With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: 1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body. 3. They can be used in biochemical sensors. 4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above are correct?

QUESTION

Medium

Science & Technology

Prelims 2020

With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:

They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.
They can be used in biochemical sensors.
Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. Carbon nanotubes are being explored for their potential use as drug and antigen carriers in the human body. Their unique properties allow them to attach drugs or antigens and deliver them to specific target cells.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While research is ongoing, using carbon nanotubes for artificial blood capillaries in the human body is still in the theoretical or experimental stages.

Statement 3 is correct. Carbon nanotubes show promise in developing biosensors due to their high electrical conductivity and sensitivity to changes in their environment. This makes them suitable for detecting biomolecules like enzymes, DNA, or toxins.

Statement 4 is partially true. Some studies have found that carbon nanotubes are non-degradable, also some studies have shown them to be degradable.

The official answer key of the UPSC has given 'C' as the correct answer.

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