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Subject: Science and Technology

  • OptiDrop platform for studying Single Cells

    Why in the news?

    The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has unveiled OptiDrop platform designed to simplify and significantly reduce the cost of studying single cells.

    About C-CAMP

    • C-CAMP Initiative was established in 2009 under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences.
    • It stands as India’s premier biosciences research and innovation hub.

    What is OptiDrop?

    • OptiDrop presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional flow cytometry methods, making single-cell analysis more accessible to a broader range of researchers and institutions.
    • OptiDrop simplifies single-cell analysis by encapsulating individual cells within droplets, facilitating easier manipulation and analysis compared to traditional methods.
    • Key features such as affordability, live data visualization, compact design, and closed-system architecture enhance its suitability for diverse clinical applications.
    Cytometry is the measurement of number and characteristics of cells. Variables that can be measured by cytometric methods include cell size, cell count, cell morphology (shape and structure), cell cycle phase, DNA content, and the existence or absence of specific proteins on the cell surface or in the cytoplasm.

    Applications of OptiDrop

    • Expansive Utility: OptiDrop unlocks various downstream applications, including drug screening, environmental monitoring, immunotherapy, and single-cell genomics, revolutionizing research across multiple domains.
    • Advanced Research Capabilities: Researchers can leverage OptiDrop to study individual cell behavior during drug screenings, identify and monitor environmental contaminants, sort specialized cell populations, and explore genetic heterogeneity within cell populations.

    Benefits offered by OptiDrop

    • Accessible Technology: Unlike conventional cytometers, which can cost up to Rs 40 lakh or more, OptiDrop offers a cost-efficient solution likely priced around Rs 10 lakh, making it accessible to a broader range of research labs and institutions.
    • Affordable Scalability: OptiDrop’s affordable pricing and scalable design allow institutions of varying sizes to adopt the technology, democratizing access to cutting-edge single-cell analysis capabilities.
    • Long-Term Sustainability: By reducing the barrier to entry for single-cell analysis, OptiDrop paves the way for sustainable and impactful research initiatives, driving innovation and discovery in the life sciences.

    PYQ:

    2020:

    Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal-calls?

    1.    Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

    2.    Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.

    3.    Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The OptiDrop equipment recently seen in news finds application in:

    (a) Cytometry

    (b) Astronomy

    (c) Geology

    (d) Radiometry

  • Mother of Dragons Comet: A Rare Celestial Phenomenon

    Why in the news?

    • The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is making a rare appearance in the Northern Hemisphere skies.
    • This Halley-type comet, completing its orbit every 71 years, has emerged marking its first sighting since 1954.

    What is a Comet?

     

    • A comet is a celestial object composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocky particles that orbit the Sun in elongated, elliptical paths.
    • These icy bodies originate from the outer regions of the solar system, specifically from two regions: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.
    • Comets are often referred to as “dirty snowballs” or “icy dirtballs” due to their composition.
    • Halley’s Comet is a short-period comet visible from Earth every 75–79 years.
    • It was last seen in Earth’s skies in 1986 and was met in space by an international fleet of spacecraft. It will return in 2061 on its regular journey around the Sun.

     

    About Mother of Dragons Comet

    • It is named by the European Space Agency (ESA).
    • The comet’s name is inspired by its link to the annual “kappa-Draconids” meteor shower, active from November 29 to December 13 each year.
    • It has a width of 17 km. the comet features an elliptical orbit adorned with a mysterious spiral of luminous light enveloping its icy nucleus.
    • It is comprised of ice, dust, rock, and diatomic carbon molecules.
    • It dissipates a radiant emerald hue when illuminated by the sun, captivating observers with its bright green appearance.

    Display Features of the Comet

    • Renowned for its cryovolcanic eruptions, the comet periodically ejects material from its icy core into space, resulting in breath-taking luminosity.
    • Its most recent eruption in July 2023, after 69 years, earned it the moniker “devil comet” due to its dramatic outburst, resembling horns likely caused by internal features.

    PYQ:

    2014:

    What is a coma, in the content of astronomy?

    (a) Bright half of material on the comet

    (b) Long tail of dust

    (c) Two asteroids orbiting each other

    (d) Two planets orbiting each other

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the “Mother of Dragons” Comet, consider the following statements:

    1.    It is named by the NASA.

    2.    It is comprised of ice, dust, rock, and diatomic carbon molecules.

    3.    It makes appearances after every 10 years.

    How many of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) None

  • Nuclear Fusion: KSTAR reaches a temperature of 100 million Celsius

    Why in the news?

