Diseases and Vaccines are important part of science and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Diseases and Vaccines.
PYQ on Diseases and Vaccines
Q- In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (2022)
- The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
- Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
- COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: The COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India, called Covishield, does not utilize the mRNA platform. Instead, it is developed using the viral vector platform. This vaccine employs a modified chimpanzee adenovirus, ChAdOx1, to deliver the COVID-19 spike protein into human cells. While this cold virus cannot cause infection, it effectively primes the immune system to defend against similar viruses. This technology has also been employed in creating vaccines for viruses like Ebola.
Statement 2: Sputnik V, the first registered vaccine globally, is built upon the human adenoviral vector-based platform. This involves removing the gene responsible for adenovirus infection and replacing it with a gene encoding a protein from another virus’s spike.
Statement 3: Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine developed using Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology. It contains deactivated viruses incapable of causing infection but capable of instructing the immune system to mount a defense against the active virus.
Q- With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)
1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in the development of Recombinant vector vaccines. This field employs techniques to modify the chemical composition of genetic material, such as DNA and RNA, and introduce these alterations into host organisms, thereby altering the phenotype of the host. Techniques involved in genetic engineering include creating recombinant DNA, gene cloning, and gene transfer.
Statement 2: Recombinant vaccines utilize viral or bacterial vectors as carriers for entry into host organisms. These vectors serve as channels through which the vaccine components are delivered into the host.
Q- In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: (2021)
1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.
Which of the statements given above is’/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is a type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) used to replace a woman’s mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) with healthy donor DNA. Various techniques are employed in MRT, including spindle transfer (ST), pronuclear transfer (PNT), and polar body transfer (PBT). Pronuclear transfer involves the manipulation of two zygotes in vitro after fertilization.
Maternal spindle transfer (MST) is another MRT technique conducted before fertilization, resembling selective reproduction methods like prenatal diagnosis and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Statement 2: Mitochondria are organelles containing circular DNA, and in animals, they are the only organelles, aside from the nucleus, housing DNA and genes. Sperm carry a minimal amount of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA. Consequently, mitochondrial genes are inherited solely from the mother, meaning a father with a mitochondrial gene defect cannot pass on the disease to his offspring.
Q- What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? (2021)
(1) These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
(2) Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
(3) These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The majority of individuals who receive a pneumococcal vaccine experience no significant issues. However, as with any medication, including vaccines, there is a possibility of experiencing side effects. These side effects are typically minor and resolve on their own within a few days. Nonetheless, there is a potential for serious reactions to occur.
Q- Which of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Hepatitis is a condition characterized by liver inflammation, with Hepatitis B being a viral infection specifically targeting the liver. Caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), this disease is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, sharing similarities with HIV transmission.
While vaccines are available for preventing Hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, and Recombivax HB are examples of Hepatitis B vaccines.
Many individuals infected with Hepatitis B and C may remain asymptomatic for extended periods. Globally, around 325 million people are affected by viral Hepatitis B and C, resulting in approximately 1.4 million deaths annually. The prevalence of Hepatitis infections is nine times higher than that of HIV.
Q- Consider the following: (2018)
(1) Birds
(2) Dust blowing
(3) Rain
(4)Wind blowing.
Which of the above spread plant diseases?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Birds flying through crops can transfer pathogens from one infected plant to another. Some plant pathogenic bacteria are spread over short distances by wind. Others are carried by raindrops splashing, such as in the case of Citrus canker disease. Rainfall appears to play a significant role in spreading fire blight bacteria in certain areas, either through washing or splattering effects. Soil and agricultural activities also contribute to disease dissemination, as they generate dust that can spread pathogens.
Q- Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect (2016)
(1) bacteria
(2) fungi
(3) plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Viruses have the capability to infect a wide range of hosts containing living cells, including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. They can only reproduce within the living cells of their host organisms. Bacteriophages are a type of virus that specifically infects and replicates within bacterial cells, while mycoviruses target fungi. Additionally, various other viruses are known to affect plants.
Q- H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)
(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Swine flu, a prevalent disease among pigs globally, poses a heightened risk to individuals with regular exposure to these animals. Its symptoms typically include chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness, shortness of breath, and general discomfort.
In April 2009, the World Health Organization declared swine flu a pandemic. Alongside bird flu, COVID-19, and Ebola, swine flu belongs to the category of zoonotic viruses, originating in animals but capable of transmission to humans upon close contact.
Q- Consider the following diseases (2014)
(1) Diphtheria
(2) Chickenpox
(3) Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Smallpox was a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola virus. Since 1977, there have been no cases of naturally occurring smallpox due to successful eradication efforts. Transmission primarily occurred through direct and prolonged face-to-face contact between individuals.
Diphtheria, another serious bacterial infection, affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose and is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), spreads through various means, including saliva, coughing, sneezing, and contact with fluid from the blisters.
Q- Consider the following pairs (2014)
| Vitamin | Deficiency Disease |
| Vitamin C | Scurvy |
| Vitamin D | Ricket |
| Vitamin E | Night Blindness |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body for normal growth and functioning. Examples include vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as choline and various B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate/folic acid. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining bone health, promoting wound healing, strengthening the immune system, converting food into energy, and repairing cellular damage.
Q- Which of the following statements is/are correct? (2013)
- Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.
- Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium.
- Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only.
96.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
A virus is a minute infectious agent comprising DNA or RNA. Viruses come in various shapes and sizes and replicate by invading host cells. A protein-made capsid functions as a protective covering for viruses, safeguarding their genetic material.