🧑‍🏫 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

🧪 Q1. Recombinant Vector Vaccine

📌 Question
With reference to recent developments regarding Recombinant Vector Vaccine, consider the following statements:

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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✅ Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation (Concept → Application)

This question tests modern vaccine platforms, a high-yield S&T current affairs area.

🔬 What is a Recombinant Vector Vaccine?

• A harmless virus or bacterium is genetically engineered
• It is modified to carry genes from a target pathogen
• Once inside the human body, it produces antigen proteins, triggering immunity

👉 This is genetic engineering in action

🧬 Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1:
Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines
✔️ Correct

• Foreign antigen genes are inserted into a vector using recombinant DNA technology

Statement 2:
Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors
✔️ Correct

• Common viral vectors: adenovirus, vaccinia virus
• Bacterial vectors are also used in experimental platforms

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🧠 Why UPSC Asked This?

• COVID-19 accelerated vaccine technologies
• Vector vaccines (e.g. adenovirus-based) were in news
• Tests clarity between subunit vaccines vs vector vaccines

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🪶 IAS Monk Whisper

When science borrows nature’s vehicles, immunity rides without resistance.

🔍 Curiosity Raiser

Did you know?
Some vaccines do not inject the antigen directly, but instead turn your own cells into tiny antigen factories, teaching the immune system without exposing you to the actual pathogen.

(This line gently pulls the learner into recombinant/vector vaccine logic.)

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🧠 Enrichment Notes (Exam-Oriented, Compact)

• Recombinant Vector Vaccines ≠ Recombinant Subunit Vaccines
  • Subunit vaccines inject only a protein fragment
  • Vector vaccines deliver genetic instructions to make that protein inside the body
• Why vectors are powerful:
  • Activate both humoral (antibody) and cell-mediated immunity
  • Mimic natural infection without causing disease
• Common vectors used:
  • Viruses (adenovirus, vaccinia)
  • Bacteria (in experimental platforms)
• UPSC Trap Zone:
  • Confusing “live attenuated vaccine” with “vector vaccine”
  • Assuming only viruses can act as vectors (❌ bacteria can too)

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🪶 Optional Closing Line

Modern vaccines do not fight the pathogen directly — they teach the body how to fight.