    • South Korean scientists at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) achieved a significant milestone by producing temperatures of 100 million Celsius for 48 seconds in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor.
    • KSTAR maintained the high confinement mode (H-mode) for over 100 seconds, demonstrating stability in plasma conditions crucial for sustained fusion reactions.
    • This is a world record.

    What is Tokamak Technology?

     

    • Scientists utilize a tokamak, a donut-shaped reactor, to heat hydrogen variants to extreme temperatures, creating plasma.
    • This reactor replicates the Sun’s fusion reaction, generating immense heat energy.

     

    What is Nuclear Fusion?

    • Nuclear fusion involves fusion of hydrogen and other light elements to release massive energy, akin to the process that powers the Sun and stars.
    • It is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
    • This occurs under extremely high temperatures, typically in the range of tens of millions of degrees Celsius, and pressure, similar to those found in the core of stars.
    • In a tokamak reactor, hydrogen variants are heated to extreme temperatures to create a plasma, mimicking conditions found in the Sun’s core.
    • 1 kg of fusion fuel contains about 10 million times as much energy as a kg of coal, oil or gas.

    Significance of KSTAR’s achievements

    • Achieving sustained fusion reactions in laboratory conditions unlocks the potential for unlimited, zero-carbon electricity generation.
    • By extending the duration of high-temperature fusion, scientists aim to sustain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees for 300 seconds by 2026, pushing the boundaries of fusion research.
    • Progress in fusion research at KSTAR contributes to international efforts, supporting projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France.

    ITER Project

     

    • ITER is a unique partnership of nations jointly responsible for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an experimental fusion facility.
    • It was founded in 2007 and is based at Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
    • ITER being an experimental reactor, it will allow the study of fusion reaction which governs the Sun and other Stars.
    • Nuclear fusion will take place in the form of Plasma in a Tokamak.

    ITER is run, funded and designed by 7 members:

    1. European Union (EU)
    2. India
    3. China
    4. Japan
    5. Russia
    6. South Korea
    7. United States

    Benefits offered by Nuclear Fusion Energy

    • Clean Energy: Fusion reactions produce minimal radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission, which generates long-lived radioactive waste. Fusion also emits no greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly energy source.
    • Safety and Controlled Nature: Fusion reactions are inherently safer than nuclear fission reactions. Fusion reactors have a lower risk of accidents and do not produce runaway chain reactions like fission reactors.
    • Energy Security: Fusion provides a reliable and secure source of energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and volatile energy markets. It offers a sustainable solution to meet global energy demand.
    • High Energy Density: Fusion reactions release a vast amount of energy compared to other energy sources. This high energy density makes fusion power compact and efficient, enabling it to meet large-scale energy needs.
    • Scalability: Fusion reactors can be designed to scale up or down to meet varying energy demands. They can serve as base-load power plants or complement renewable energy sources, providing flexibility in the energy mix.
    • Minimal Environmental Impact: Fusion power plants have a small footprint and do not require large mining operations or fuel transportation, reducing their environmental impact. They also produce no air pollution or carbon emissions during operation.

    PYQ:

    2016:

    India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

    (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

    (b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation

    (c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation

    (d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor has recently set a world record. In this regard, consider the following statements:

    1.    It produced a temperatures of 100 million Celsius for 48 seconds.

    2.    It achieved sustained fusion reactions in laboratory conditions.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • 125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

    Why in the news?

    This year marks 125th Year of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO).

    About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)

    • The idea for an Indian solar observatory emerged in the late 19th century, with then government sanctioning the establishment of the Solar Physics Observatory in Kodaikanal in August 1893.
    • Kodaikanal in the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu was chosen as the site for the observatory due to its favorable atmospheric conditions, following surveys conducted by Charles Michie Smith.
    • The foundation stone for KoSO was laid by Lord Wenlock, the then Governor of Madras, in 1895.
    • Systematic observations at KoSO began on March 14, 1901.
    • KoSO initially housed instruments for solar observations, including telescopes for examining sunspots, prominences, and solar radiations.
    • Presently, KoSO houses advanced instruments like the H-alpha telescope and the White light Active Region Monitor (WARM) for high-resolution solar imaging.

    Do you know?

