📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.48 | Classroom Explanation

(Current Affairs | Biotechnology & Health)

📌 Question

Q.48) With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:

I. They are man-made proteins.
II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

✅ Correct Answer: (d) I, II and III

🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a high-frequency UPSC topic due to their expanding role in biotechnology, public health, and pandemic response.

🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ Statement I: Correct

• Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-engineered proteins
• Designed to mimic natural antibodies produced by the human immune system
• Created using:

• Hybridoma technology
• Recombinant DNA techniques

➡️ Hence, they are man-made proteins.

✅ Statement II: Correct

• Each monoclonal antibody:

• Binds to one specific antigen
• Produced from a single clone of B-cells

• Their antigen-binding ability allows them to:

• Neutralize pathogens
• Block receptor binding
• Mark infected or cancerous cells for immune destruction

➡️ This targeted binding stimulates and enhances immune function.

✅ Statement III: Correct

• Monoclonal antibodies are used in treating:

• Cancers
• Autoimmune disorders
• Viral infections

• Viral diseases treated using mAbs include:

• COVID-19
• Ebola
• Nipah virus

📍 India Linkage:
• During Nipah outbreaks, Australian-developed monoclonal antibodies were administered on a compassionate basis and found to be safe.

➡️ Hence, statement III is correct.

🧮 UPSC-Style Logical Count

➡️ All three statements are correct

🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (d) I, II and III

📦 High-Value Prelims Add-Ons (Info Box)

🧠 One-Line Memory Hook

mAbs = lab-made precision antibodies for cancer, immunity, and pandemics.

⚠️ UPSC Trap Alert

• Don’t confuse:

• Vaccines (preventive)
• Monoclonal antibodies (therapeutic & sometimes preventive)

🔗 Current Affairs Link

• Frequently cited in:

• Pandemic preparedness
• Zoonotic disease control
• Biotech self-reliance initiatives