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BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN
- HIMABINDU
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 HIMA BINDU

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Animal cell:
Only cell membrane
and no cell wall
Plant cells:
Cell membrane + Cell
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wall (Cellulose based)
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Bacterial cells:
Cell membrane + Cell
A B
wall (made up of
IM
Peptidoglycan)
H
Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general
difference between plant cells and animal cells? (UPSC 2020)
1.Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2.Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animals cells which
do
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3.Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many
I
B
small vacuoles

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Select the correct answer using the given code below-
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 onlyH I
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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HIMA BINDU
• Each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.
• First 22 pairs of chromosomes are called Autosomes.
• Autosomes control / determine the characters that are common for both
sexes.
U
• 23rd pair of chromosomes are called allosomes.
D
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• Allosomes are also called as sex chromosomes.
I
A B
• Sex chromosomes are of two types, X & Y
• X is female sex chromosome. It controls female sex characters and

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some common characters like color vision, blood clotting, brain
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development etc. (Larger)
• Y is male sex chromosome. It controls male sex characters. (Smaller)
• 23rd pair in female somatic cells – XX
• 23rd pair in male somatic cells - XY
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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A B
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HIMA BINDU
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HIMA BINDU
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HIMA BINDU
Ploid(n): One set of all chromosomes in a cells
Diploid (2n): 2X23 = 46 chromosomes
Triploid (3n): 3X23 = 69 chromosomes
Tetraploid (4n)
Pentaploid (5n) DU Polyploids
Hexaploid (6n)
IN
Heptaploid (7n)
A B
Octaploid (8n)
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• Humans cannot tolerate polyploidy. It is believed that 10% of
H
spontaneous abortions in humans are due to the formation of
polyploid zygotes.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
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HIMA BINDU
• Most species whose cells have nuclei (eukaryotes) are diploid,
meaning they have two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited
from each parent.
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• However, some organisms are polyploid, and polyploidy is
D
N
especially common in plants.
I
• Most eukaryotes have diploid somatic cells but produce
B
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haploid gametes (eggs and sperm) by meiosis.
• Accidental formation of diploid gametes due to Nondisjunction of

H I
chromosomes (Chromosomes fail to separate during gamete
formation) and their fusion leads to polyploids.
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IN
A B
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HIMA BINDU
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IN
A B
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HIMA BINDU
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IN
A B
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HIMA BINDU
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HIMA BINDU
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HIMA BINDU
HUMAN CLONING / ANIMAL CLONING /
SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER:
• Cloning is the process of producing individuals with identical or
virtually identical DNA.

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• Clone can be described as the child of a single genetic parent.

IN
• Cloning is majorly of two types, Reproductive cloning,
Therapeutic cloning
A B
• Therapeutic cloning creates a line of embryonic stem cells
IM
genetically identical to an individual.
H
• Advocates support development of therapeutic cloning to generate
tissues and whole organs to treat patients who need transplants.
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HIMA BINDU
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IN
A B
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HIMA BINDU
 DU
IN
A B
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HIMA BINDU
• Reproductive cloning creates a new organism genetically identical to an
individual.
• Advocates for reproductive cloning believe that parents who cannot
otherwise procreate should have access to the technology.
•
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Opponents of cloning have concerns that technology is not yet developed
D
N
enough to be safe and that it could be prone to abuse (leading to the

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generation of humans from whom organs and tissues would be
harvested), as well as concerns about how cloned individuals could
A
integrate with families and with society at large.
M
•
I
On 8th march 2005, the United nations general assembly adopted the
H
“Declaration on human cloning”, which states that “All forms of human
cloning are incompatible with human dignity and with protection of
human life”
Drawbacks/issues in Reproductive cloning:
• It is very inefficient method (1 clone born out of 277 cloned
embryos in case of Dolly and it is the case with several other
cloned animals)
DU
IN
• Abnormalities such as defects in organ formation in cloned
animals.
A B
• Methods are laborious and expensive.

IM
• Clone need not be 100% identical to the parent due to
H
mitochondrial DNA and the impact of environment on
expression of characters.
Some facts:
• First cloned sheep – Dolly
• First cloned cat – Copycat.

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Reproductive cloning of endangered species:

IN
• American scientists in late 2020 announced the first cloning of an

A B
endangered animal native to the United States. A black-footed
ferret was created from the cells of an animal that died over 30
years ago.
IM
H
• Such use of cloning aims to one day bring back
animal species that became extinct.
Scientists of National Dairy
Research Institute (NDRI) in
Karnal, Haryana have produced

DU
several animal clones since 2009.

I
Gantantra and Karnika are the
N
most recent clones.
Uses A B
IM
• Help boost milk production
H
• Provide excellent quality semen
for artificial insemination
THREE PARENT BABY / PRONUCLEAR TRANSFER:
Terminology:
Gene: Any functional sequence of nucleotides on the DNA
ATGCC / CCGAAC / TCGATGA /………….

Insulin Junk DNA

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Gene
IN
A B
Mutation: Sudden heritable change in the gene sequence that alters gene
function. Mutations in the genes can cause diseases.

IM
•
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99.9 % DNA is present in the nucleus in the form of chromosomes. 0.1%
DNA is present in the mitochondria. Mutations in mitochondrial genes
cause mitochondrial diseases like Alper’s syndrome, Leigh syndrome etc.
• Such diseases get inherited only from mother (Maternal inheritance)
 HIMA BINDU

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IN
A B
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H
 DU
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A B
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H
HIMA BINDU
• This technique is to avoid the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases like
Alper’s syndrome, Leigh syndrome etc.
• This technique is also called Mitochondrial replacement therapy as it

mitochondria of the donor.

DU
replaces the mother’s defective mitochondria with the healthy

IN
• Dr. John Zhang from “New Hope Fertility Center” in New York City was

A B
the creator of first three-parent-child (a baby boy), which was performed

M
in Mexico (April 2016) due to restrictions in USA.
I
H
• Britain is the first country in the world to approve the technique.
• Criticism: The procedure has not been tested long enough and argue that
changing an embryo in this could pave the way for "designer babies."
In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following
statements: (UPSC 2021)

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1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by
mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of
egg.
IN
father.
A B
2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from

IM
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
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d) Neither 1 nor 2
In the context of the recent advances in human reproductive
technology, Pro nuclear technology is used for: (UPSC 2020)

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(b) Genetic modification of sperm I N cells
(a) Fertilization of egg into vitro by the donor sperm

A
(c) Development of stem cells intoB producing
functional embryos

I M
(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

H
ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE
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TECHNIQUES
IN
A B
IM
H
THE CONCEPT OF CELL BANKS:
• The sperm is stored in small vials or straws holding between 0.4 and 1.0 ml of
sperm and cryogenically preserved in liquid nitrogen tanks.
• Andrology experts believe sperm can be frozen indefinitely. The UK

DU
government places an upper limit for storage of 55 years.
• Before freezing, sperm may be prepared so that it can be used for

IN
intracervical insemination (ICI), intrauterine insemination (IUI) or for

A B
in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproduction technologies (ART).
• The process of egg preserving (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) is

IM
intended to retain the option for women to become pregnant in the future
H
using IVF, in the process, eggs are retrieved from the woman’s body and
frozen.
• Due to risk of early menopause
• If she is undergoing surgery that could involve excision of the ovaries.
MAJOR REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
1. IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF):
In Vitro Fertilization involves collection of healthy ovum and

DU
sperms from healthy mother and father respectively and their

IN
fusion under appropriate conditions in vitro. If fertilization

A B
occurs, the resulting fertilised egg or embryo is transferred in
to the woman’s uterus, where it will implant in the lining of the

IM
uterus and develop.
H
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
2. EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY:
• Embryo transfer is a procedure by which fertilized egg or young
embryo is transferred from donor mother to recipient mother or from
test tube (IVF) to the recipient mother. The best stage for transfer is 2-

DU
4 cell stage. Embryo transfer technology is used for rapid

IN
multiplication of genetically superior genotype.

A B
• Embryos can be either “fresh” from fertilized egg cells of the
same menstrual cycle, or “frozen”, embryo cryopreservation, and are

IM
thawed just prior to the transfer, which is then termed "frozen embryo
H
transfer" (FET). The outcome from using cryopreserved embryos has
uniformly been positive with no increase in birth defects or
development abnormalities.
3. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION -Artificial insemination is a fertility
treatment method used to deliver sperm directly to the cervix or uterus. The
method is used for those females who wish to conceive when normal
conception is not possible.
U
a. Intra cervical insemination: ICI is a type of artificial insemination that
D
N
involves inserting sperm into the cervix. This is the passageway just outside
the uterus.
BI
b. Intra uterine insemination: IUI is a procedure that involves inserting
A
sperm past the cervix and directly into the uterus.
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H I
4. GAMETE INTRA-FALLOPIAN TRANSFER (GIFT) - Sperms and
eggs are mixed and injected into the fallopian tubes. The fertilization takes
place there as it does naturally.
5. SURROGACY - An embryo may be carried by another woman
(gestational carrier / Surrogate mother). The eggs are removed from
the infertile woman, fertilized using IVF, and the resulting embryo is
placed into the gestational carrier’s uterus.