    • The Bhavnagar Telescope, named after the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, was one of the more famous instruments at KoSO during the early decades of its operation.
    • A 15cm telescope was used to capture solar images onto a photographic film or plate.
    • Solar magnetic plages and prominences were recorded since 1911, taken on photographic films and plates.

    Historical Perspective

    • Ancient Legacy: Throughout history, seafarers, mathematicians, astronomers, and physicists have meticulously studied the Sun and its celestial phenomena.
    • British Era Initiatives: In 1792, the British East India Company established the pioneering Madras Observatory, marking a significant milestone in astronomical research in the region.
    • Madras Observatory’s Legacy: The Madras Observatory documented crucial astronomical observations during 1812-1825, laying the groundwork for solar research in India.
    • Shift to Systematic Observations: Dedicated solar observations commenced in 1878, fostering a deeper understanding of solar phenomena.
    • Advancements in Methodology: The adoption of systematic observational techniques paved the way for more comprehensive and detailed studies of the Sun’s behavior.

    Need for such Observatory

    • Great Drought of 1875-1877: This event triggered by scanty rainfall, propelled the need for comprehensive solar studies to comprehend its implications on weather patterns.
    • India’s Geographical Significance: India’s drought was part of a larger global phenomenon, affecting several countries and leading to widespread famine.
    • Scientific Inquiry: Scientists recognized the potential role of solar variability in influencing climatic patterns, prompting inquiries into the Sun’s behavior and its correlation with environmental phenomena.

    Scientific Endeavors of KoSO

    • The observatory made significant contributions to solar physics, including the discovery of the radial motion of sunspots, known as the Evershed Effect.
    • Over time, KoSO expanded its research areas beyond solar physics to include cosmic rays, radio astronomy, ionospheric physics, and stellar physics.
    • In April 1971, KoSO was brought under the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, as part of the separation of astrophysics from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    Repository of the KoSO

    • Between 1904 and 2017, all solar observations were traced onto photographic films and plates
    • A new telescope mounted with CCD cameras has taken over and, since 2017, continued to observe the Sun.
    • Digitization of the records was initiated in 1984 by Prof J C Bhattacharyya, and others continued the effort.
    • KoSO is now home to a digital repository of a whopping 1.48 lakh solar images adding up to 10 terabyte of data.
    • These include 33,500 white-light images (showing sunspots), 45,000 images of the Ca II K spectral line (which reveals plages), and 70,000 H-alpha photographic plates that show prominences.

    PYQ:

    2019:

    On 21st June, the Sun-

    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the ‘Evershed Effect’ in Sun?

    (a) It refers to the bending of light waves around obstacles, demonstrated by the diffraction pattern observed in a single-slit experiment.

    (b) It is the phenomenon of a magnetic field being generated by the motion of charged particles in the convective zone of the Sun.

    (c) It describes the deflection of moving charged particles, such as electrons, in a magnetic field, leading to the creation of an electric potential difference.

    (d) It is the radial flow of gases in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, observed as a redshift in the spectrum of light emitted by the photosphere.

  • Ozone found on Jupiter’s moon Callisto

    Why in the news?

    PRL Ahmedabad researchers has uncovered evidence of ozone presence on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, offering profound insights into celestial chemical processes.

    About Jupiter and its Moons

    Description
    Discovery Known since ancient times;

    Galileo Galilei observed Jupiter and its moons through a telescope in 1610
    Composition Mostly composed of hydrogen and helium, with traces of other gases such as ammonia, methane, and water vapor
    Diameter 139,822 kilometers
    Mass 1.898 × 10^27 kilograms (317.8 Earth masses)
    Orbital Period Approximately 11.86 Earth years
    Average Distance from Sun Approximately 778 million kilometers
    Surface Temperature Approximately -145°C (-234°F)
    Magnetic Field Strong magnetic field, the strongest in the solar system
    Moons Jupiter has 79 known moons, including the four largest Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

    Other notable moons include Amalthea, Himalia, Elara, Leda, Thebe, Metis, Adrastea, and more.

    The moons vary significantly in size, composition, and orbital characteristics.
    Great Red Spot Enormous storm system, known to exist for at least 400 years
    Exploration Explored by spacecraft such as Pioneer, Voyager, Galileo, Juno, and more

    Callisto and its Unique Environment

    • Composition: Callisto’s predominantly icy surface, interspersed with rocky materials, sulphur dioxide, and organic compounds, positions it as a compelling candidate for extraterrestrial life exploration.
    • Geological Stability: Despite extensive cratering, Callisto’s surface exhibits geological inactivity, suggesting long-term stability conducive to preserving subsurface oceans or potential habitats.

