the following statements about a peculiar state of matter:

1. It can flow through narrow channels without any friction

2. It exhibits zero viscosity below a critical temperature

3. Temperature and entropy propagate through it in the form of waves

4. Helium-4 enters this state below approximately 2.17 K

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Question 4: Consider the following statements regarding T cells and B cells in the context of immune response:

1. Both T cells and B cells are types of lymphocytes that originate in bone marrow but T cells mature in the thymus

2. Cytotoxic T cells directly recognize and destroy virus-infected cells, while B cells primarily work by secreting antibodies

3. Helper T cells activate and coordinate the immune response through cytokine secretion, which includes stimulating B cells to differentiate into plasma cells

4. Memory T cells derived from previous exposure to pathogens can provide immediate protection upon re-exposure to the same pathogen

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) All of the above
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Question 5. Consider the following statements regarding a hypothetical planetary engineering process:

1. It involves modifying a planet’s atmosphere, temperature, and surface topography

2. Mars is considered a potential candidate due to evidence of past water

3. The process aims to make hostile planets suitable for human habitation

4. Current technology is sufficient to accomplish this on Mars within a decade

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Question 6. The term “xenobiology” refers to:

(a) The study of extinct biological species through fossil records
(b) The study of life forms based on alternative biochemistries different from Earth’s DNA-RNA-protein system
(c) The study of diseases transmitted from animals to humans
(d) The study of organisms living in extreme environmental conditions on Earth

Question 7. With reference to recombinant DNA technology, consider the following statements:

1. It allows genes to be transferred across different species of plants

2. Human insulin (Humulin) is produced using this technology

3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to amplify specific DNA sequences

4. The technology cannot be applied to produce vaccines

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Question 8. Consider the following statements about CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology:

1. It uses guide RNA to direct Cas9 enzyme to specific locations in DNA

2. It has been successfully used to treat genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia

3. The Cas9 enzyme acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA

4. Changes made through this technology are always heritable to future generations

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 9. In the context of genetic engineering, which of the following applications is/are correct?

1. Bt cotton produces toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis to resist bollworm attacks

2. Golden rice is genetically modified to enhance Vitamin A content

3. Gene therapy can be used to treat single-gene disorders like hemophilia

4. Recombinant vaccines are produced by inserting pathogen genes into host cells

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 10. Consider the following statements regarding monoclonal antibodies:

1. They are produced by cloning a single type of B cell

2. They can bind to multiple different antigens simultaneously

3. They have been used in the treatment of COVID-19

4. They are naturally produced by the human immune system during infection

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS

Question 1 (REVISED): Answer (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct regarding the distinction between geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.​

• Statement 1 is correct: This is the fundamental relationship between the two orbit types. Every geostationary satellite is inherently geosynchronous because it matches Earth’s rotation period, but not all geosynchronous satellites are geostationary. A geostationary satellite has both the correct period AND the correct orbital plane (equatorial), whereas a geosynchronous satellite may have the correct period but an inclined or elliptical orbit.​

• Statement 2 is incorrect: While it is true that a geostationary satellite must be positioned above the equator to appear stationary, a geosynchronous satellite—despite having an orbital period matching Earth’s rotation—does NOT appear stationary when in an inclined orbit. Instead, it traces a fixed pattern over Earth, appearing to oscillate. An inclined geosynchronous satellite will not remain above a fixed ground location.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Both geostationary and geosynchronous satellites have orbital periods equal to Earth’s sidereal day (23 hours 56 minutes 4.1 seconds), not a mean solar day (24 hours). This precise matching of the sidereal period is what defines both orbit types as “synchronous.”​

• Statement 4 is correct: A satellite in an inclined geosynchronous orbit (not positioned above the equator) will appear to oscillate north and south when observed from Earth. This oscillating path is known as an analemma or figure-eight pattern in the sky. The satellite completes one revolution in exactly one day, matching Earth’s rotation, but because its orbit is inclined rather than equatorial, it does not remain fixed over one point.

