UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 4

This question tests genome editing and human embryos. The key concept is: All three statements describe real areas of modern human genetic and developmental research: germline changes can be introduced in reproductive cells, embryo-stage genome editing is technically possible, and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been studied in pig embryos as part of chimera research. These developments raise major ethical and regulatory questions. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option D. Option A — 1 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: All three statements describe real areas of modern human genetic and developmental research: germline changes can be introduced in reproductive cells, embryo-stage genome editing is technically possible, and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been studied in pig embryos as part of chimera research. These developments raise major ethical and regulatory questions. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: All three statements describe real areas of modern human genetic and developmental research: germline changes can be introduced in reproductive cells, embryo-stage genome editing is technically possible, and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been studied in pig embryos as part of chimera research. These developments raise major ethical and regulatory questions. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: All three statements describe real areas of modern human genetic and developmental research: germline changes can be introduced in reproductive cells, embryo-stage genome editing is technically possible, and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been studied in pig embryos as part of chimera research. These developments raise major ethical and regulatory questions. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1, 2 and 3: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because All three statements describe real areas of modern human genetic and developmental research: germline changes can be introduced in reproductive cells, embryo-stage genome editing is technically possible, and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been studied in pig embryos as part of chimera research. These developments raise major ethical and regulatory questions. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option D is the verified answer.