DU
N
ART & SURROGACY (REGULATION) ACTS 2021
I
•
A B
Indian government has passed two laws - ART and Surrogacy in
December 2021.
IM
H
• ART includes all techniques that seek to obtain a pregnancy by
handling a sperm or oocyte outside the human body and transferring
the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive system of a woman.
ART act – Highlights
• It aims at the regulation and supervision of ART clinics and ART banks and safe and
ethical practice of ART services.
• Establishment of a National Registry that acts as Central database with details of all
ART clinics and banks in the country.

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• The act provides that National and state boards for surrogacy constituted Under the
Surrogacy regulation act, 2021 will also work for the regulation of ART services.

IN
• Egg donor needs to be supported by insurance cover.

A B
• A woman can donate oocytes only once in her life
• Multiple embryo implantation needs to be regulated.

IM
• Children born through ART should be provided all the rights equivalent to biological
children.
H
• Donor will not have any parental rights over the children
• Stringent punishment upon violating the prescribed provisions. First-time offenders
may pay a fine between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh, and for subsequent violations,
imprisonment of 8 to 12 years and may also be liable to pay a fine of ₹10 to 20 lakh.
Surrogacy act 2021 – Highlights

• It aims to abolish Commercial surrogacy and Only allow altruistic

surrogacy

U
• Allowed only for Indian & Indian-origin married couples and Indian

D
single woman (only widow or divorcee between the age of 35 and 45 years)
N
•
BI
will be allowed on fulfilment of the necessary conditions.
A surrogate mother has to be a close relative of the couple, a married
A
woman with a child of her own, aged between 25-35 years, can be a
M
• I
surrogate only once in her life.

H
No exchange of money allowed, but medical expenses and insurance
cover for surrogate mothers for 36 months are provided.
• Establishment of National and State surrogacy boards.
• Severe punishments to offenders (E.g. Up to 10 year jail and 10 lakhs fine)
Criticism:
• Does not allow Homo-sexuals and single parents to have a

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child through surrogacy

N
• Bill does not clearly define close relatives
I
A B
• It restricts basic human right of having child.
• Prohibition of payment can lead to more exploitation of the

M
women

H I
 ARTIFICIAL WOMBS

•Artificial wombs technique could be used to help premature or

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“sick” human babies to survive and help foetuses in the final
stages of multiple pregnancies when the womb becomes so
cramped.
IN
A B
•In this technique a foetus of about 17 weeks is placed in a tank
filled with liquid to stimulate amniotic fluid. The temperature is

IM
kept at constant. A machine pumps nutrients and oxygen into the
baby’s blood.
H
•This technique was successfully experimented on goat foetus in
Japan.
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IN
A B
IM
H
ARTIFICIAL FERTILITY TECHNIQUES IN BIODIVERSITY
CONSERVATION:
The last male of Northern white Rhino named Sudan was put to rest in
2018
DU
In order to save this subspecies, from extinction scientists are trying the
following techniques
IN
A B
1. Fusing the frozen sperm of northern white Rhino with the egg of
southern white Rhino and implanting the embryo in the womb of
IM
southern white Rhino, I.e., using southern white Rhino as a
surrogate.
H
2. IVF, using the frozen sperm of the male and the eggs of the two
surviving females.
STEM CELL
DU
N
TECHNOLOGY
I
A B
IM
H
STEM CELLS:
Undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate
into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more
of the same stem cell.

D U
Stem cell technology aims at manufacturing copies of one’s own
organs for transplantation.
IN
TYPES OF STEM CELLS: A B
I M
• Pluripotent precursor stem cells: Cells that can be differentiated
H
into most of the cell types. E.g. Embryonic Stem Cells.
• Multipotent precursor stem cells: Cells that can be differentiated
in many cell types E.g. Umbilical cord stem cells
• Oligopotent precursor stem cells: Cells That can be differentiated
into few other cell types E.g. Bone marrow cells.
• Bone marrow cells cannot be used to produce organs but they can
get converted into different types of blood cells, therefore can be

DU
used in the treatment of blood cancer.
N
• Induced Pluripotent precursor Stem Cells (iPSCs) are the adult
I
A B
somatic cells that can be induced to show the properties of stem
cells, by a process called de-differentiation / genetic
reprogramming.
IM
H
• De-differntiation can be achieved by activating the transcription
of certain important embryonic genes by exposing the somatic cells
to specific transcription factors like Oct4, Sox2, Nanog and Lin28.
• Shinya Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine 2012 for iPSc technology.
• It is recently found that Oct4 is not needed for genetic

DU
reprogramming and in fact not using it improved the efficiency.
• In 2014, a research group at Harvard University reported using

IN
insulin-producing cells derived from human embryonic stem cells

A B
(ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to lower blood
glucose levels in mice.
IM
H
PRINTABLE ORGANS
• It uses 3D printing technology to produce tissues and organs.
• For this 3D data about the organ to be printed is obtained by CT
scan, MRI etc.
U
• Using this data, digital model will be created using CAD
D
N
(Computer aided design) software.
I
A B
• Printer cartridges are filled with bio ink.
• Bio ink usually is a hydrogel made up of alginate or fibrin

IM
polymers, cellular adhesion molecules etc.

H
• It supports the cell proliferation, differentiation and physical
attachment of cells.
• The bio ink must be bio compatible and biodegradable so that
it can degrade up on transplantation of the organ.
• Cells (stem cells/IPSCs/cells of interest) were mixed within bioink
formulations and incubated for 2 hours to achieve a printable consistency.
• Bio ink can print 3d structures through a printing nozzle or needle by
laying down successive layers of appropriate material.
•
DU
3D bioprinter was made by a Russian company “3D bio printing
solutions”.
IN
•
B
Chinese have made ears and successfully transplanted to children with a

A
birth defect called microtia (A birth defect in which the external ear is

M
underdeveloped or absent) .
I
•
H
The company Organovo produced a human liver using 3D bioprinting,
though it is not suitable for transplantation, and has primarily been used as
a medium for drug testing.
• Recently a Human heart was produced.
“3D printing” has applications in which of the following? (UPSC 2018)

1. Preparation of confectionery items

2. Manufacture of Bionic ears
3. Automotive industry
4. Reconstructive surgeries
DU
5. Data processing technologies
IN
A B
a) 1, 3, and 4 only IM
Choose the answer from the codes below:

b) 2, 3, and 5 onlyH
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
JAPAN APPROVES FIRST HUMAN-ANIMAL EMBRYO
EXPERIMENTS (2019):

DU
• Human-animal chimeras provide the ability to produce
human organs in other species using induced pluripotent
IN
stem cells (iPSCs), which would be patient-specific and

A B
immune-matched for transplantation.
• Survey conducted in 2020 finds American support for
IM
human-animal chimera research.
H
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 Man gets a transplant of Pig's heart
• There’s a huge shortage of human organs donated for transplant, driving
scientists to try to figure out how to use animal organs instead.
• In a hospital in Maryland -USA, a doctor (Dr. Griffith) transplanted a heart from
a pig that had undergone.
DU
• American company – Revivicor reportedly made 10 modifications. Four of the

IN
pig’s genes were inactivated and six human genes were inserted into its genome.

A B
• One of the pig’s genes inactivated was to remove a sugar in its cells that’s
responsible for the hyper-fast organ rejection.

IM
• The patient’s condition made him ineligible for a human heart transplant or a

H
heart pump – so had to go with a genetically modified pig’s heart.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees such experiments,
allowed the surgery under “compassionate use” emergency authorization,
available when a patient with a life-threatening condition has no other options.
• Dr. Griffith had transplanted pig hearts into about 50 baboons over five
years, before offering the option to the patient (Bennett).
• It is interesting to note that an Indian doctor (Dr. Baruah-Guwahati

DU
performed xenotransplantation of pig's heart to a human patient back in

N
1997 but was imprisoned when patient died after a week.
I
B
• Recently scientists also transplanted Kidney from a genetically modified

A
pig into a human patient.

Benefits:
IM
H
• If successful, will provide great relief for the patients waiting for
transplantations.
 ORGANOIDS
• They are tiny, self-organized three-dimensional tissue cultures that are derived from
stem cells.
• Such cultures are used to create miniature organs, or to produce only certain types
of cells.

