APPSC Group 1 Mains 2017-Science and Technology

Biopesticides and the Use of Fungal Parasites in Biological Control Introduction: The global reliance on synthetic pesticides to control agricultural pests has raised significant concerns regarding environmental pollution, human health risks, and the development of pesticide resistance in target organisms. This has spurred interest in biopesticides, which are derived from natural sources such as microorganisms, … Read more

Monoclonal Antibodies and their Use in Detecting Parasitic Diseases Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific, laboratory-produced proteins that bind to a single target antigen. Unlike polyclonal antibodies, which are a mixture of antibodies recognizing different epitopes on an antigen, mAbs are identical and recognize only one specific epitope. This remarkable specificity is achieved through … Read more

What is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)? Introduction: The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a group of genes that code for cell surface proteins crucial for the adaptive immune system. These proteins, also known as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in humans, are responsible for presenting antigens (foreign substances) to T cells, a type of white … Read more

Methods of Gene Transfer in Developing Genetically Modified Crops Introduction: Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology. This alteration allows for the introduction of desirable traits, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or enhanced nutritional value. The process involves transferring genes from one organism to another, a process … Read more

Chemicals and Drugs Produced from Animals: A Comprehensive Account Introduction: Animals have been a significant source of biologically active compounds used in medicine and various industries for centuries. From ancient remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, animal-derived products have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in human health and well-being. This account will explore the … Read more

Protozoan Diseases: Causative Agents and Prevention Introduction: Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms found in various environments, including soil, water, and the bodies of other organisms. Some protozoa are harmless, even beneficial, while others are pathogenic, causing a range of diseases in humans and animals. These diseases, collectively known as protozoal diseases, affect millions globally, particularly … Read more

Major Types of Fungi Causing Mycoses in Humans Introduction: Mycoses are diseases caused by fungi. While many fungi are beneficial, some are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease in humans. These pathogenic fungi can be broadly classified based on their morphology, the site of infection, and their clinical manifestations. The incidence of mycoses is increasing … Read more

Bentham and Hooker’s Classification: A Brief Account and its Demerits Introduction: George Bentham and Joseph Dalton Hooker’s classification system, published in their monumental work Genera Plantarum (1862-1883), represented a significant advancement in plant taxonomy during the 19th century. It was a largely artificial system, relying heavily on readily observable morphological characteristics rather than evolutionary relationships. … Read more

The Medicinal Qualities of Mushrooms: A Diverse and Evolving Field Introduction: Mushrooms, the fleshy fruiting bodies of fungi, have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia across various cultures. Their use extends far beyond culinary applications, with a rich history documented in traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. While many claims … Read more

Introduction: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for human health. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can lead to serious complications, including diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. The primary hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose is insulin, a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Dysregulation of insulin production … Read more