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GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • [pib] Centenary of Bose-Einstein Statistics

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Bose-Einstein Statistics at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences.

    Bose-Einstein Statistics

    • Bose-Einstein statistics describe how certain particles called bosons (like photons and helium-4 atoms) behave, especially at low temperatures.
    • This concept was developed by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein.
    • It explains the behavior of bosons, which are particles that can exist in the same state as others.
    • Unlike other particles, bosons can “share” a quantum state, meaning multiple bosons can exist in the same place with the same energy.
    • It is used to understand particles that don’t follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle (which states that two fermions, like electrons, cannot occupy the same state).

    Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)

    • A BEC is a special state of matter formed when bosons are cooled down to almost absolute zero (-273°C). In this state, the particles behave as one single quantum entity.
    • Bosons, when cooled to near absolute zero, lose their individual properties and combine to form a single quantum state.
    • It was achieved in 1995 by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman using rubidium atoms.
    • This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics.
    • BECs exhibit unique quantum behaviors like zero viscosity (flow without friction) and act as a “super atom” that is extremely sensitive to any outside influence.

    Significance of Bose-Einstein Statistics

    • Bose-Einstein statistics are essential for understanding quantum mechanics, particularly the behavior of particles in quantum states.
    • These statistics led to the discovery of Bose-Einstein Condensates, which have unique properties not seen in normal states of matter.
    • BECs are useful in atomic clocks, superconductors, and quantum computing due to their sensitivity and unique quantum properties.
    • Bose’s work was crucial in explaining light’s particle nature (photons), which helped develop the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum theory.
    • Bose-Einstein statistics paved the way for studying low-temperature physics, allowing scientists to observe quantum effects in larger systems.
    • These statistics and the discovery of BECs continue to inspire new fields of research, including quantum fluids and quantum phase transitions.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionised the field of Physics.

  • New NASA-ISRO Satellite ‘NISAR’ to revolutionise Earth monitoring

    Why in the News?

    • The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is aimed at advancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
      • Set to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will act as a comprehensive Earth observation observatory.

    About NISAR Satellite:

    Details
    Collaboration • Joint mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (India).
    Purpose • Designed to monitor Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes, contributing to disaster preparedness, climate research, and sustainable management.
    Launch Date • Planned for early 2025.
    Launch Location • Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India.
    Launch Vehicle • ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).
    Orbit • Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    Dual-Band Radar System • L-band radar (provided by NASA): Penetrates dense vegetation and tracks ground motion.
    • S-band radar (provided by ISRO): Enhances precision for surface monitoring.
    Day and Night Functionality • Operates 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions.
    Large Antenna • Diameter: 12 meters.
    • Structure: 39-foot reflector made from gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals effectively.
    Features • Scans Earth’s entire surface every 12 days.

    • Measures surface changes with accuracy down to fractions of an inch.

    • Can penetrate vegetation and soil layers, providing 3D reconstructions of subsurface structures.
    Areas of Study • Ecosystems and Environmental Changes (forest biomass, deforestation, wetlands, agricultural lands, glaciers, and ice sheets).
    • Natural Disasters (seismic shifts, volcanic bulging, landslides, and tsunamis).
    Benefits and Applications • Disaster Preparedness: Early warning data for natural disasters.
    • Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks structural changes in critical infrastructure.
    • Environmental and Climate Research: Studies carbon storage, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts.
    Unique Advantages • Largest collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
    • Successfully tested in thermal vacuum conditions in Bengaluru in 2023.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?

    (a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.

    (c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.

  • LignoSat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    Lignosat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    Why in the News?

    The world’s first wood-panelled satellite, LignoSat, was recently launched to test the use of timber as a renewable material for future space missions.

    About LignoSat Satellite:

    Details
    Purpose To test the potential of wood as a renewable building material in space applications.
    Developed By Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry of Japan.
    Launch Details Launched on November 5 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule.
    Mission Duration Spend a month at the International Space Station (ISS) before being deployed into Earth’s orbit for six months to test its performance.
    Size and Weight Measures 4 inches (10 cm) per side and weighs 900 grams.
    Material Built with magnolia wood panels, using a traditional Japanese technique that avoids screws and glue.
    Construction Combines wood-panel casings with aluminium structures and standard electronic components.
    Durability Testing Designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations in space, ranging from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes.