DU
• Researchers have produced organoids that resemble the brain, kidney, lung,

N
intestine, stomach, and liver etc.
I
B
Uses

A
• Will give a detailed view of how organs form and grow

M
• Provide new insights on human development and disease

H I
• Study how drugs interact with these “mini-organs”
• Potentially revolutionize the field of drug discovery and opening new approaches to
personalized medicine.
• Scientists have gained insight into Covid-19 through miniature lungs and are using
miniature human brain to understand why some people are suffering from long
Covid-19
 GENOME STUDIES
TYPES OF SEQUENCING:
De Novo sequencing / Whole genome sequencing by Sanger method:
"From the beginning" or de novo sequencing is the method of building a reference
U
genome. This is achieved by randomly fragmenting the target DNA, sequencing then
D
N
assembling those individual fragments to build a draft or even finished genome.

BI
Preimplantation genetic screening: For chromosomal aberrations and gene
mutations like Cystic fibrosis, Sickle cell anemia etc.
Targeted sequencing:
MA
Exome sequencing:
H I
Sequencing individual genes, gene regions, or sets of genes

Targeted sequencing of the exome employs sequencing strategies that target coding
exons. The exome encompasses approximately 1% of the genome, yet contains
approximately 85% of disease-causing mutations
 HUMAN GENOME PROJECT
Genome: The haploid genetic content of a cell. (Or)
One copy of the total genetic content of a cell.

DU
Human genome project: HGP was an international scientific research
project that aimed to determine the complete sequence of nucleotide
IN
base pairs that make up the human genome & all the genes it contains.

Observations: A B
Equipment: DNA sequencer.

IM
• More than 95% of the genome is junk DNA/Noncoding DNA/Selfish
DNA. H
• We have approximately 30,000 genes in the complete genome.
HUMAN GENOME PROJECTS IN NEWS:
• Human genome project (1990-2003): By International human genome
sequencing consortium and Celera Genomics.

DU
• 100K genome Asia project: Led by Nanyang technological university

IN
(NTU), Singapore to sequence the whole genomes of 100K Asian including
50000 Indians.

A B
• Indigen project: by Institute of Genomics and integrative biology (IGBI,

IM
Delhi) , Centre for cellular and molecular biology (CCMB, Hyderabad).

H
Scientists have also developed “IndiGenome card” and “mobile application
for the researchers and clinicians to access the genome information.
Genome India project:
• The project was launched in 2020 with the goal of whole genome sequencing of
10,000 individuals for better understanding the genetic variations and disease-
causing mutations unique to the Indian population, which is one of the most
genetically diverse in the world by the end of 2023.

DU
• Sanctioned by the department of Biotechnology.
• Centre for Brain research at Indian institute of science acts as a nodal agency and 20

IN
institutes like AIIMS and IITS will take part in it.

A B
• The United Kingdom, China, and the United States are among the countries that
have programmes to sequence at least 1,00,000 of their genomes.

IM
• By sequencing and analysing these genomes, researchers hope to learn more about

H
the underlying genetic causes of diseases and create more efficient, individualized
treatments or personalised medicines.
Telomere to telomere (T2T) consortium:
• The newly sequenced reference genome T2T-CHM13 includes gapless assemblies
for all 22 autosomes and X chromosome.
Human Genome project – Write:
• Aims to write or build or synthesize an artificial human genome (All 23
chromosomes) with sophisticated bioengineering tools.
• The project will be led by US scientists who are currently working on microbial
genomes.

DU
• aims at advancement in “synthetic biology”

IN
APPLICATIONS:

A B
Pharmacogenomics: is the study of the role of the genome in drug response. The

M
name reflects combination of pharmacology and genomics.
• Gene cloning
• Gene therapy
H I
• Genetic engineering
• DNA profiling
• Designer babies.
Earth bio genome project:
• An initiative by American scientists to sequence the genomes of all (about 8M)
earth’s eukaryotic species.

DU
• So far less than 0.2% of eukaryotic genomes have been sequenced.
• Earth Bio-Genome Project (EBP) is an international consortium of scientists,

IN
which aims to sequence 1.5 million species in three phases in a 10 year road
map.

A B
• The project aims to reveal evolutionary connections between species.

IM
• Indian initiative on Earth BioGenome sequencing (IIEBS) is a nationwide
project to decode the genetic information of all known species of plants and
H
animals in the country.
• The Earth Bio-Genome project includes already ongoing projects such as i5K
(insects), B10K (birds), 10KP (plants).
DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIONS AND MICROBIAL IDENTIFICATION:

Grow Extract Perform Sequence the DNA

culture DNA PCR or RNA to identify
the organism

DU
N
GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SHARING ALL INFLUENZA DATA (GISAID)
• Established in 2008.
BI
MA
• Platform hosted by Germany, with multiple researchers across globe
contributing to it, and supported by public and private partnership.

H I
• Promotes international sharing of all influenza virus sequences and SARS
CoV-2, and related clinical and epidemiological data.
• Classifies the virus based on their mutations.
• It hosts more than 500,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
 Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG)
• It is a consortium of labs, established on 18th January 2021.
• Partnership between Department of Biotechnology & Union Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare.
DU
• Screens samples from states and international travelers to understand the

IN
spread of the SARS CoV-2 variants.

A B
• According to the Genome Evolution Analysis Resource for COVID-19
(GEAR-19), a dashboard built by CSIR- CCMB, India has submitted 5,898
genome sequences.
IM
H
• To enhance this, the consortium has 10 national laboratories as part of it.
• Recently, 17 new labs planned to be added to ramp up genome sequencing.

BIOLOGICAL DARK MATTER / DARK GENOME

GENETIC ENGINEERING/ RECOMBINANT DNA
TECHNOLOGY:
GENE CLONING
PROCEDURE:
DU
• Transfer the gene of interest to a plasmid.
IN
• Transfer the recombinant DNA (Plasmid along with the gene of

A B
interest) into a bacterium.

(Gene cloning). IM
• Let the bacteria multiply along with which the gene also multiplies

H
• The clone of bacteria also produces the protein from the gene of
interest which can be harvested and used as a drug for certain
diseases.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
• Proteins that can be produced using Gene cloning:
• Insulin for the treatment of Diabetes.
• Blood clotting factors for the treatment of Haemophilia.
• ( There are 13 blood clotting factor in the blood of a healthy human. If

DU
the factor no. VIII is missing it causes Haemophilia-A & If the factor

IN
no. IX is missing it causes Haemophilia-B )
•
• A B
Growth hormone for the treatment of Dwarfism.
Interferons ( Anti viral proteins ) for the treatment of frequent viral
infections.
IM
•
H
Recombinant vaccines: Vaccines made using recombinant DNA
technology ( Gene cloning)
• Eg: Vaccine against Human papilloma virus that cause cervical
cancer.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 mRNA Covishield Sputnik-V
vaccines

DU
IN
A
Corbevax and Covovax B Covaxin

IM
H
Only the immune response triggering part of covid 19 is
injected into body so that the immune system can prepare
Spike protein DNA is placed
inside a modified version of
Simian Adeno virus (DNA
virus) vector (ChAdOx1) that
doesn’t cause illness.

DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 mRNA vaccine

DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
• India's first mRNA Covid-19 vaccine - GEMCOVAC-19, created by Pune-
based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals got emergency approval in June 2022.
• mRNA is a fragile molecule, so researchers put it into a fatty lipid bilayer, which
protects it while the vaccine is packaged, shipped and administered. This bilayer
U
easily attaches to our cells once the vaccine is given, which efficiently delivers the
D
N
mRNA and starts the immunization process.

BI
• India has also approved two more vaccines, Corbevax and Covovax,
under emergency use authorization in December 2021. Both are Subunit
A
vaccines and use spike protein of the coronavirus to induce an immune response.
M
H I
Ø ZyCov-D is a “plasmid DNA” vaccine — or a genetically engineered vaccine.
DNA encoding the spike protein is chemically synthesized. It is inserted into an
identified bacterial plasmid with the help of specific enzymes. It is the world’s
first DNA vaccine. Produced by Zydus Cadila with the support of Department of
Science and technology and ICMR.
 Intranasal SARS-Cov2 Vaccine
• Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 recombinant nasal vaccine (iNCOVACC) has been
approved by the Ministry of Health’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for
primary immunisation of those aged 18 years and above in emergency situations in Sep
2022.

U
• It is a replication-deficient (cannot reproduce in vaccine recipients) adenovirus vectored

D
vaccine.
Why Nasal Vaccine?
IN
• The nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to the organized immune systems
of the nasal mucosa.
A
• Non-invasive, Needle-free.
B
IM
• Ease of administration – does not require trained health care workers.

H
• Elimination of needle-associated risks (injuries and infections).
• Ideally suits for children’s and adults.
• Scalable manufacturing – able to meet global demand.
What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What
approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19
vaccines ? (15M, 250 words)
Q. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent Covid-19 pandemic,
consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022 Prelims)

using mRNA platform.

DU
1. The Serum Institute of India produced Covid-19 vaccine named Covishield

IN
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.

