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Question No. 96Interactive Test Mode
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Q96. When reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: 1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body. 3. They can be used in biochemical sensors. 4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above are correct?

When reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:

  1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
  2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.
  3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.
  4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.

Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2020 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — 1, 3 and 4 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is correct: Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serve as nanocarriers to deliver pharmaceuticals, genes, and antigens to target cells across membranes. Statement 2 is marked incorrect by UPSC: Although experimental research explores CNT scaffolds in vascular tissue engineering, making fully functional artificial blood capillaries is not a established medical application. Statement 3 is correct: CNTs exhibit high electrical conductivity and surface area, making them excellent materials for electrochemical biosensors to detect glucose, proteins, and DNA. Statement 4 is correct: Studies have shown that enzymatic oxidation by peroxidase enzymes (e.g., myeloperoxidase, horseradish peroxidase) and certain fungal/bacterial enzymes can biodegrade functionalized carbon nanotubes.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020 (Q96)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Nanotechnology
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2020 Q96

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper I Question 96 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2020 Science and Technology (Nanotechnology) question is Option (C): "(c) 1, 3 and 4 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2020 question belong to?

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

To solve Nanotechnology 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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