    LignoSat as a Renewable Solution for Space Construction

    • Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike conventional aluminium-based satellites, LignoSat reduces pollutants like aluminium oxides that damage the ozone layer upon re-entry.
    • Sustainable Material: Wood is a renewable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material in space, as there is no water or oxygen to accelerate degradation.
    • Long-Term Vision: The satellite could pave the way for sustainable space construction, with future plans to use wood in building structures on the Moon and Mars.
    • Mitigating Orbital Congestion: As satellite constellations grow, sustainable materials like wood could help reduce space debris and pollution in Earth’s orbit.

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to ‘AstroSat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.

    2. AstroSat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Catalytic Polypeptide)

    Why in the News?

    Since smallpox was eradicated in 1980, research on mpox has highlighted how the virus mutates, particularly through the APOBEC family of immune system proteins.

    About APOBEC

    • APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like) is a family of proteins involved in regulating the genetic material of viruses and cells.
    • They are part of the human immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against viral infections by editing RNA and DNA.
    • APOBEC consists of several enzymes, with APOBEC1, APOBEC3 family members being the most well-known.
    • There are 11 identified members of the APOBEC family, primarily named APOBEC1, APOBEC2, and APOBEC3, with APOBEC3 being the most studied due to its antiviral properties.
    • It has a Zinc Finger Domain, which is essential for their enzymatic activity and ability to bind to DNA or RNA.
    • APOBEC proteins are found in various tissues and cells, but they are notably present in the immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.
    • Role in Immune Defense:
      • APOBEC proteins contribute to the innate immune response by editing viral genomes, preventing the replication of viruses, and reducing the ability of viruses to establish infections.
      • They are known to be cytosine deaminases, which means they modify cytosine bases in nucleic acids to uracil, leading to mutations that can prevent successful viral replication.
      • APOBEC proteins target the genomes of several viruses, including retroviruses (like HIV), hepatitis B virus, and poxviruses (such as mpox and smallpox).

    Functions of APOBEC Proteins:

    • DNA Editing: APOBEC proteins can deaminate cytosine bases in single-stranded DNA, converting them into uracil, which can lead to mutations.
      • This introduces errors in the viral genome and inhibits replication.
    • RNA Editing: Some APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC1, are involved in editing mRNA. In the case of APOBEC1, it helps edit the mRNA of apolipoprotein B, which is crucial for lipid metabolism.
    • Antiviral Activity: APOBEC3 proteins, particularly APOBEC3G, inhibit the replication of HIV and other retroviruses by editing viral DNA during reverse transcription.
      • They also reduce the replication of poxviruses (such as mpox), making them crucial in controlling infections caused by these viruses.
    • Cytosine Deamination in Viral RNA: APOBEC proteins induce mutations in viral RNA, reducing the virus’s ability to efficiently replicate and spread. This helps prevent viral evolution and adaptation.
    • Inhibition of Viral Resistance: By causing mutations in viral genomes, APOBEC proteins prevent viruses from easily developing resistance to the immune system’s defenses.
    • Interaction with Other Immune Mechanisms: APOBEC proteins work in concert with other immune mechanisms, like interferons, to enhance antiviral responses and limit infections.

    PYQ:

    [2016]  In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

  • Caterpillar fungus

    Why in the News?

    Recent research by scientists at the University of Nottingham’s has found that a chemical produced by a fungus growing on caterpillars may slow cancer cell growth.

    What is Caterpillar fungus?

    • Cordyceps militaris, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that primarily infects caterpillars and other insects.
    • Found in the Himalayan region and parts of Asia, it is valued in traditional Asian medicine for its health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory properties, and energy enhancement.
    • It is considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures and has long been used for its purported wellness effects.

    How it can slow down growth of cancer cells?

    • Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy have identified cordycepin, a compound produced by Cordyceps militaris, as potentially effective in slowing cancer cell growth.
    • Cordycepin works by interrupting overactive cell growth signals in cancer cells, which prevents rapid multiplication and allows for more targeted treatment.
    • This approach may be less harmful to healthy tissues compared to conventional cancer treatments, offering a promising direction for targeted cancer therapies.

