UPSC Prelims 2017 · Question 70 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2017 question on Genome Sequencing Agriculture

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Verdict

The answer is 1, 2 and 3. Genome sequencing can identify markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance, shorten varietal development and decipher host pathogen relationships.

Analysis

Statement 1 is CORRECT. Sequencing wild and cultivated varieties allows identification of genetic markers associated with disease resistance and drought tolerance. Statement 2 is CORRECT. Marker assisted selection based on sequence data allows breeders to screen seedlings rather than waiting for mature phenotypes, which substantially shortens the time to release a new variety. Statement 3 is CORRECT. Sequencing both crop and pathogen genomes reveals the genes mediating infection and resistance, which is how host pathogen relationships are deciphered.

Source

Peer reviewed literature on crop genome sequencing.

How to crack it

All three uses follow from one capability, reading the order of bases in a genome, which converts breeding from a phenotype guessing exercise into a genotype selection exercise. Derive each application from that capability rather than recalling a list. Note the stem's phrase in the immediate future, which is permissive and asks what the technique can support rather than what it has already delivered, so a strict standard is not required.

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