Question 2: Answer (b)

Explanation: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is primarily used for high-resolution Earth observation and remote sensing.​

LEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 160 km to 1000 km, making them relatively closer to Earth’s surface compared to other orbits. This proximity enables:​

• High-resolution satellite imaging due to the closer distance to Earth’s surface​

• Remote sensing applications for monitoring climate, disasters, agriculture, and forests​

• Earth observation with detailed imagery​

The International Space Station (ISS) also uses LEO. Option (a) is incorrect as continuous weather monitoring of specific regions is typically done by GEO satellites. Option (c) is incorrect as navigation systems like GPS use Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Option (d) is incorrect as fixed telecommunication services for broadcasting primarily use GEO.​

Question 3: Answer (d)

Explanation: All four statements correctly describe superfluidity, particularly superfluid helium-4.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Superfluids can flow through narrow channels and fine capillaries without any friction, exhibiting dissipationless flow.​

• Statement 2 is correct: Superfluid helium exhibits zero viscosity below the critical temperature, allowing it to flow without resistance.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Unlike normal fluids, superfluids have infinite thermal conductivity and cannot support static temperature gradients. Instead, temperature and entropy propagate through them as waves known as “second sound”.​

• Statement 4 is correct: Liquid helium-4 undergoes a phase transition from normal fluid (He-I) to superfluid (He-II) below 2.17 K (also called the lambda point).​

Superfluidity is a quantum mechanical phenomenon related to Bose-Einstein condensation. This state of matter is used in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider for cooling superconducting magnets.​

Question 4 : Answer (b)

Explanation: All four statements are correct regarding T cells and B cells in immune response.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Both T cells and B cells are lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) with different developmental paths. B cells originate in bone marrow and mature there, while T cells originate in bone marrow but undergo maturation and differentiation in the thymus gland. In the thymus, T cells multiply and differentiate into different functional types: helper T cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), regulatory T cells, and memory T cells.​

• Statement 2 is correct: This describes two key roles in adaptive immunity. Cytotoxic T cells (also called CD8+ T cells or killer T cells) directly recognize antigen fragments presented on infected cells via MHC class I molecules and kill these cells through lysis, thereby eliminating viral infections and cancerous cells. B lymphocytes, conversely, primarily function by secreting antibodies (immunoglobulins) into body fluids, where these proteins bind to pathogens or toxins to neutralize them.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) orchestrate the adaptive immune response through the secretion of chemical messengers called cytokines. These cytokines stimulate the differentiation of activated B cells into plasma cells (antibody-secreting cells) and memory B cells, and also coordinate the activation of cytotoxic T cells and other immune cells. Without helper T cells, effective antibody production and cellular immunity are severely compromised.​

• Statement 4 is correct: Memory T cells are formed during the initial immune response to a pathogen and persist for extended periods—sometimes for the lifetime of the individual. Upon re-exposure to the same pathogen (or antigen), these memory T cells rapidly proliferate and differentiate into effector T cells without requiring the extended activation period needed for naive T cells. This rapid response provides immediate protection, which is the immunological basis for vaccine efficacy and natural immunity acquired after infection.

Question 5: Answer (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct regarding terraforming.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Terraforming involves planetary engineering that modifies a planet’s atmosphere, temperature, surface topography, and ecology to make it Earth-like.​

• Statement 2 is correct: Mars is considered a prime candidate for terraforming because evidence shows it once had water, a denser atmosphere, and a warmer climate.​

• Statement 3 is correct: The goal of terraforming is to transform hostile planetary environments into habitable worlds that can sustain human life without protective equipment.​

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Current technology is NOT sufficient to accomplish terraforming on Mars. It is considered infeasible with present-day technology, and even with future advances, the process would take much longer than a decade—potentially centuries.​

Scientists have proposed methods like introducing greenhouse gases or engineered nanoparticles to warm Mars, but these remain theoretical and would require massive resources and time.​

Question 6: Answer (b)