    Significance of Ozone Findings

    • Life-Sustaining Component: Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, plays a vital role in shielding celestial bodies from harmful ultraviolet radiation, fostering conditions conducive to life.
    • Earthly Parallel: Just as the Earth’s ozone layer protects against harmful UV radiation, the presence of ozone on Callisto hints at stable atmospheric conditions and potential habitability, sparking scientific intrigue.

    PYQ:

    What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1.    Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are made of ice, dust and rocky material.

    2.    Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.

    3.    Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (2011)

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • ISRO’s NICES Programme Combatting Climate Change

    Why in the news?

    The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES) Program has extended invitations to Indian researchers to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

    What is NICES Program?

    • The NICES Programme is operated by the ISRO and the Department of Space.
    • It was launched in 2012.
    • It operates within the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
    • NICES aims to enhance the participation of Indian researchers in addressing climate change-related challenges through multidisciplinary scientific investigations.
    • Focus Areas: Potential areas for project submission include Space-based Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and Climate Indicators, Climate Change Challenges, Weather Extremes, and Climate Services.

    Activities held under NICES Program

    • NICES invites project proposals from Indian scientists, academicians, and researchers affiliated with various governmental organizations, recognized institutions, universities, and departments.
    • Project proposals should address climate change-related challenges.
    • These projects are expected be completed within 3 years from the date of sanction.

    Objective and Functionality

    • The primary objective of the NICES Programme is to generate and disseminate long-term Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) derived from Indian and other Earth Observation (EO) satellites.
    • These variables, spanning terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric domains, are crucial for characterizing Earth’s climate and monitoring changes over time.

    Achievements and Impact:

    • Since its inception in 2012, NICES has developed over 70 geophysical products meeting stringent quality standards.
    • These products have been instrumental in documenting climate change and its impacts, contributing to scientific understanding and evidence-based decision-making.

    PYQ:

    2021: Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The NICES Program is an initiative of:

    (a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

    (b) Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

    (c) Department of Science and Technology (DST)

    (d) None of the above.

  • Empathic Voice Interface (EVI): World’s first conversational AI with Emotional Intelligence  

    Why in the news?

    • Hume, a prominent research lab and tech firm based in New York, has unveiled Empathic Voice Interface (EVI), world’s first conversational AI endowed with emotional intelligence.

    What is Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)?

    • Hume’s Empathic Voice Interface (EVI) is powered by its proprietary empathic large language model (eLLM).
    • It can decipher tones, word emphasis, and emotional cues, improving the quality of interactions.
    • As an API, EVI can integrate seamlessly with various applications, offering developers a versatile solution for implementing human-like interactions.

    Potential Applications and Future Prospects

    • Enhanced AI Assistants: Hume’s technology enables AI assistants to engage in nuanced conversations, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction.
    • Improved Customer Support: By infusing empathy into customer support interactions, Hume’s AI promises to deliver more personalized service and foster stronger relationships.
    • Therapeutic Potential: Hume’s empathetic AI holds promise in therapeutic settings, offering support and guidance by understanding and responding to human emotions.

    PYQ:

    1. What is ’emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?  (2013)
    2. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (2019)
    3. How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?  (2017)

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements correctly describes the Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)?

    (a) EVI operates as a standalone application, devoid of integration capabilities with other software systems.

    (b) It relies on conventional language models, neglecting emotional cues and word emphasis during interactions.

    (c) EVI, powered by its proprietary empathic large language model (eLLM), detects emotional nuances such as tones, word emphasis, and cues, enhancing interaction quality.

    (d) EVI is developed by the Microsoft.

  • Hepatitis B: Everything you need to know

    Why in the news?

    • A recent study by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, revealed alarming deficiencies in public knowledge (transmission, effects & vaccination) about Hepatitis B in India.
    • Despite the availability of a vaccine for over 30 years, HBV infection rates remain high in India, with prevalence estimates ranging from 2% to 8% and approximately 37 million carriers nationwide.

    About Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver.
    • It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (hepatitis viruses), alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.
    Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C
    Causative Virus Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
    Transmission Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) Blood and body fluids (unsafe sex, sharing needles) Blood-to-blood contact (sharing needles, transfusions)
    Vaccine Available Yes Yes Yes
    Chronic Infection No (usually acute) Yes (can become chronic) Yes (often becomes chronic)
    Symptoms Mild flu-like symptoms, jaundice Variable, from none to severe symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can lead to liver damage
    Chronic Complications None Cirrhosis, liver cancer Cirrhosis, liver cancer
    Preventable by Vaccine Yes Yes No
    Treatment Supportive care Antiviral medications Antiviral medications

     

    PYQ:

     

    Which one 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.

