UPSC Prelims 2015 – Question 23

Q: With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, which of the following statements is/ are correct?

1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2. 

Nanotechnology 

• It is the development and the use of techniques to study physical phenomena and develop new devices and material structures in the physical size range from 1 to 100 nanometres (nm). 
• 1 nanometre is equal to one billionth of a meter. 
• This technology has an impact on almost all sectors of the economy. 
• The research on nanotechnology covers many fields like health, food, computing, textile, energy, transport, space, agriculture, etc. 
• It has different biological properties from large-sized systems. 
• Its biological property could be used effectively to overcome problems in drug and gene therapy. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. 
• In drug therapy, we face the problems of inefficacy or nonspecific effects; hence, nano systems are being developed for targeted drug therapy. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 
• The primary challenges in non-viral gene therapy are relatively temporary gene expression and lower effectiveness than viral vectors.  
• Research efforts have concentrated on understanding the barriers in gene delivery so that non-viral systems that are as successful as viral systems in gene transfection can be established. 

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