UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

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:

Explanation:

• • Genome sequencing is a laboratory method that is used to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type. This method can be used to find changes in areas of the genome. 
    • These changes may help scientists understand how specific diseases, such as cancer, form. Results of genomic sequencing may also be used to diagnose and treat disease.
    • DNA sequencing has been used in medicine including diagnosis and treatment of diseases and epidemiology studies. 
    • Sequencing has the power to revolutionize food safety and sustainable agriculture including animal, plant and public health, improving agriculture through effective plant and animal breeding and reducing the risks from disease outbreaks. 
  • Genome sequencing can therefore be used to improve disease and drought resistance of crops. So, statement 1 is correct.
    
    

• It can help in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  

• Additionally, DNA sequencing can be used for protecting and improving the natural environment for both humans and wildlife. It can be used to decipher the host pathogen relationships in crops. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Biotechnology