With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:They can be used as carriers o

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2020 UPSC Prelims Science & Technology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Science & Technology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2020 question covers Nanotechnology, Robotics & Emerging Technologies topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2020 Science & Technology question has a hard difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.They can be used in biochemical sensors.Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: D — 1, 2, 3 and 4Step-by-step Solution:Statement 1 — Carriers of drugs and antigens: Correct. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a large surface area and can penetrate cell membranes. They are being researched as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and vaccine antigens. ✓Statement 2 — Artificial blood capillaries: Correct. CNTs are blood‑compatible and can be used as building blocks for artificial blood vessels and structural tissue replacements. ✓Statement 3 — Biochemical sensors: Correct. NASA has demonstrated the use of CNT arrays as biosensors for detecting various biochemical substances. ✓Statement 4 — Biodegradable: Correct. While CNTs were once thought to be chemically inert, enzymes such as peroxidase have been shown to biodegrade them, making them environmentally safer. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 and 2 only): Incorrect because statements 3 and 4 are also correct.Option B (2,3,4 only): Incorrect because statement 1 is also correct.Option C (1,3,4 only): Incorrect because statement 2 is also correct.Key Concept: Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules of rolled‑up graphene sheets (single‑walled or multi‑walled). They exhibit unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Applications include drug delivery, biosensors, composite materials, and energy storage. Recent research shows they are biodegradable via enzymatic action, addressing earlier toxicity concerns.

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