UPSC Mains 2017 GS3 Q6 — Biotechnology
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments ? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Describe briefly
- Scope keywords
- Stem cell therapyLeukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burnsadvantages it has over other treatments
- Implicit sub-parts
- Definition and biological mechanism of stem cells (potency/self-renewal).
- How stem cell therapy (SCT) specifically addresses the conditions mentioned in the prompt.
- A comparative analysis of SCT versus conventional methods like organ transplant or long-term medication.
- Brief mention of the regulatory or ethical landscape in India (optional but value-adding).
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much word count on the 'definition' instead of the 'advantages' (which is the core of the question).
- Failing to link the advantages back to the specific examples provided in the prompt (e.g., why SCT is better for Thalassemia than lifelong transfusions).
- Confusing stem cell therapy with gene therapy or general biotechnology without specifying cellular regeneration.
- Omitting the 'regenerative' aspect which distinguishes it from palliative care.
- Dimensions required
- Scientific/BiologicalComparative (Alternative Treatments)Medical/Clinical UtilityTechnological (Regenerative Medicine)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40 words to defining stem cell therapy and its types. Devote the remaining 110 words to the 'advantages' section, ensuring you use the examples of Leukaemia and Burns to illustrate benefits like reduced rejection risk and permanent cure over temporary relief.
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