Science – Hard Level – GK Questions

XRD analyzes diffraction patterns of X-rays scattered by crystal lattice, revealing atomic arrangement, unit cell parameters, phase identification. Fundamental for materials characterization. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

DSSCs mimic photosynthesis: dye molecules absorb photons, inject electrons into TiO₂ semiconductor, regenerated by electrolyte. Low-cost, flexible alternative to silicon PV; active research area. [[MNRE Reports]]

Depletion region: majority carriers diffuse across junction, recombine, leaving immobile ions. Creates built-in potential barrier. Fundamental to diode rectification, transistor operation. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) compares nucleotide/protein sequences against databases to find regions of similarity. Fundamental for evolutionary studies, functional annotation, diagnostics. [[NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Zeolites (e.g., ZSM-5) have shape-selective pores for catalytic cracking, isomerization. Solid acid catalysts easily separated from products. Critical for clean fuel production. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

QKD (e.g., BB84 protocol) uses quantum properties: any eavesdropping disturbs quantum states (uncertainty), detectable by legitimate users. Enables theoretically unbreakable encryption. India's National Quantum Mission supports R&D. [[DST Reports]]

Pluripotent cells (embryonic stem cells, iPSCs) can form all embryonic lineages (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) but not extra-embryonic tissues. Totipotent (zygote) can form entire organism. [[NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Batteries (Li-ion, flow) store excess renewable energy for discharge during low generation/high demand. Critical for grid stability as renewable share increases. India targets 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030. [[MNRE Reports]]

MS ionizes molecules, accelerates ions through magnetic/electric fields; separation by m/z enables precise molecular weight determination and structural analysis. Used in proteomics, metabolomics, forensics. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Topological insulators have protected surface states due to time-reversal symmetry, enabling dissipationless electron transport. Promising for spintronics and quantum computing. Nobel Prize in Physics 2016. [[NCERT Physics Class 12]]

Proto-oncogenes regulate cell division; mutations (point, amplification, translocation) convert them to oncogenes (e.g., RAS, MYC), driving uncontrolled proliferation. Key concept in carcinogenesis. [[NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Docking algorithms (AutoDock, Glide) simulate ligand-protein interactions, scoring binding affinity. Accelerates drug discovery by virtual screening of compound libraries before synthesis. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12, DBT Reports]]

GCF was established at COP16 (2010) under UNFCCC to assist developing countries in climate mitigation/adaptation. Operationalized in 2015; India is an active recipient and contributor. [[MoEFCC, UNFCCC Reports]]

Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, leads India's fusion program (ADITYA-U tokamak, SST-1). Aims for clean, abundant energy via replicating stellar processes. [[DST Reports, NCERT Physics Class 12]]

Pharmacogenomics tailors drug therapy based on patient's genome (e.g., CYP450 variants affecting drug metabolism). Aims to maximize efficacy, minimize adverse reactions. Emerging field in precision healthcare. [[ICMR Reports, NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Cyclic voltammetry applies triangular potential waveform to electrode, measuring current response. Reveals redox potentials, reaction mechanisms, electron transfer kinetics. Key tool in electrochemistry research. [[NCERT Chemistry Class 12]]

Amyloid plaques (extracellular Aβ aggregates) and neurofibrillary tangles (hyperphosphorylated tau) disrupt neuronal function. Leading cause of dementia; research focuses on early detection and disease-modifying therapies. [[ICMR Reports, NCERT Biology Class 11]]

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) blocks PD-1 checkpoint, enhancing T-cell attack on tumors. Represents paradigm shift to immunotherapy in oncology. Approved for multiple cancers. [[NCERT Biology Class 12, ICMR Reports]]

Base editors (e.g., cytosine/adenine base editors) chemically convert C→T or A→G without DSBs, reducing unintended indels. Safer for therapeutic genome editing. [[DBT Reports, NCERT Biology Class 12]]

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, develops Earth System Models (e.g., IITM-ESM) for monsoon prediction and climate change projections. Supports policy and adaptation planning. [[MoES Reports]]