UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 66 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Genetic Medicine

Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?

1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.

2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.

3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: C. 1 and 2 only

Verdict

Statements 1 and 2 are correct, so the answer is Option (c).

Analysis

Genetic medicines are therapeutic agents that work by correcting, compensating for, or silencing faulty genes responsible for diseases. Examples include gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference therapies.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is correct: Genetic medicines correct or compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease. This is the fundamental principle of genetic medicine, which aims to fix or compensate for defective genes causing diseases.

Statement 2 is correct: Engineered viruses (viral vectors like adeno-associated viruses and lentivirus) and lipid nanoparticles, used in mRNA vaccines and therapies, serve as delivery vehicles or carriers for genetic medicines.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Genetic medicines do not alter the entire DNA sequence. They target specific genes or gene segments that are responsible for a disease, making precise and targeted modifications rather than changing the whole genome. Technologies like CRISPR make precise edits at targeted locations.

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