     

    Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)

    1.    Chikungunya

    2.    Hepatitis B

    3.    HIV-AIDS

    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

     

    Practice MCQ:

     

    Consider the following statements regarding Hepatitis C virus:

    1.    It is spread mainly through contaminated water and food.

    2.    It primarily affects the functioning of respiratory system.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu

    Why in the news?

    • Since 2020, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been spreading globally, posing a significant threat to both birds and mammals.

    H5N1 Bird Flu: Details

    • H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
    • The virus quickly spread from Europe to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, and most recently, it reached mainland Antarctica.
    • H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds, known as avian influenza or “bird flu”.
    • Influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their surface proteins, with H5N1 being one subtype.

    How widespread is it?

    • The virus has affected birds in over 80 countries, resulting in mass culling of poultry and wild birds.
    • Furthermore, it has now begun infecting mammals, including seals, sea lions, and marine mammals.
    • While humans rarely contract bird flu, those at risk are typically individuals who have extensive contact with infected birds at poultry farms.
    • Bird flu first broke out in Maharashtra in 2006.
    • The H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of poultry so as to contain the virus. But it has resurfaced from time to time.

    Impact on Animals

    • Bird Species Affected: Numerous bird species, including Great Skuas and Barnacle Geese, have experienced significant mortality rates due to H5N1.
    • Endangered Species Threatened: Endangered birds like the California condors have been severely affected, with a notable percentage of the population succumbing to the virus.
    • Mammalian Casualties: H5N1 has crossed species barriers, infecting mammals such as foxes, pumas, skunks, and marine mammals like sea lions and dolphins.
    • Devastating Consequences: Mass mortalities of marine mammals, particularly elephant seals, have been reported, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact.

    Factors behind Spread

    • Climate Change: Some scientists attribute the large-scale spread of bird flu to climate change, which alters bird behavior and facilitates the transmission of the virus.
    • Warmer Seas: Warmer sea temperatures have weakened marine mammal populations, making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks.

    PYQ:

     

    2015: H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) Swine flu

     

    Practice MCQ:

    How many of the given statements about H5N1 Virus is/are correct?

    1.    It is a type of influenza virus causing highly infectious, respiratory disease in birds.

    2.    It is highly contagious in humans.

    3.    Seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals are vulnerable to this Virus.

    Select the correct codes from below –

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) None

  • Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881).

    What are Stomatal Openings?

    • Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange.
    • They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis.

    How does Light make Stomata Open?

    • Research unveiled a novel regulatory mechanism involving the phosphorylation of the 881st threonine residue (Thr881) of the plasma membrane proton pump in response to red and blue light.
    • Phosphorylation, a process involving the addition or removal of a phosphate group from amino acids, acts as a regulatory switch, influencing protein structure and function.
    • The researchers focused on the phosphorylation of Thr881 and its role in stomatal opening.
    • They observed phosphorylation in response to both red and blue light conditions, highlighting the interplay between photosynthesis and light signaling.

    Significance of Thr881 Phosphorylation

    • Mutant studies confirmed the critical role of Thr881 phosphorylation in stomatal opening.
    • Plants expressing a mutant proton pump lacking Thr881 phosphorylation exhibited reduced stomatal aperture and transpiration rates, emphasizing the regulatory significance of this amino acid residue.
    • The study identified Thr881, along with Thr948, as crucial phosphorylation sites for the activation of the enzyme H+-ATPase, essential for stomatal opening.
    • Manipulating Thr881 could offer avenues for promoting plant growth, enhancing carbon dioxide absorption, and reducing fertilizer usage.

    PYQ:

    2014: Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

    a)    Potential energy is released to form free energy

    b)    Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored

    c)    Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water

    d)    Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

     

    Practice MCQ:

    What is the significance of phosphorylation of the threonine residue (Thr881) in the context of plants?

    a)    It helps in reducing carbon dioxide uptake and photosynthesis efficiency.

    b)    It enhances photosynthesis in dark conditions.

    c)    It reduces transpiration leading to enhanced water conservation.

    d)    It is essential for regulating stomatal aperture and facilitating gas exchange in plants.