Biotechnological Applications in Medicine Questions in English

(C) The correct answer is $C$. Adenosine deaminase $(ADA)$ deficiency is a severe combined immunodeficiency $(SCID)$ disorder. It is most commonly caused by a deletion in the gene that codes for the enzyme adenosine deaminase. This enzyme is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system,specifically for the maturation of $T$-lymphocytes. The absence of this enzyme leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolites,which destroy the immune cells.

(D) $\alpha-1$ antitrypsin is a protein produced by the liver that protects the lungs from damage caused by inflammation.
It is used to treat emphysema, a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to breathing difficulties.
This protein inhibits the enzyme elastase, which can break down lung tissue if left unchecked.
Therefore, the correct option is $D$.

(C) The silencing of a specific $mRNA$ translation can be achieved by preventing the translation of the $mRNA$ into a protein.
$1$. Antisense $RNA$ is a single-stranded $RNA$ that is complementary to a protein-coding messenger $RNA$ $(mRNA)$ with which it hybridizes,thereby blocking its translation.
$2$. $RNA$ interference $(RNAi)$ is a biological process in which $RNA$ molecules inhibit gene expression or translation,by neutralizing targeted $mRNA$ molecules.
Therefore,both methods are used for gene silencing.

(B) $ELISA$ (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a diagnostic technique based on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction.
In this technique,specific antibodies are used to detect the presence of antigens in a sample.
This interaction is highly specific,allowing for the accurate identification of pathogens or proteins.

(C) The correct answer is $C$.
Human protein $\alpha$-antitrypsin is used in the treatment of emphysema.
It is produced by $DNA$ manipulation in transgenic animals (specifically transgenic sheep).
This protein inhibits the enzyme elastase,which otherwise causes the breakdown of alveolar walls in the lungs,leading to emphysema.

(B) $ADA$ deficiency is caused by the deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase.
In some children,$ADA$ deficiency can be cured by bone-marrow transplantation.
Alternatively,it can be treated by enzyme replacement therapy,in which functional $ADA$ is given to the patient by injection.
However,both these approaches are not completely curative,so gene therapy is considered a permanent solution.

(D) $ADA$ stands for adenosine deaminase.
This enzyme is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system.
The deficiency of this enzyme leads to a condition known as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency $(SCID)$.
In patients with $SCID$, the body lacks functional $T$-lymphocytes, which are essential for mounting an immune response.
Consequently, the immune system is unable to function normally.

(C) The correct sequence for the production of humulin is $(i), (iv), (v), (ii), (vi), (iii)$.
$1$. First,the gene for human insulin is synthesized artificially $(i)$.
$2$. Then,this gene is inserted into a plasmid $(iv)$.
$3$. The recombinant plasmid is introduced into $E. coli$ $(v)$.
$4$. The $E. coli$ is then cultured in bioreactors to produce the insulin protein $(ii)$.
$5$. The recombinant insulin protein is extracted from $E. coli$ $(vi)$.
$6$. Finally,the product is purified to obtain pure humulin $(iii)$.

(C) $\alpha-1$ antitrypsin is a protein that inhibits the enzyme elastase,which breaks down lung tissue.
Deficiency of this protein leads to emphysema,a chronic lung disease.
Therefore,$\alpha-1$ antitrypsin is used to treat emphysema by replacing the missing protein.

(B) molecular farming.
Molecular farming refers to the production of recombinant proteins using genetic engineering from live animals and plants. In this process,transgenic animals or plants are used as bioreactors to produce pharmaceutical proteins,enzymes,or other valuable biological products on a large scale.

(A) According to the $NCERT$ Biology textbook,there are about $30$ recombinant therapeutics that have been approved for human use worldwide.

(C) $\alpha-1$-antitrypsin is a protein used to treat emphysema.
It is produced through transgenic animals (e.g.,transgenic sheep) as an example of biotechnological application in medicine.