B
3. Covaxin is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

A
a) 1 & 2 only
IM
Which of the following statements are correct?

b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
H
d) 1,2 & 3
GENE THERAPY: Gene therapy is of two types.
a. Somatic gene therapy: Treating a genetic disease by correcting the mutation
in somatic cells of the patient. Gene editing tool like CRISPR-CAs9 can be
used.

DU
Advantage: There are no legal implications.

IN
Drawback: Practically very difficult due to large number of somatic cells to be
edited.

A B
B. Embryonic gene therapy/ Germ line gene therapy: Treating a genetic

IM
disease by correcting the mutation in embryonic cells before birth. Gene editing

H
tool like CRISPR-CAs9 can be used.
Advantage: Practically easier when compared to somatic gene therapy due to
lesser number of cells to be edited.
Drawback: Legally not permitted as this could pave the way for "designer
babies."
Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2020)
1.Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or
sperms of a prospective parent
2.A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic
stage
D U
I N
3.Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo
of a pig.
A B
I M
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
H
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
DESIGNER BABY / DESIGNER EMBRYO
1. Preimplantation embryo scanning for pre-implantation genetic
diagnosis (PGD or PIGD): Scanning the embryonic DNA to identify any
mutations that can cause genetic diseases.
U
2. Preimplantation gene editing : Correcting the identified genetic
D
N
mutations using gene editing tool like CRISPR- Cas9 so that the genetic
I
A B
disease can be cured in the embryonic stage itself before even the baby is
born. (Embryonic gene therapy)

IM
3. CRISPR – Cas9 mechanism: CRISPR is a guider RNA designed

H
specifically to be complimentary the mutated gene that is to be removed.
Cas-9 is a nuclease enzyme tagged to the CRISPR so that it can remove
the mutated gene & a correct copy of the mutated gene can be added in
the gap.
TTAGG / CACGT / ACGAT
AATCT / GTGCA / TGCTA Double stranded DNA
UUAGA
DU
CRISPR -
IN Cas - 9

A B
Mutated Gene M
H I
RESEARCHERS DEVELOP AN ENGINEERED ‘MINI’ CRISPR
GENOME EDITING SYSTEM
• CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a
highly precise gene editing tool that is making breakthroughs in cancer
research and treatment.
DU
• It works like molecular scissors, cutting out select sections of DNA.

IN
• The researchers at Stanford University believe that the major step forward for

A B
CRISPR is an efficient, multi-purpose, mini CRISPR system (CasMINI).
• CasMINI with its smaller size, can perform all the operations like delete,

IM
activate and edit genome code just like its beefier counterpart.

H
• CasMINI’s smaller size means it should be easier to deliver into human
cells and the human body, making it a potential tool for treating diverse
ailments, including eye disease, organ degeneration and genetic diseases
generally.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 to
Emmanuelle Charpentier & Jennifer A. Doudna
“for the development of a method for genome editing”

Genetic scissors CRISPR/Cas9 : a toolD

U
I Ncan change the DNA of
for rewriting the code of

A B
life: Using CRISPR – Cas9, researchers
animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.

I Mto new cancer therapies and may make the

This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life

dream of curingH
sciences, is contributing
inherited diseases come true.
• Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced that he had used CRISPR-
Cas9 to disable copies of the CCR5 gene in human embryos, in a bid
to prevent the embryos’ father from transmitting his HIV infection,

DU
implanted genome-edited embryos in the mother’s womb for the
purpose of reproduction and that live twins were born.
IN
• Researchers from US, China and South Korea repaired a mutation in
B
human embryos by using a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9.
A
M
• Clinical trials are under way in China and in the US to use this tool
I
for treating cancer.
H
What is cas9 protein that is often
mentioned in news? (UPSC 2019)

gene editing.
DU
a) A molecular scissors used in targeted

IN
b) A biosensor used in the accurate

A B
detection of pathogens in patients.
c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
IM
d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in
H
genetically modified crops.
3. GM CROPS:
Regulation of GM crops and disputes related to their cultivation in
India:
As per report of International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-
U
biotech Applications, India ranks 5th in global cultivation of GM crops.
D
N
The safety aspects of genetically modified crops are assessed by
I
A B
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) (apex body and
extra constitutional body) constituted under Environment (Protection)

M
Act, 1986 and Rules, 1989.
I
H
Bt.Cotton, Bt Brinjal & GM Mustard and have been recommended
by GEAC to Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change, but Bt. cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial
cultivation in the Country.
1. Bt- cotton is made by adding a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis that produces an
insecticide to Bollworms and makes the plant High yield pest resistant (HYPR).
• Bt cotton was developed with the intention of reducing the usage of pesticides.
• Researchers at Monsanto, USA developed Bt cotton.

DU
• The first commercial release was in China and USA in 1996.
• Introduced in India in 2003, through collaboration between Monsanto and

IN
Mahyco (Maharashtra Hybrid seeds company).
Advantages:
A
• Resistant to boll worms.
B
IM
• Reduces the use of pesticides.

H
• Results in improvement of yield.
• The toxin gets activated only in the basic environment in insect gut but not in the
acidic gut of higher animals.
• Promotes multiplication of beneficial insects that are predators of bollworms.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
Disadvantages:
• Seeds are more expensive
• Ability of the Boll worms to develop resistance to Bt toxin

DU
• NGOs like Green peace have been voicing against Monsanto’s monopoly
in the field of GM crops blaming Monsanto for its commercial interests.

IN
2. Bt- Brinjal:
A B
The Bt brinjal has been developed to give resistance

IM
against lepidopteron insects, in particular the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer

H
(FSB). University of Agriculture sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka), and Tamil
Nadu Agricultural university, in collaboration with Mahyco – Monsanto
introduced a Bt - Brinjal variety carrying the gene Cry 1Ac as in Bt -
Cotton.
• In 2009 Bt - Brinjal got approval from GEAC and Indian Government,
becoming the first GM food crop to be approved in India, but due to concerns
over potential health hazards, and other issues on testing methods and duration,

U
a temporary moratorium was imposed on Bt Brinjal in the year 2010.

ND
• The Government of India in 2020 has approved the field trials of indigenous Bt
brinjal varieties ‘Janak’ and ‘BSS-793’.

BI
• Both varieties, which are a proprietary product of the government-run Indian

MA
Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), contain the ‘Bt Cry1Fa1’ gene that
works by inducing the digestive problems in the ‘fruit and shoot borer’ insect

H I
that attacks the brinjal crop.
• Farmers in Bangladesh have been cultivating Bt Brinjal since 2013.
3. Dhara mustard hybrid – 11 (DMH-11):
• There is no natural hybridization system in Mustard. Mustard flowers contain female
(Pistil) and male (Stamen) reproductive strictures, making it naturally self pollinating.
• Delhi university in collaboration with Bayer corporation came up with a genetically
modified mustard hybrid called DMH -11.

U
• This GM variety of mustard was developed by introducing 3 genes Barnase (Causes

D
male sterility), Barstar (Restores male fertility in F1 generation and thus, the

N
I
ability to produce fertile seeds), and Bar (Confers Herbicide, Glufosinate

A B
resistance) from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (a soil bacteria), making it suitable for
hybridization, herbicide tolerant (HT) and high yield.

M
• GEAC committee approved GM Mustard in October 2022 (previously approved in
I
2017) for commercial field cultivation (Need to get Ministry of Environment's approval)
H
Dispute: GM mustard requires almost double the quantity of fertilizer and water. Supreme
court of India appointed a Technical Expert Committee (TEC) which in its 2013 report
recommended a total ban on herbicide resistant crops as they may lead to negligent usage
of herbicides leading to negative health effects.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 DEBATES RELATED TO GM MUSTARD:
• Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) developed by Delhi University by crossing a
popular Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ (the barnase gene) with an East European
‘Early Heera-2’ mutant (barstar).

