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Prelims 2020 · Q37 · Biotechnology & genetics

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, "Pronuclear Transfer" is used for

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Answer: D. Pronuclear transfer is a type of mitochondrial replacement therapy. The nuclei from a fertilised egg of the mother are moved into a donor egg with healthy mitochondria, so the child does not inherit the mother's mitochondrial disease.

Watch for: IVF words in the options make students pick the fertilisation option.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Wrong because ordinary IVF does fertilisation; pronuclear transfer is about replacing faulty mitochondria.
  • B. Wrong because it does not modify sperm-producing cells.
  • C. Wrong because it does not turn stem cells into embryos.

Source to check: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (UK) on mitochondrial donation (hfea.gov.uk)

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.