14 July 2026

Gene drives in malaria control

Gene drives represent a significant advancement in biotechnology with direct implications for public health and environmental ethics, making it a highly relevant topic for UPSC questions on emerging technologies and their ecological impacts.

Questions

1. What are gene drives and how do they differ from Mendelian inheritance? Discuss their potential utility in controlling vector-borne diseases. 150 words
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2. While gene drives offer a transformative approach to public health, they pose significant ecological and biosafety risks. Critically analyze the regulatory and ethical challenges associated with the deployment of synthetic gene drives in the environment. 250 words
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Prelims

1. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of a synthetic gene drive?

   1. A It suppresses the immune system of the host to allow for rapid viral replication.
   2. B It uses CRISPR/Cas9 to cut a homologous chromosome and copy itself into the site to bias inheritance.
   3. C It prevents the transmission of genetic material by silencing transposable elements in the genome.
   4. D It relies on natural selection to increase the frequency of a trait over thousands of years.

2. What is the primary purpose of 'reversal drives' in the context of genetic engineering?

   1. A To undo the spread of a gene drive if unintended consequences arise.
   2. B To force the mutation of transposable elements into beneficial genes.
   3. C To enhance the virulence of the malaria parasite.
   4. D To increase the reproductive rate of the target organism.