UPSC CSE Prelims 2015
Statement 1 is correct. Nanotechnology facilitates targeted drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles can be engineered to transport therapeutic agents directly to specific diseased cells, such as cancer cells. This approach minimizes systemic exposure and adverse effects on healthy tissues, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing overall toxicity.
Statement 2 is correct. Nanotechnology significantly contributes to gene therapy by enabling the precise delivery of genetic material (DNA or RNA) into target cells. Nanoscale carriers, including liposomes, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes, are being developed to improve the efficiency of gene transfer and expression. This application holds promise for the treatment of inherited genetic disorders and various forms of cancer.
Options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because both statements 1 and 2 accurately describe established and emerging applications of nanotechnology in the health sector. Option (A) is incorrect as it disregards the potential of nanotechnology in gene therapy. Option (B) is incorrect as it excludes the widely recognized application of targeted drug delivery. Option (D) is incorrect as both statements are factually correct and supported by current biomedical research.