UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 66 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy

In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.

2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer

Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Verdict

Correct statements: Both 1 and 2 → Option (c).

Analysis

Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is a new form of reproductive in-vitro fertilization (IVF) which works on the principle of replacing a women's abnormal mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) with the donor's healthy one.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Mitochondrial donation can be performed either prior to or shortly after fertilisation. In both cases, this is before the fertilized egg becomes an embryo. MRT include different techniques like spindles transfer (ST), pronuclear transfer (PNT) or polar body transfer (PBT). The development of healthy baby free from genetic disorders and to terminate the lethal mitochondrial disorders are the chief motive of this technique. Hence statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: In nearly all mammals, this mitochondrial genome is inherited exclusively from the mother, and transmission of paternal mitochondria or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has not been convincingly demonstrated in humans. Hence statement 2 is correct.

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