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Question No. 157Interactive Test Mode
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Q157. Consider the following: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

Consider the following:

  1. Bacteria
  2. Fungi
  3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2021 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (A) — 1 and 2 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statements 1 and 2 can be cultured synthetically, but Statement 3 cannot:

  • 1 and 2 are correct: Bacteria and fungi are free-living organisms equipped with independent cellular machinery and can readily be cultured on artificial synthetic nutrient media (such as agar or broth).
  • 3 is incorrect: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites lacking cellular structures; they can only replicate inside living host cells and cannot be cultured in non-living synthetic media alone.
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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021 (Q157)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (A) — 1 and 2 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2021 Q157

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I Question 157 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2021 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (A): "1 and 2 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Health & Medicine questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

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