    Other observations and significance of the species

    • In addition to its traditional uses, Cordyceps militaris is significant for its role in ecological balance, helping control insect populations in forest ecosystems.
    • Advances in research have enabled large-scale studies on cordycepin’s effects, with future studies focusing on derivatives of cordycepin for potentially enhanced anti-cancer properties.
    • The fungus illustrates how natural compounds can contribute to sustainable medical practices, offering less toxic alternatives for disease treatment, especially in oncology.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:

    (a) Anti-malarial drug

    (b) Biodiesel

    (c) Pulp for paper industry

    (d) Textile fibre

  • IDF working on new guidelines to treat Type 2 Diabetes

    Why in the News?

    • The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is developing new Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines in collaboration with a global expert panel.
      • These guidelines aim to integrate scientific evidence and clinical practice, adapted to the healthcare environment of specific countries.

    What is Type 2 Diabetes?

    • Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
    • It is commonly linked to obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet.
    • Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
    • Treatment involves lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
      • Medications such as Metformin help regulate blood sugar levels, and in some cases, insulin therapy may be required.

    About International Diabetes Federation (IDF):

    Details
    About
    • Established in 1950; Brussels, Belgium;
    • Members: Over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories.
    • Collaborations: Partners with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and others for global health initiatives.
    • Led by an elected President with the support of a Board of Directors from member countries.
    • Regional offices: Operates regional offices in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To improve the care and lives of people with diabetes and promote its prevention worldwide.
    • Advocacy, research, education, and raising awareness to reduce the global burden of diabetes.
    Key Programs
    • World Diabetes Day (November 14)
    • Global Diabetes Atlas
    • Educational initiatives for healthcare professionals
    Diabetes Types Covered
    • Type 1 Diabetes: Primarily affects children and young adults, where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to lifestyle factors and obesity. It involves insulin resistance and eventually pancreas dysfunction.
    • Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
    • Other Forms: Covers genetic forms, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young).

  • How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

    Why in the News?

    On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of Würzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.

     

    Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?

    • While experimenting with cathode rays in a glass vacuum tube, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing at a distance, despite being too far to be affected by the rays he was studying.
    • Intrigued by this unexpected glow, he wondered if this mysterious ray could penetrate organic materials, so he experimented by photographing his wife’s hand, capturing her bones and ring. This was the world’s first recorded X-ray image of the human body.
    • Röntgen documented his findings in an article titled “On a new kind of rays,” in 1895 which was published by introducing “X-rays” to the scientific community.

    How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?

    • Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
    • Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.

    What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?

    • Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
    • Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasn’t until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
    • Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
    • Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.

    Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:

    • Limited X-ray Equipment: Rural Community Health Centres (CHCs) in India often need more X-ray machines, with only 68% of available units functioning, primarily due to high operational costs and shortages of technicians.
    • Maintenance and Operational Delays: Even when X-ray machines are present, many remain non-functional due to installation delays and insufficient maintenance, as imaging services are not prioritized in CHC guidelines.
    • Access and Specialist Shortages: Rural patients face long travel distances to access imaging services, further limited by a concentration of radiologists in urban areas, reducing timely access to diagnostic interpretation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
      • For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
    • Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like ‘XraySetu’, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    Why in the News?

    Some companies have been working to solve the buoyancy challenge of Airships, a longstanding issue that has hindered their use for cargo transportation.

    What are Airships?

    • Airships are lighter-than-air aircraft capable of controlled powered flight.
    • They were the first aircraft to achieve this and were considered the future of travel in the early 20th century.
    • However, as aeroplane technology advanced, the popularity of airships declined due to their technological limitations.
    • Today, airships are used mainly for:
      • Advertising platforms
      • Aerial observation for research and military purposes
      • Tourism and scenic flights
    Note: Buoyancy is the force that makes things float. It acts in the opposite direction to gravity. When an object is placed in a fluid (like air or water), the fluid pushes up against the object, helping it to stay afloat.

    How do Airships work?

    • Airships achieve lift by using lighter-than-air gases within their structure, much like helium balloons.
    • Early airships used hydrogen due to its lightweight and low cost.
      • However, hydrogen is highly flammable, leading to tragic incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, which damaged public trust in airships.
    • Most airships today use helium, a non-flammable gas that is safer than hydrogen.
    • However, helium is scarce and expensive, costing about $35 per cubic meter (enough to lift just 1 kg).
    • Challenge with varying Buoyancy:
      • Airships require the ability to vary their buoyancy to adjust for weight changes when picking up or dropping off loads.
      • Solutions such as releasing and refilling helium are impractical due to helium’s high cost and scarcity.

