Sci-Tech · 15 Jul 2026

protein biosensor aptamer sepsis diagnosis

With reference to protein biosensors used for rapid diagnosis of conditions such as sepsis, consider the following statements:

  1. Aptamers are synthetic DNA or RNA strands used as an alternative to antibodies because they are cheaper and more heat-stable.
  2. Nanomaterials such as graphene and MXenes are used to boost the sensitivity of these biosensors.
  3. CRISPR-based enzymes can be paired with aptamers to amplify detection signals for pathogens such as malaria and SARS-CoV-2.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Tests precise recall across multiple interlocking technical facts and resists the common test-taking assumption that an "all correct" option is automatically a distractor.

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This question is based on: Protein biosensors can cut a sepsis diagnosis from 48 hours to minutes. That's not the part India needs to worry about.
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 15 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

A Hindu science explainer detailed how protein biosensors can compress sepsis diagnosis from up to 48 hours to real-time bedside results, while flagging deployment hurdles including sensor degradation and costly regulatory validation.

Why for UPSC

This format tests whether aspirants can correctly recall a chain of interconnected technical facts (aptamer function, nanomaterial role, CRISPR application) rather than assuming a "too good to be true" all-correct option is a trap.

Prelims summary

Protein biosensors use aptamers (cheaper, heat-stable antibody alternatives), nanomaterials like graphene and MXenes for sensitivity and CRISPR-based signal amplification, enabling real-time detection of conditions like sepsis, malaria and SARS-CoV-2.

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