DU
• DMH-11 is claimed to have shown an average 28% yield increase over the Indian
mustard variety ‘Varuna’ in field trials carried out by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR).
IN
A B
• GEAC has recommended the environmental release of DMH-11 for its seed production
and testing prior to commercial release.
Concern raised by experts:
IM
DMH-11. H
• The potentially harmful long-term ecological, social and economic consequences of

• The Coalition of GM-free India, a group of NGOs opposing genetically modified crops,
on Friday released a report alleging that no (independent) health expert ever participated
in GM mustard appraisal.
• Disastrous effect of the spread of a herbicide resistance (HT) gene on the normal crop.
 Potential Issues with GM mustard
• Its consequences on crop diversity and a threat to food security

DU
• Herbicide-tolerant food crop - may lead to excessive use of toxic herbicides

IN
• As per apiculturists (Beekeepers), GM mustard would decrease bee population and
hence honey production.
A B
IM
• Activists say this decision is unscientific and irresponsible as the researchers behind
H
this didn’t provide any additional basis for decision-making.
 GM Rubber

• In June 2021 Rubber Board od India started field trials of world’s first genetically
modified (GM) rubber in Assam.
U
• It is the second GM crop to start field trial after Bt. Cotton.
D
N
• Introduced MnSOD gene (Manganese containing superoxide dismutase for the

BI
breakdown of oxygen free radical production.
• Rubber is made from the latex of a tree called Hevea brasiliensis.
A
• In 2010 GEAC had given permission to open field trials.
M
H I
• Developed in the Biotechnology laboratory at Rubber research Institute of India.
• GM rubber resists drought, temperature as well as light intensity.
• Cuts short the maturity period of Rubber leading to early yield.
• Trial permitted as there are no plant species in India that can breed with natural
rubber, hence no risk of genes flowing from GM rubber into other native species.
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard)
developed in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the
property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

DU
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and
hybridization.
IN
Agricultural University. A B
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab

IM
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 only
H
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
 TRANSGENIC ANIMALS: Animals whose genetic composition
has been altered by the addition of foreign DNA.
• Diary cous carrying extra copies of two types of Casein genes
produce 13% more milk protein and is more nutritious. Currently the

DU
milk from these animals is under FDA review.
•
IN
Cows that produce human milk: The scientists have successfully

A B
introduced human genes into 300 dairy cows to produce milk with the
same properties as human milk.
•
IM
Human milk contains high quantities of key nutrients that can help to

•
H
boost the immune system of babies and reduce the risk of infections.
The scientists believe milk from herds of genetically modified cows
could provide an alternative to human milk and formula milk for
babies, which is often criticised as being an inferior substitute.
TRANSGENIC FISH THAT GROWS FASTER:
Salmon fish that is genetically modified can grow 6 times faster than
wild type because they have extra cpies of growth hormone gene.

U
TRANGENIC GLOWING MONKEY ANDI:
D
N
ANDi is the first genetically modified rhesus monkey.
I
A B
ANDi was born with an extra glowing gene called green fluorescent
protein (GFP). This GFP gene, which is naturally occurring in jellyfish,

IM
was taken from a jellyfish and genetically added to ANDi’s DNA

H
sequence. OHSU used rhesus monkeys because they share 95% of the
same genes as humans.
• Nobel in chemistry (2008) was awarded to a group of US and
Japanese researchers who discovered the green fluorescent
protein (GFP) in jellyfish and transformed it into one of the
U
most powerful research tools in genomics.
D
N
• Although GFP can make glowing kitties (above), glowing
I
A B
bunnies, glowing monkeys and mice (below), it has far more
important applications for medical research. The eye-catching

IM
protein is used as a visual tag, linked to other genes or cells.

H
As a result, scientists can literally see the results of their
experiments.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
 CANCER THERAPY

• Tumor: Tumor can be defined as unregulated cell growth. Tumors are of 2 types,
Benign and malignant.

U
• Malignant tumors are called cancers.
•
D
In the human body constant cell number is maintained by Cell division (Cell

N
growth) and Apoptosis (Programmed cell death). Cancer can be caused either

BI
due the increase in the rate of cell division or due to the decrease in the rate of

A
Apoptosis.

M
• Proto oncogenes: Genes that regulate and coordinate the cell division and

•
Apoptosis.
H I
Oncogenes: Genes that can cause cancer. They are Mutated
(Defective) Proto oncogenes.
• Treatment: The regularly used procedures in the cancer treatment are
Chemotherapy, Radio therapy and surgery
Recent developments in the cancer treatment:
1. Gene silencing using CRISPR cas9: Certain oncogenes – such as

DU
the BRCA1 gene can cause cancer, they can be cut using CRISPR-
Cas9. A major hindrance for this procedure is potential toxicity of

IN
existing delivery systems. One way of achieving this is using lipid

A B
nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 to the cancer cells.
2. RNA interference (RNAi) therapy: Si RNA binds to the target

IM
mRNA of the oncogene and the associated Argonaute 2 (Ago2)
H
protein degrades the mRNA and thus, silences the expression of
oncogene.
3) Immuno therapy for cancer:
Terminology: There are two important types of Immune cells.
B cells: Produce antibodies for foreign antigens.
T cells: Destroy altered self cells like cancer cells.

CTLA-4 & PD-1 functions as brakes on D

U
I Nfor CTLA-4 & Tasuku
T cells.

A
Honjo produced antibodies for B
James p. Allison produced antibodies
PD-1.

I M
Antibodies bind to CTLA-4 and PD-1 so that they can be inhibited and
H
the T cells can attack on cancer cells.
Side effects: Auto immunity
 CAR T - CELL THERAPY
• In CAR T-cell therapies, T cells are taken from the patient's blood and are changed
in the lab by adding a gene for a receptor (called a chimeric antigen
receptor or CAR), which helps the T cells attach to a specific cancer cell antigen.
The CAR T cells are then given back to the patient.

DU
• Since different cancers have different antigens, each CAR is made for a specific

N
cancer's antigen. For example, in certain kinds of leukemia or lymphoma, the
I
B
cancer cells have an antigen called CD19. The CAR T-cell therapies to treat these

A
cancers are made to attach to the CD19 antigen and will not work for a cancer that

M
does not have the CD19 antigen.

H I
Side Effects: The potential side-effects are associated with cytokine release
syndrome (a widespread activation of the immune system and collateral damage to the
body’s normal cells) and neurological symptoms (severe confusion, seizures, and
speech impairment).
Affordability: Critics argue that developing CAR T- cell therapy in India may not
be cost-effective as it will still be unaffordable for most people.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
4. Stem cell transplants: Done after high intensity chemo or
radio therapy to replace the dead blood cells. Stem cells are
delivered into the blood stream using central venous catheter
U
(Like blood transfusion). They travel through blood into bone
D
N
marrow and regenerate the bone marrow damaged due to
I
B
chemo and radio. The stem cells used for this purpose can be

A
Autologous (Patient’s own bone marrow stem cells collected

IM
before the treatment and re injected after the treatment),
Allogenic (Collected from a suitable donor) or Umbilical cord
H
cells ( If preserved at the time of the birth).
 STEM CELL THERAPIES - NEW WAYS TO STOP TUMOURS
FROM SPREADING OR GROWING BACK

• Stem cells are unspecialised cells, meaning they can eventually become any one

DU
of the various types of cells that make up different parts of the body.
• There are different types of stem cells, Embryonic stem cells & Adult stem cells

IN
• Adult stem cells are more mature, meaning they can replace damaged cells only

A B
in one type of organ and have a limited ability to multiply.
• Because stem cells can survive longer than regular cells, they have a much

IM
higher probability of accumulating genetic mutations that can result in loss of

H
control over their growth and ability to regenerate. This is why many tumours
harbour a small subpopulation of cells that function like stem cells.
• These so-called cancer stem cells are thought to be responsible at least in part
for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and treatment
resistance.
What is differentiation therapy?
• Cancer stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, including
noncancerous cells. Researchers are taking advantage of this fact through a
type of treatment called differentiation therapy.

DU
• The concept of differentiation therapy originated from scientists observing that
hormones and cytokines, which are proteins that play a key role in cell

IN
communication, can stimulate stem cells to mature and lose their ability to
regenerate.

A B
• Forcing cancer stem cells to differentiate into more mature cells could

IM
subsequently stop them from multiplying uncontrollably, making them become
normal cells.
H
• Furthermore, because differentiation therapy doesn’t focus on killing cancer
cells and doesn’t surround healthy cells in the body with harmful chemicals, it
can be less toxic than traditional treatments.
Using stem cells to treat cancer
• Cancer stem cells can be directly targeted to stop their growth or turned into “Trojan
horses” that attack other tumour cells. (derived from a Greek story of deceptive
Trojan horse that led to the fall of the city of Troy)
• Quiescent cancer stem cells, which don’t divide but are still alive, are another

U
potential drug target. These cells typically play a big role in treatment resistance for

D
various cancer types because they are able to regenerate and avoid death even better

N
I
than regular cancer stem cells. Their quiescent quality can persist for decades and
lead to a cancer relapse.

A B
• Researchers can also genetically engineer stem cells to express a protein that binds to

IM
a desired target in a cancer cell, increasing the efficacy of treatments by releasing
drugs right at the tumour. For example, bone marrow stem cells naturally migrate
H
toward and stick to tumours. they can be used to deliver cancer drugs directly to
cancer cells.
• Stem cells can also be used to make organoid models, or miniature versions of
organs, to screen potential cancer drugs and study the underlying mechanisms that
lead to cancer.
‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in
the last few years. why? (UPSC 2019)

1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.