    How Airships are a Promising Solution?

    Airships hold potential as low-emission cargo vehicles due to their unique design:

    • Airships have a high lift-to-drag ratio, meaning they consume far less fuel than aeroplanes for moving the same load.
    • Companies are exploring the use of ballast to regulate airship buoyancy, a method common in hot air balloons and submarines.
    • A French company has created a 200-meter “flying crane” airship called LCA60T, which can pick up water as ballast mid-flight, avoiding the need for specialized ground infrastructure.
    • With concerns about climate change and the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, airships offer a less polluting alternative. They do not burn fossil fuels to lift, making them an eco-friendly choice.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?

  • Europe’s Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Europe's Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 Mission in December from the Sriharikota spaceport.
      • The mission will use ISRO’s PSLV rocket to place two satellites in orbit, designed to study the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.

    About Proba-3 Mission:

    Details
    Mission Name PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3)
    Objective Study the Sun’s corona by creating an artificial eclipse with precision formation flying of two satellites
    Launch Date and Location December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota spaceport, India, via ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket
    Orbit Highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period
    Satellites Two satellites: 

    1. Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg) and
    2. Occulter spacecraft (200 kg)
    Alignment Precision Millimeter-level alignment to block the Sun’s light and allow continuous corona observation
    Key Scientific Goals Observe solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to improve space weather forecasting
    Unique Features First ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, using smaller, agile satellites for cost-effective observation
    International Collaboration Jointly developed by ESA and ISRO, with contributions from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
    Communication Support Managed via antenna in Santa Maria (Azores) and ground station in Redu (Belgium)
    Significance Advances solar research and international collaboration; enhances space weather insights, supporting infrastructure on Earth

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

  • How Vitamin D deficiency can trigger autoimmune conditions?

    Why in the News?

    Recent research conducted by scientists at McGill University has shed light on the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining thymus health and its implications for immune function.

    About Autoimmune Conditions:

    • Autoimmune conditions refer to disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, viewing them as foreign.
    • Vitamin D plays a role in regulating immune responses and promoting immune tolerance—the body’s ability to avoid attacking its own cells.
    • It influences T-cells (a type of immune cell) to recognize and tolerate the body’s own tissues rather than attacking them.
    • The thymus gland trains T-cells to avoid attacking healthy cells. A deficiency in Vitamin D may cause the thymus to age prematurely, reducing its ability to regulate T-cells properly.
      • Vitamin D affects certain genetic pathways related to immune function.
      • Variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may also predispose some individuals to autoimmune diseases, and these individuals might be more sensitive to Vitamin D levels.

    What is Vitamin D?

    • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are essential for bone health.
    • It supports muscle movement, nerve function, and immune system responses. Due to its synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, it is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
    • The body naturally produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
    • Sources of Vitamin D:
      • Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in Vitamin D.
      • Cod liver oil: A concentrated source, providing 400–1,000 IU per teaspoon.
      • Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello contain Vitamin D if exposed to UV light.
      • Fortified Foods: Milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals often have added Vitamin D.
      • Egg yolks: Contain a small amount of Vitamin D.
      • Common forms include Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), especially useful in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited.

    Significance of Vitamin D

    • Bone Health: Essential for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
    • Muscle and Nerve Function: Supports muscle contractions and nerve signaling between the brain and body.
    • Immune System: Enhances immune defenses, helping to fight off infections by viruses and bacteria.
    • Brain Health: May play a role in maintaining cognitive health, especially with aging.
    • Inflammation and Pain: Helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
    • Blood Pressure: Linked to regulating blood pressure; deficiency is associated with hypertension.

    Impacts of Vitamin D Deficiency

    • Increases the risk of rickets in children (softening of bones) and osteoporosis in adults.
    • Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
    • Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate thymus aging, leading to immune dysfunction and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
    • Deficiency has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and chronic pain.
    • Can include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and depression.
    • In severe cases, deficiency may cause impaired bone growth and fracture susceptibility.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

    (a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.

    (b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.

    (c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism.

    (d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process.