This document is a table of contents and partial notes for the Prelims Navigator Program Science & Technology by SARRTHI IAS, preparing for the UPSC Prelims 2026.
Key Topics Covered (Table of Contents):
Cell Biology - Basics (Page 01-05): Includes the cell as the basic unit of life, Cell Theory, R.H. Whittaker's Five Kingdom Classification, Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells, cell organelles (Mitochondria, Chloroplast), and the Endosymbiotic Theory. It also mentions the recent discovery of the Nitroplast, a nitrogen fixation organelle in Braarudosphaera bigelowii.
Genetic Material - DNA & RNA (Page 05-07): Covers DNA structure (Double Helix, Nucleotides, Purines & Pyrimidines), DNA packaging (Chromatin → Chromosome), RNA, and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology.
Cell Cycle, Division & Reproduction (Page 08-11): Details Chromosomes and Ploidy, Mitosis, Meiosis, Fertilization (In Vivo & In Vitro), Zygote Formation, the Hayflick Limit, and Three-Parent Baby Technology for Mitochondrial Diseases.
Genetics (Page 11-14): Covers Genome vs. Gene, Transcription, Translation, Mutations, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), and the Genetic Code.
Biotechnology (Page 16-28): Discusses principles like Recombinant DNA Technology, Genetic Modification, Applications (GM Crops, Blue/Red/Environmental Biotechnology, DNA Barcoding, DNA Fingerprinting), Gene Therapy, CRISPR-Cas9, Gene Drive Technology, and Animal Cloning. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for microRNA Discovery is also noted.
Immunity (Page 29-30): Explains Innate and Acquired Immunity, T-Cells, B-Cells, Active and Passive Immunity, and Autoimmunity.
Viruses (Page 31-34): Covers the basics, structure, and replication of viruses (including DNA, RNA, and Retrovirus) as well as Viroids and Prions.
Vaccinations (Page 34-42): Differentiates Active & Passive Vaccination, classifies vaccine types (Inactivated, Live Attenuated, Sub-unit, Nucleic Acid, mRNA, DNA, etc.), and lists COVID-19 and other important vaccines in India.
Advanced Topics: Includes CART-T Cell Therapy, Genome Editing Techniques (Zinc Finger Nuclease, TALENS), Gene Doping, Stem Cell Therapy, Therapeutic Cloning, Organ-on-Chip Technology, Xenotransplantation, Human Genome Project, and various Indian Initiatives.
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