U
2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
D
N
3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
I
pathogens.
A B
4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral

M
Choose the answer from the codes below:
I
a) 1, 2, and 4
b) 2 and 3 only H
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 4 only
DNA FINGER PRINTING / DNA TESTING / DNA PROFILING:
1. DNA will be extracted from a crime scene sample such as saliva, hair, semen, skin,
blood etc.
2. PCR (POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION): Invitro DNA replication for the

Equipment used: Thermal cycler

DU
pretest DNA amplification. Enzyme used: DNA polymerase

IN
2. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP):

position.
A B
Restriction endonuclease: Enzymes that can cut the DNA at a specific interior

IM
Restriction fragments: Fragments of DNA obtained by cutting with restriction

H
endonucleases. We get several fragments of varying lengths.
As in this technique we analyse the length polymorphism in the restriction fragments
between the people, the technique is known as RFLP.
It is also known as VNTR: Variable Number of Tandem Repeats & as STR: Short
Tandem Repeats.
3. Gel electrophoresis:
• A technique used to separate the DNA fragments according to their size.
• DNA fragments are loaded at one end of a gel and electric current is applied
to pull them through the gel.

U
• DNA fragments are negatively charged and moves toward positive electrode.

D
Smaller fragments move faster, and larger fragments move slowly.
N
BI
• Thus, the restriction fragments gets separated according to their size and
forms separate bands. For comparison, different DNA samples will be run

A
side by side on the same gel.

M
I
• The band pattern will be transferred to a nylon membrane / nitro cellulose

H
paper by southern blotting.
• In the dark room the nitrocellulose paper is placed against and Xray film. It
will record the band pattern. Thererfore the Xray film when developed will
have the band pattern.
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H
DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION)
REGULATION BILL 2019:
Introduced in Lok sabha in July 2019.
U
It seeks to establish a national data bank & regional databanks.
D
N
It envisages that every databank will maintain indices like
I
• Crime scene index

A B
• Suspects’ or under trials’ index

I
• Offenders’ index
M
H
• Missing persons’ index.
• Unknown deceased persons’ index.
• It also provides procedure for the removal of DNA profiles from these
indices.
• It also establishes a DNA regulatory board. Every laboratory that
U
analyses DNA samples to establish the identity of an individual has to
D
N
be accredited b y the board.
I
A B
• The bill also proposes a written consent by the individuals be
obtained before collection of their DNA samples, however consent is
M
not required for offences with punishment of more than 7 years in jail
I
or death.
H
• It states that the DNA samples, DNA profiles and records, will be
only used for identification of the person and not for any other
purpose.
• It also empowers government to impose jail term of up to 3 years and
fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh on those who leak information stored in such
facilities. It prescribes similar punishment for those who seek

DU
information on DNA profiles illegally.
• Bill will ensure that DNA test results are reliable and data remain
IN
protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our
citizens.
A B
M
• The DNA testing is allowed for facilitating identification of a person
I
in
H
• Criminal offences under IPC
• Civil cases like paternal dispute, ART, Transplantation of human
organs, Immigration, emigration, identifying the unidentified human
remains, abandoned children etc.

DU
Criticism:
IN
B
• DNA profiling bill is a violation of right to privacy which is

•
MA
recognized as a fundamental right.
The bill was referred to the parliamentary standing committee chaired by

H I
Jairam Ramesh, submitted the report in Feb 2021, pointed out that the DNA
profiles can reveal extremely sensitive information about individuals like
pedigree, skin color, behavior, health status, susceptibility to diseases etc.
this information can be misused for targeted discrimination of marginalized
communities.
• Crime scene may have DNA of some one not related to the crime., Panel
suggested to used crime scene samples only for investigation but not put in a
databank.
• Recommends only National databank and no regional databanks to minimize
misuse of data.
DU
N
• DNA samples be taken only with the consent, no individual be forced to
I
B
provide evidence that may incriminate him.

A
• The committee recommended that, according to the DNA databank, an

M
offender should be any person who has been “convicted of an offence” and is

H I
to be imprisoned for at least seven years or has been sentenced to death.
• The databank should remove an under-trial person’s DNA profile within 30
days of a court finding them not be guilty.
• The committee also recommended several changes to the Regulatory
committee.
DNA barcoding or DNA profiling is particularly effective to identify cryptic
species complexes (those species that appear identical), Contamination in the
processed food and diagnostics, studying about evolution and relative closeness
between different species etc.
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)

DU
DNA barcoding can be a tool to:

N
1. Assess the age of a plant or animal.
I
B
2. Distinguish among species that look alike.

A
3. Identify the undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

IM
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 3 only H
c) 1 & 2
d) 2 & 3
With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of
the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2019)

DU
a) Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of
DNA taken from cells of different species.
IN
b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
B
c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to
A
IM
replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
d) Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell
H
division in laboratory petri dishes.
INFECTIONS IN HUMANS
U
N D
-IHIMABINDU
A B
IM
H
 Health

A state of complete physical, mental and social

well-being.
D U
I N
The common infectious agents include:
ØBacteria
A B
ØViruses M
H
ØFungi
I
ØProtozoa
 Bacterial infections
Bacteria is prokaryotic, single celled organisms visible only under a microscope.
Small, ranging about 1 micrometer in length. They exist in shapes like rods,
spheres or spirals.
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected &

Tuberculosis
DU
Mycobacterium Air
main symptom
Respiratory system

IN
tuberculosis Cough with blood in

Whooping cough
A B
Bordetella pertussis
sputum
by coughing or sneezing Respiratory system
(Pertussis)

IM High-pitched whoop

Pneumonia H Streptococcus
pneumoniae
air-borne droplets from
cough or sneeze
sound during breathing
Respiratory system
Pus filled alveoli
Anthrax Bacillus Anthrasis Through spores and Skin and lungs
contaminated animal Skin ulcers
products
 Common Bacterial infections
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & main
symptom
Diphtheria Corynebacterium Air, respiratory droplets Throat, nose, and tonsils
diphtheriae from coughing or sneezing

Cholera
DU
Vibrio cholerae Food/water Intestines

IN Severe diarrhea
Typhoid

A B
Salmonella typhi Food/water Multiple systems (digestive
etc.), High fever

IM
Leprosy
H
Mycobacterium
leprae
Long and close contact with Skin, the peripheral nerves,
infected people mucosa of the upper
respiratory tract, and the
through droplets in air
eyes
 Common Bacterial infections
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected &
main symptom
Botulism Clostridium botulinum Food/soil with botulism Neurotoxin – affects
spores nervous system &

DU muscular system

Syphilis

IN
Treponema pallidum Sexually-transmitted multiple organ systems,

B
disease including brain, nerves,

A
eyes, heart, bones etc.
Tetanus Clostridium tetani Spores in soil and Neurotoxin – affects

IM animal intestinal tracts nervous system &

Plague HYersinia pestis bite of infected fleas,

through direct contact
muscular system
Lymphatic system &
lungs (depending on
with infected materials which form of plague is
or by inhalation involved)
 Tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Common symptoms of active TB are cough with sputum and blood at times,
chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

U
• “Bacillus Calmette–Guérin” (BCG) is the most widely used vaccine worldwide
D
N
to prevent TB.

BI
• Worldwide, India is the country with the highest burden of both TB (quarter of

A
global cases - ~ 27 lakhs) and multi-drug resistant TB.

M
H I
• 4,49,000 people died from TB in 2018 in India.
• There are an estimated 1,30,000 Multi Drug-Resistant-TB (MDR-TB) patients
among the notified cases of pulmonary TB each year.
• India is also the country with the second highest number (after South Africa) of
estimated HIV associated TB cases.
 Drug-resistant Tuberculosis

Types of drug-resistant TB

• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Resistance to isoniazid

DU
and rifampicin, the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs.
• XDR- tuberculosis (Extensive drug-resistant): Resistance to
IN
isoniazid and rifampin + any fluoroquinolone + at least one of three

capreomycin) A B
injectable second-line drugs (i.e., amikacin, kanamycin, or

IM
• TDR-TB (Total drug-resistant): Resistance to all known TB drugs.
H
• In 2019, FDA approved Pretomanid in combination with Bedaquiline
and Linezolid for the treatment of drug-resistant TB.
 Tuberculosis – National Strategic Plan (2017-25)

India is aiming to eliminate TB by 2025 (WHO’s Global goal is 2030)

“Revised National Tuberculosis program” of India was renamed to “National
Tuberculosis Elimination Program”

U
Four strategic areas: Detect, Treat, Prevent & Build (network).
D
Priority areas :
IN
•

A B
Private sector engagement
Plugging the “leak” from the TB care cascade (i.e., people with TB going

IM
missing from care)
Active case finding among key populations.
H
•

• and for people in “high risk” groups, preventing the development of active
TB in people with latent TB
• Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT)
 ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign’

Launched by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare in September 2019

Three strong pillars:

participation.
DU
• Clinical approach, public health component and active community

IN
• Aims to improve and expand the reach of TB care services across the
country by 2022.
A B
IM Nikshay Poshan Yojana

H
• Launched in April 2018
• a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to provide nutritional support of Rs.
500/month to TB patients for the entire duration of treatment.
 Viral infections
• Viruses are acellular, and much smaller than bacterial cells (~ 100 nanometers).
• They are basically just capsules that contain genetic material.
• They come in variety of shapes like helical, spheres, polyhedral or more complex
structures.

