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Question No. 15Interactive Test Mode
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Q15. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to 1. Resist drought and increase absorptive area 2. Tolerate extremes of pH 3. Resist disease infestation Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to

  1. Resist drought and increase absorptive area
  2. Tolerate extremes of pH
  3. Resist disease infestation Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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 2013 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — 1, 2 and 3

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Mycorrhizae are mutualistic symbiotic associations between soil fungi and plant root systems. Statement 1 is correct: The fungal hyphal network vastly extends the effective surface area of root systems, enhancing water and nutrient (particularly phosphorus) uptake, which improves drought tolerance. Statement 2 is correct: Mycorrhizal association shields plants from abiotic stresses like extreme soil pH and heavy metal toxicities. Statement 3 is correct: They enhance root defense mechanisms against soil-borne pathogens by producing antagonistic compounds (like oxalic acid) and physical exclusion.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 (Q15)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Biotechnology & Genetics
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — 1, 2 and 3

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2013 Q15

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2013 GS Paper I Question 15 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2013 Science and Technology (Biotechnology & Genetics) question is Option (D): "1, 2 and 3". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2013 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Biotechnology & Genetics". You can explore all repeated questions from Biotechnology & Genetics 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 Biotechnology & Genetics UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Biotechnology & Genetics 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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