Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ? 1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease. 2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine. 3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence. Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (c)

• Genetic medicines (gene therapies, antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, mRNA therapeutics) work by supplying a functional copy of a gene, silencing a harmful one or editing a defect, thereby correcting or compensating for the faulty gene — statement 1 is correct.

• Because naked DNA or RNA cannot enter cells on its own, they are packaged in vectors: engineered viruses such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) or lentivirus, or lipid nanoparticles as used in mRNA vaccines — statement 2 is correct.

• Statement 3 is wrong: therapies target a specific gene or transcript; they do not rewrite the whole genome, which would be neither feasible nor safe.

• Examples include Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy and the CRISPR-based Casgevy for sickle-cell disease.

• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only: Statement 2 is also correct: viral vectors and lipid nanoparticles are the standard carriers.
(b) 2 and 3 only: Statement 3 is wrong: genetic medicines target specific genes, not the whole DNA sequence.
(d) 1, 2 and 3: Statement 3 is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.