DU
• They either contain DNA or RNA as genetic material, and are known as DNA

N
viruses and RNA viruses, respectively.
I
B
• Retro virus: Have RNA as genetic material. Uses Reverse transcriptase to get

A
converted to DNA and get inserted in host DNA. Eg: HIV, Human T - lymphotropic

M
virus type -1 HTLV-1 & HTLV – II

H I
• RNA virus: Most of the human and animal viruses.
• DNA virus: Most of the plant viruses & Herpes, Smallpox, Adeno virus, Hepatitis B
• To reproduce, viruses invade cells in host body, hijacking the machinery that makes
cells work. Host cells are eventually destroyed during this process.
• Antiviral drugs are used in treating viral infections.
 Common Viral infections

Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & symptoms

Influenza Influenza virus Talking, coughing & sneezing Respiratory Fever, cold
A, B, C
Mumps Mumps Virus
U
Coughing & sneezing

D
Enlargement of parotid salivary

N
(Paramyxovirus) glands
Polio Polio Virus
I
Fecal & oral

B
Spasm of throat & chest muscles,
fears from water, paralysis and

MA death

I
Chicken Pox Varicella zoster Direct contact, coughing & Dark rashes changing into vesicles

Hepatitis
virus
H sneezing
Hep A, B, C, D, Food/water (A&E)
E
Inflammation of liver, jaundice,
loss of appetite, fatigue, Liver
B, C, &D: Direct contact,
blood, or sexual contact cancer
 Common Viral infections
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & symptoms

Smallpox Variola virus Coughing & sneezing rashes changing into pustules

Measles Measles Virus Coughing & sneezing Skin eruptions, coughing, sneezing

Rabies Rabies virus

DU
Through saliva of infected Central nervous system

N
animals

I
Fever, tingling, fear of water,

SARS SARS
A Bcoughing & sneezing
hallucination
High fever with chills, body pains,

M
coronavirus hypoxia
Swine flu H1N1
H I coughing & sneezing Chills, fever, sore throat, body aches,
diarrhea
Bird/Avian H5N1 direct contact with infected Mild upper respiratory infection (Fever
Flu H9N2 animals/through & Cough) to severe pneumonia.
contaminated surfaces Vomiting & Diarrhea
 Common Viral infections

Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & symptoms

Bird/Avian Flu H5N1 direct contact with infected Mild upper respiratory infection (Fever
H9N2 animals/through & Cough) to severe pneumonia.

Chikungunya
DU
Chikungunya virus
contaminated surfaces
Aedes aegypti
Vomiting & Diarrhea
Joint pains, muscle pains, Fever

IN Aedes albopictus
Dengue fever

A B
Dengue Virus Aedes aegypti
Aedes albopictus
Platelet count decreases
Hemorrhagic fever
Zika
IM
Zika virus Aedes aegypti Microcephaly

Japanese
H
Japanese
Through blood is a
possibility
Culex tritaeniorhynchus
Neurological issues

Brain, High fever, neck stiffness,

encephalitis encephalitis virus seizure, paralysis
 Common Viral infections
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & symptoms

Nipah infection Nipah virus Infected bats, pigs, and people Respiratory illness & encephalitis

Kyasanur KFD Virus Ticks (Haemaphysalis Chills, Fever, headaches,

Forest Disease
U
spinigera) or contact with an

D
gastrointestinal and neurological

N
(KFD) infected animal (like disturbances

Hantavirus Hantavirus I
monkeys)

B
Airborne (Air contaminated Respiratory

MA through infected Rodent’s Chills, Fever, headaches, muscle

H I urine, feces, saliva etc.) aches, vomiting, and shortness of

breathing
Covid-19 SARS CoV- Through droplets Respiratory system & Multiple organs
2 Dry cough, shortness of breathe,
diarrhoea, loss of smell etc.
Ebola viral disease:
Caused by Ebola virus
Transmission: Through body fluids of infected animals and people

DU
Symptoms: Unexpected hemorrhage
Diarrhea, headache, fever

IN
Internal/external bleeding

A B
IM
Two monoclonal antibodies (Inmazeb and Ebanga) were approved
for the treatment of Ebolavirus infection in adults and children by
H
the US Food and Drug Administration in late 2020.
 Zika infection
• Zika infection caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
• Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint
pain, malaise or headache.

U
• Symptoms typically last for 2–7 days. Most people with Zika virus infection do not
develop symptoms.

ND
I
• Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with

•
A B
microcephaly and other congenital malformations.
Infection with Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy

M
including preterm birth and miscarriage.
I
H
• An increased risk of neurologic complications is associated with Zika virus infection
in adults and children, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.
• India reported its first confirmed cases of the virus in Gujarat in 2016.
• Zika infections recently reported in Kerala and Maharashtra in July 2021 and in
October in Uttar Pradesh.
 MARBURG VIRUS
• Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, is a
severe, often fatal illness in humans.
• The virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever in humans.
•
U
The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from
D
N
24% to 88% in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management.
•
I
Early supportive care with rehydration, and symptomatic treatment improves survival.
B
There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus, but a range of blood
A
products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently under development.
M
•

H I
Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural
hosts of Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and
spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission.
• Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus).
Q. Consider the following statements
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same
mosquito that transmits dengue.
U
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. (UPSC 2017)
D
INis/are correct?
B
Which of the statements given above

A
(a) 1 only
IM
(c) Both 1 and 2 H
(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

 Monkeypox

• It is a rare zoonotic disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
• It occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Africa and is occasionally exported to
other regions.

DU
• Usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Symptoms include fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of
other medical complications.
IN
Mode of transmission
A B
• Severe cases can occur - case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%.

IM
Animal-to-human: Through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, cutaneous

H
or mucosal lesions of an infected animal or eating insufficiently cooked meat from an
infected animal.
Human-to-human: Through close contact with respiratory
secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or contaminated
objects.

DU
Smallpox vaccines can provide protection against
monkeypox.
IN
Prevention
A B
IM
• Avoid contact with animals

H
• Isolate sick patients
• Pay attention to hygiene
• Use of smallpox vaccine provides some protection
 Protozoan infections

Protozoans are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Protozoa often spend part of their life cycle
outside of humans or other hosts, living in food, soil, water or insects. Some invade humans through
the food or the water. Others, such as malaria, are transmitted by mosquitoes.

U
Disease Pathogen Transmission Systems affected & symptoms

Malaria

ND
Plasmodium species Anopheles Fever, chills, vomiting, headache,

Kala-Azar
BI mosquito anaemia

A
Leishmania species Sandfly Enlarged spleen & liver, skin ulcers,
(Leishmaniasis)

M
weight loss
Trypanosomiasis
(African-sleeping
sickness) H I
Trypanosoma
species
Tsetse fly Fever, headache, muscle & joint
pains, sleeping abnormality, coma

Amoebic Entamoeba Contaminated Stools with blood, abdominal pain,

dysentery histolytica water/food nausea
(Amoebiasis)
 IMMUNITY
D
VACCINESU&
IN
ANTIMICROBIAL
A B
RESISTANCE
IM
H
 Immunity

U
• Humoral Immunity: B-cells produce antibodies – protection from
D
N
microbes

BI
• Cell-mediated Immunity: T-cells provide protection against
intracellular pathogens, cancers etc.
A
• Vaccines mimic pathogens and activate the production of
M
antibodies.

H I
Q. Which one of the following statements best describes
the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
(UPSC 2022 Prelims)

DU
a) They protect the body from environmental allergens

N
b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation
I
A B
c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body
d) They protect the body from diseases caused by

M
pathogens

H I
 Mission Indra Dhanush program
• Launched by the union health minister on 25th December 2014.
• Aimed to immunize all children below 2 years as well as all pregnant women
against 7 vaccine preventable diseases (Diphtheria, whooping cough, Tetanus,

DU
Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Measles, and Hepatitis B) in selected districts with ~

IN
50% unvaccinated children in the country.

A B
• Vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, and Hemophilus influenza B are also being
provided in selected states.

IM
• In 2016, four new additional vaccines were added - Rubella, Japanese
H
encephalitis, Injectable polio vaccine, and rotavirus.
• Originally, the achievement of full immunization under Mission Indra Dhanush to
at least 90% coverage was aim to be achieved by 2020.
 Intensified Mission Indra Dhanush (IMI) Program
• Special drive focused on improving immunization coverage in select districts and
cities to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018.
• Sharpened focus on high priority districts and urban areas, under IMI, four

U
consecutive immunization rounds conducted for 7 days - between October 2017
D
and January 2018.
IN
A B
• Low performing areas in the selected districts have been selected through
triangulation of data available under national surveys, Health Management

IM
Information System data and World Health Organization concurrent monitoring
data.
H
• Besides Ministry of Health, supported by 11 other ministries and departments, such
as Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Urban Development
among others.
• The convergence of ground level workers of various departments like
ASHA, Anganwadi workers ensured for better coordination and

DU
effective implementation of the program.

