C. GS 3 Related

Category:Science and Technology

1. Can the new organelle help engineer plants to fix nitrogen?

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Mains: Significance of new organelle in fixing nitrogen

Context​: Recent discoveries have reignited interest in the endosymbiotic theory, proposing a new organelle named nitroplast, which plays a role in nitrogen fixation within plant cells. This development holds significant implications for various fields, including agriculture and biotechnology.

Endosymbiotic Theory and Symbiogenesis

• The endosymbiotic theory suggests that organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria that became incorporated into eukaryotic cells.
• Lynn Margulis proposed symbiogenesis as an alternative to the Neo-Darwinist consensus, emphasizing the role of symbiotic relationships in evolution.

Recent Discoveries and Nitrogen Fixation

• Recent papers published in Science and Cell have shed light on nitrogen fixation, a crucial process for all living organisms.
• Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia, making it accessible to plants. Legumes, for instance, host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules.

Discovery of Nitroplast

• A cyanobacterium called Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa was discovered in marine algae, establishing a symbiotic relationship.
• Nitroplast, identified as a new organelle, evolved alongside its host cell and satisfies criteria for organelle classification, including integration, protein import, synchronization with host cell growth, and inheritance during cell division.

Implications for Agriculture and Biotechnology

• Nitrogen fixation plays a crucial role in agriculture, and industrial ammonia production has harmful side effects.
• The discovery of nitroplasts opens avenues for biotechnological applications, such as engineering host cells and nitroplasts for efficient nitrogen fixation in plant cells.

Issues

• Establishment of nitroplasts as bona fide organelles requires further study, particularly regarding genetic material loss and migration to the host cell nucleus.
• Biotechnological applications, such as engineering plant cells for nitrogen fixation, pose significant challenges and are currently theoretical.

Solutions

• Continued research and experimentation are necessary to validate the status of nitroplasts as organelles and understand their genetic mechanisms.
• Collaboration between biologists, geneticists, and agricultural scientists can accelerate the development of biotechnological applications utilizing nitroplasts.

Nut Graf: The discovery of nitroplasts as independent nitrogen-fixing organelles represents a paradigm shift with vast potential implications for agriculture and biotechnology. While promising, the realization of practical applications requires further research and collaboration across disciplines.

2. H5N1 outbreak: route of transmission unclear

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Prelims: H5N1

Mains: Reasons for H5N1 outbreak

Context​: An outbreak of Avian Influenza A H5N1 has emerged in cattle herds across nine states in the U.S., with concerns about its transmission and potential impact on human health. The outbreak has raised questions about the route of transmission, detection methods, and the possibility of reverse spillover events. Similar outbreaks have occurred in India, primarily affecting poultry. Understanding the transmission dynamics of the virus and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies are crucial.

Spread of Avian Influenza H5N1

• Avian Influenza A H5N1 lineage 2.3.4.4.b, which emerged in 2022, has spread globally, affecting avian species and spilling over to mammalian populations.
• The recent outbreak in the U.S. has impacted 36 cattle herds and has been associated with farm cats, with a documented human case of mild symptoms.

Unclear Transmission Route

• The exact route of transmission among cattle herds remains unclear, with possibilities including contaminated feed, milking equipment, or airborne transmission.
• Questions persist about how the virus evaded detection among cattle populations and the potential for reverse spillover events to poultry.

Significance of Genomic Data

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided genomic data for the virus, offering insights into its origins and potential transmission patterns.
• Mammalian adaptation mutations have been identified in the genomes, indicating wider spread in cattle and the possibility of reverse spillover events.

Global Implications and Collaboration

• Similar avian influenza outbreaks have occurred in India, primarily affecting poultry, highlighting the global spread of the virus.
• Active surveillance and collaboration among countries and organizations are essential for understanding transmission dynamics and developing mitigation strategies.

Issues

• Uncertainty remains regarding the route of mammalian transmission among cattle herds and the virus’s ability to evade detection.
• The potential for reverse spillover events to poultry raises concerns about the risk of transmission to humans and the need for further research.

Nut Graf: The outbreak of Avian Influenza A H5N1 in cattle herds underscores the importance of understanding transmission dynamics and implementing timely mitigation strategies. Collaboration among countries and organizations is crucial for addressing the global spread of the virus and reducing the risk of transmission to humans. Active surveillance and research efforts are essential for mitigating the impact of avian influenza outbreaks on both animal and

3. Why is Boeing crewed space test significant?

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Mains: Significance of Boeing crewed space test 

Context​: The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft’s upcoming crewed space test is a significant milestone in the realm of space exploration. Set to launch on May 7, 2024, with veteran astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams aboard, this mission marks a crucial step towards NASA’s goal of having two spacecraft capable of launching astronauts to space, enhancing redundancy and reliability.

Project Announcement and Delays

• The project was announced on September 16, 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing to fly astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Delays plagued the project, pushing the first crewed launch from the initially expected 2017 to May 2024, a delay of seven years.
• Technical issues, including a software error during the first uncrewed orbital test flight in December 2019, contributed to the delays.
• The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded the timeline setbacks.

Budget Overshoot

• Boeing’s budget for the project overshot by $1.4 billion, reflecting the challenges and delays encountered during the development and testing phases.

Competitor SpaceX’s Success

• SpaceX, Boeing’s competitor, has flown 13 successful missions to the ISS with its Dragon crew capsule, highlighting the urgency for Boeing to catch up.

Significance of Crewed Space Flight for Boeing

• Boeing’s reputation in the aerospace industry has been under scrutiny due to issues with its commercial airliners, particularly the 737 Max 8.
• The success of the Starliner crewed space test is crucial for Boeing to demonstrate its competence and reliability in the space sector, potentially mitigating the negative impacts of its commercial aviation setbacks.

Purpose of Starliner

• Starliner aims to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, providing an alternative to Russia’s Soyuz rocket and capsule, which were the only means of transportation after NASA retired its Space Shuttle program in 2011.

Nut Graf: The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crewed space test represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards establishing itself as a reliable player in the space exploration arena. Despite challenges and setbacks, the successful execution of this mission would not only enhance NASA’s capabilities but also bolster Boeing’s credibility and competitiveness in the aerospace industry.