Explanation: Xenobiology refers to the study of life forms based on alternative biochemistries different from Earth’s DNA-RNA-protein system.​

The term “xenobiology” literally means “the study of alien life” (from Greek: xeno = foreign/alien; biology = study of life). Key aspects include:​

• Studying organisms that might use different genetic codes, non-standard amino acids, or alternative solvents like methane or ammonia instead of water.​

• Exploring how life could exist using biological systems fundamentally different from Earth-based biology.​

• Engineering bacteria with extra DNA bases beyond the standard A, T, C, G.​

• Understanding the limits and alternative definitions of life.​

Option (a) is incorrect as paleontology studies extinct species through fossils. Option (c) refers to zoonotic diseases. Option (d) describes extremophiles, which are Earth-based organisms adapted to extreme conditions.​

Question 7: Answer (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct regarding recombinant DNA technology.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Recombinant DNA technology allows genes to be transferred across different species of plants, and even between animals and plants.​

• Statement 2 is correct: Human insulin (Humulin) was one of the first commercially successful products of recombinant DNA technology, produced by inserting human insulin genes into bacteria.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a crucial technique used to amplify (create multiple copies of) specific DNA sequences in vitro, developed by Kary Mullis in 1983.​

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Recombinant DNA technology CAN be used to produce vaccines. In fact, hepatitis B vaccine and many other recombinant vaccines are produced using this technology by inserting pathogen genes into host cells.​

Other applications include production of human growth hormone, blood clotting factors, and monoclonal antibodies.​

Question 8: Answer (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct about CRISPR-Cas9 technology.​

• Statement 1 is correct: CRISPR-Cas9 uses guide RNA (gRNA) designed to direct the Cas9 enzyme to precise locations in the genome where editing is needed.​

• Statement 2 is correct: CRISPR-based gene editing has been successfully used to treat genetic disorders including sickle cell anemia, with clinical trials showing positive results.​

• Statement 3 is correct: The Cas9 enzyme acts as “molecular scissors” that cut DNA at specific targeted locations.​

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Changes made through CRISPR are NOT always heritable. There are two types of gene editing: somatic gene editing (affects only specific tissues, not passed to offspring) and germline gene editing (affects reproductive cells and is heritable). Most therapeutic applications use somatic editing for ethical and safety reasons.​

CRISPR-Cas9 has also been used to treat conditions like Leber congenital amaurosis, cystic fibrosis, and certain cancers.​

Question 9: Answer (d)

Explanation: All four statements are correct applications of genetic engineering.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Bt cotton is genetically modified to produce Cry proteins (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which are toxic to bollworm pests but harmless to other organisms.​

• Statement 2 is correct: Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), addressing Vitamin A deficiency in populations dependent on rice as a staple food.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Gene therapy is being developed and used to treat single-gene disorders such as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy by replacing or correcting defective genes.​

• Statement 4 is correct: Recombinant vaccines are produced by inserting specific pathogen genes into host cells (like bacteria or yeast), which then produce viral proteins that stimulate immunity without causing disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is a prime example.​

Other applications include production of insulin, growth hormones, and development of disease-resistant crops.​

Question 10: Answer (a)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct regarding monoclonal antibodies.​

• Statement 1 is correct: Monoclonal antibodies are produced by cloning a single type of immune cell (B cell), which generates large quantities of identical antibodies that are exact copies of one antibody.​

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Monoclonal antibodies have monovalent affinity, meaning they bind to only ONE specific epitope (part of an antigen). This is the key difference from polyclonal antibodies, which come from multiple B cell types and bind to multiple antigens.​

• Statement 3 is correct: Monoclonal antibodies have been used in the treatment of COVID-19. Several mAb cocktails like REGEN-COV2 were developed and used to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus.​

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Monoclonal antibodies are NOT naturally produced by the human immune system during infection. They are artificially created in laboratories to mimic natural antibodies. The body naturally produces polyclonal antibodies (from multiple B cells) during infection.​

Monoclonal antibodies are also used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other infectious diseases.

Daily Static Quiz