GATE BT 2016 • Q16 MCQ • 1 Mark

Section 3: Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology

DNA replication, transcription, translation

Subtopic: Fundamentals of DNA replication, transcription, translation

Question Statement:

Which one of the following is NOT a therapeutic agent based on nucleic acid for the treatment of genetic disorders?

Options:

  • (A) thermal diffusivity to momentum diffusivity
  • (B) mass diffusivity to momentum diffusivity
  • (C) momentum diffusivity to thermal diffusivity
  • (D) thermal diffusivity to mass diffusivity

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2016 Q.16)** **1. Governing Concept & Question Classification**: - **Section**: BT - **Question Type**: **MCQ** (1 Mark) - **Topic**: Biotherapeutics & Molecular Medicine (Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics) **2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analysis**: - Let us review nucleic acid-based biotherapeutics: 1. **Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)**: Short synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides complementary to target mRNA that block translation or trigger RNase H degradation. 2. **Ribozymes**: Catalytic RNA molecules that sequence-specifically cleave pathogenic target mRNAs. 3. **Aptamers**: Short structured single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides selected via SELEX that bind specifically to target proteins with high affinity (e.g., Pegaptanib). 4. **Interferons**: Secreted **glycoprotein cytokines** (polypeptides, e.g., IFN-$\alpha$, IFN-$\beta$, IFN-$\gamma$) produced by host immune cells that activate antiviral and immunomodulatory pathways by binding cell surface receptors (IFNAR/IFNGR). They are protein-based therapeutics, **NOT** nucleic acids. - **Option-by-Option Evaluation**: - **Option (A) [INCORRECT]**: Antisense oligonucleotides are nucleic acid-based drugs. - **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: Ribozymes are RNA-based catalytic agents. - **Option (C) [INCORRECT]**: Aptamers are DNA/RNA oligonucleotides. - **Option (D) [CORRECT]**: Interferons are proteinaceous cytokines, NOT nucleic acid-based agents. **3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**: - **Official GATE Answer Key**: **D** - **Scoring Criteria**: +1.0 Mark (Negative marking: -0.33 marks).

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