UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg. 2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

Both 1 and 2

Explanation

Mitochondrial replacement therapy (spindle or pronuclear transfer) can prevent transmission of mitochondrial disease when performed before or after fertilisation of the egg in IVF. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother's egg, so UPSC's key treats statement 2 as correct as well.

Topics: biotechnology, genetics & reproductive technology, mitochondrial diseases and replacement therapy, science & technology