Science and Technology
Context: Finance Minister recently announced government’s plan to launch a mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047.
- It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
- In someone who has SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.”
- The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.
- Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow.
- This can cause pain and other serious complications (health problems) such as infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.
- SCD is a genetic condition that is present at birth.
- It is inherited when a child receives two genes—one from each parent—that code for abnormal hemoglobin.
- A blood test can determine whether you have SCD or sickle cell trait.
- SCD can also be diagnosed before a baby is born.
- SCD can only be cured by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :
- Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
- The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
- Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2022)
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 3
Q.2) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
- The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
- Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.
- COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