IN
• Reviewed by the Cabinet Secretary at the National level and

A B
monitored at the highest level under a special initiative ‘Proactive
Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)’.

IM
• Recognized as one of the 12 best global practices alleviating
H
healthcare at Partners Forum Meeting held in Delhi in Dec 2018.
 Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 (IMI 2.0)

• Launched “Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0” in December

2019 Based on the lessons learnt from the previous phases.

DU
• Seeks to escalate efforts to achieve the goal of attaining a 90%
national immunization coverage across India.

IN
• Planned to be delivered in 271 districts of 27 states and 652 blocks of

B
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among hard-to-reach and tribal populations.

A
Key highlights
IM
•

H
4 rounds of immunization over 7 working days, excluding the
Routine Immunization days - Sundays and holidays, in the selected
districts and urban cities between Dec 2019 - March 2020.
• Enhanced focus on left outs, dropouts, and resistant families and hard to reach areas.
• Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination.
• Enhanced political, administrative and financial commitment, through advocacy.
•

DU
Union Health Ministry also launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 in
February 2021 and Phase 4.0 in February 2022.

IN
B
• Children and pregnant women who have missed their vaccine doses during

MA
the COVID-19 pandemic are of focus.
IMI 3.0 Conducted in two rounds from February 22 and March 22 across
I
•

•
H
250 districts/urban areas identified in 29 States/Union Territories.
IMI 4.0 has 3 rounds and is being conducted in 416 districts (including 75
districts identified for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav) across 33 States/UTs in the
country.
Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India
pertains to (UPSC 2016)
D U
N women
(a) immunization of children andIpregnant

A B
(b) construction of smart cities across the country

M
(c) India’s own search for the
(d) New EducationalIPolicy
Earth-like planets in outer space

H
 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Antimicrobials, more specifically antibiotics, which often considered as “magic
bullets”, helped mankind in fighting bacterial infections since about a century.
• Antibiotics work either by damaging bacterial cell wall, protein-building or DNA-

•
DU
copying machinery, or metabolic processes that are specific to bacteria.
Given viruses do not have these targets (such as cell wall, protein synthesizing

IN
B
machinery) they cannot be killed by antibiotics.
•
A
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces the

M
effectiveness of antibiotics, designed to cure or prevent infections.
•
H I
The bacteria survive and continue to multiply even in presence of an antibiotic,
causing more harm.
• There is a growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a challenge to
global healthcare system.
Factors leading to AMR
• Irrational use of antimicrobials

DU
• Improper dosage

IN
• Incomplete course of treatment

B
• Self-medication
A
M
• Improper disposal of antibiotics
I
H
 National Action Plan on AMR
In April 2017, Indian government launched National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR,
based on the Global Action Plan (GAP).

U
Strategic priorities

education and training

ND
ü Improving awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication,

BI
ü Strengthening knowledge and evidence through surveillance

A
ü Reducing the incidence of infection through effective infection prevention and

M
I
control

H
ü Optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents in health, animals and food
ü Promoting investments for AMR activities, research and innovations
ü Strengthening India’s leadership on AMR through international collaborations to
ensure India’s contributions towards global efforts to contain AMR.
 Other Key initiatives by government on AMR
• India launched “Red Line campaign” in 2016, began marking prescription-only
antibiotics with a red line to curb their irrational use and create awareness on the

U
dangers of taking antibiotics without being prescribed.

D
N
• In 2019, the government banned use of Colistin, which is a “last-resort
I
A B
antibiotic” being used in fish and livestock industries.
• In January, 2020, MoEFCC published draft standard limits for antibiotic

IM
residues in pharmaceutical industry effluents.

H
A strong political will, inter-sectoral co-ordination between public and private
sectors and comprehensive strengthening of the healthcare systems are necessary
to contain AMR issue in India.
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of
multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC
2019)
1. Genetic predisposition of some people.

DU
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases.

IN
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming.

A B
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
IM
H
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3, and 4
d) 2, 3, and 4
 PROBIOTICS
• Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when
consumed or applied to the body.
• They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods and dietary supplements.

U
• Useful microbes, especially, bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing
D
N
organisms, or produce vitamins.
I
A B
• Many of the microorganisms in probiotic products are the same as or
microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies.

IM
• Probiotics may contain a variety of microorganisms.
• The most common are
H
• Bacteria: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
• Yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: (UPSC
2022)

DU
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they

IN
do not naturally occur in our Gut.

B
3. Probiotics help in digestion of milk sugars.

A
IM
Which of the following statements are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 & 3
H
d) 2 & 3
 BIOFILMS

• Biofilms are slimy layers of microorganisms that stick to wet surfaces.

• They may cause up to 80 percent of infections in humans.

system.
DU
• Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics, disinfectants, and the human immune

IN
• Ultra-fine plastic particles in waste can become 'hubs' for antibiotic-resistant

A B
bacteria and pathogens to grow.
• Certain strains of bacteria show elevated antibiotic resistance by up to 30 times

IM
when living in biofilms that form on microplastics (such as those used in medical
implants).
H
• Biofilms imply major challenges for the food industry because they allow
bacteria to bind to a range of surfaces, including rubber, plastic, glass, stainless
steel, and even food products.
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022 prelims)

1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissue

2.
DU
Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces
3.
N
Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance
I
A B
Which of the following statements are correct?
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
IM
c) 1 & 3 only
d) 1,2 & 3 H
 D U
NOTABLE GOVERNMENT
POLICIES AND IN
MISSIONS
A B
IM
H
 New National Biotechnology development Strategy 2021-25
• It's focus is to realize an ambitious target of Biotechnology contributing to a
“knowledge and innovation driven Bioeconomy”
• Targets to reach a value of USD 150 billion by 2025 from USD 63 Billion in 2019-20.

U
• Aims to place India within the top 5 countries globally and be recognized as a Global
D
N
Biomanufacturing Hub by 2025.
Goals & Objectives:
BI
A
• To build and strengthen a strong education, research and translation ecosystem across
the country.

IM
• To make India a global player for the development and deployment of new and
H
emerging technologies.
• To build and nurture a vibrant start-up, entrepreneurial and industrial base in the
country, connecting the academia and industry.
• To position India as a strong bio-manufacturing hub for innovative, affordable and
accessible products for the society and also for global markets.
Lessons from COVID has clearly indicated that focus has to continue on 4 major
verticals:
• Building capacities both human resource and infrastructure to cater to the current
needs and also to the future emerging technologies.

DU
• Strengthening and nurturing of a strong basic research innovation driven
ecosystem across Research Institutes and Laboratories, both public and private

IN
sector, with complete engagement of Startups, Small Industry, Large Industry and

A B
also reaching out to tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Promoting the translation and product development commercialization ecosystem

M
which necessarily needs to engage public and private sector and also encourage
I
H
PPP models of co- development.
• The balance between basic and translational research needs to be maintained to
ensure that we have a robust pipelines of new knowledge, which helps us to take
the translational work forward.
 National Biopharma Mission 2017

An Industry Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical

development in India, launched by the Department of Biotechnology in

U
June 2017.

ND
Implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC).
BI
Objectives:

MA
• Development of product leads for Vaccines , Biosimilars and Medical

H I
Devices that are relevant to the public health need by focussing on
managed partnerships.
• Upgradation of shared infrastructure facilities and establishing them as
centres of product discovery/discovery validations and manufacturing.
• Develop human capital by providing specific trainings
Technology Transfer Offices: To help enhance industry
academia inter-linkages and provide increased opportunities

DU
for academia, innovators and entrepreneurs to translate

N
knowledge into products and technologies, 5 Technology
I
NBM
A B
Transfer Offices are being considered for funding under

IM
H
 National Nutrition Mission 2018

• Malnutrition is a significant issue in India and contributes to

mortality and morbidity by reducing immunity to infections.
U
• Launched on 8th March 2018 on the occasion of international
D
N
women’s day.

BI
• It is backed by National nutrition strategy prepared by the
NITI Aayog with the goal of attaining “Kuposhan mukt Bharat”
A
/ malnutrition free India by 2022.
M
H I
• A flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Women and
Child Development (MWCD) to achieve improvement in
nutritional status of Children from 0-6 years, Adolescent Girls,
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers.
Targets
To reduce stunting, undernutrition and low birth weight by 2% per annum
& anemia by 3%

Features
DU
IN
Ø Introducing a very robust convergence mechanism

A B
Ø Information & communication technology based Real Time Monitoring
system
IM
H
Ø Incentivizing States/UTs for meeting the targets
Ø Incentivizing Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for using IT based tools
Ø Introducing measurement of height of children at the Anganwadi Centres
(AWCs)
 DU
IN
A B
IM
H