Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Science and Technology (20 October 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Science and Technology

1. Consider the following statements regarding Distributed ledger technology (DLT):

1. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the details are recorded in multiple places at the same time.
2. Unlike traditional databases, distributed ledgers have central data store or administration functionality.
3. Blockchain technology is a specific kind of Distributed ledger technology.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

  • Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
    Unlike traditional databases, distributed ledgers have no central data store or administration functionality. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • Blockchain technology is a specific kind of DLT that came to prominence after Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that used it, became popular. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin use codes to encrypt transactions and stack them up in blocks, creating Blockchains. It is the use of codes that differentiates cryptocurrencies from other virtual currencies. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Bio-enzymes:

1. Bio-enzymes are organic solutions produced through fermentation of organic waste like fruits, vegetable peels and flowers by mixing in sugar, jaggery/molasses and water.
2. Yeast can be used to slow down the process of fermentation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Bio-enzymes are organic solutions produced through fermentation of organic waste including various fruits, vegetable peels and flowers, by mixing in sugar, jaggery/molasses and water. It takes 60-100 days to ferment organic waste. To fasten the fermentation, yeast can be used as culture to prepare it in 45-50 days. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Proteins:

1. Proteins need to take a precise three-dimensional shape to become functional entities.
2. Misfolding of proteins can cause a number of diseases like Parkinson’s disease and cataract.
3. Most of the time, protein folding happens automatically.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

Explanation: DNA is a linear chain of nucleotides, portions of which are faithfully transcribed into linear messenger RNA. The message in this RNA is translated into strings of amino acids – proteins. Proteins need to take a precise three-dimensional shape to become functional entities. This protein folding does not happen all by itself, at least most of the time. A special bunch of proteins called molecular chaperones assist in correctly folding the protein. Misfolding of proteins can cause a number of diseases. Alpha-synuclein protein, present in neurons, is wrongly folded in Parkinson’s disease. Aberrant folding of crystallins of the eye lens leads to cataract. In the eye lens, an abundant subset of proteins called alpha-crystallins themselves serve as chaperones. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

4. Monoclonal antibodies have been used in the treatment of:

1. HIV
2. Ebola
3. Covid-19

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Besides Covid-19, monoclonal antibodies have been used in the treatment of cancers as well as Ebola and HIV. Hence, all are correct.

5. The term ‘Neural network’ sometimes seen news means:

(a) A network of disengaged computer clouds
(b) A point to point network for urgent assistance in cybercrime matters
(c) A process that mimics the way the human brain operates.
(d) Networking between cells based on their mRNA

Answer: (C)

Explanation: A neural network is a series of algorithms that endeavours to recognize underlying relationships in a set of data through a process that mimics the way the human brain operates. In this sense, neural networks refer to systems of neurons, either organic or artificial in nature. Neural networks can adapt to changing input; so the network generates the best possible result without needing to redesign the output criteria. The concept of neural networks, which has its roots in artificial intelligence, is swiftly gaining popularity in the development of trading systems. Hence, option (c) is correct.