“Dr. Har Gobind Khorana’s pioneering work in decoding the genetic code laid the foundation of modern biotechnology.” Discuss the relevance of his discoveries in the context of recent advances in genome editing and synthetic biology.

Answer: Model Answer approach

The question can be divided into two sections based on the demand since it asks about Har Gobind Khurana’s contributions to the field of genetics and its importance. What Har Gobind Khurana has contributed to the world of genetics and what his contribution means.

Overview: The candidate should discuss genetics and its significance in relation to Har Gobind Khurana in their introduction. By providing an overview of recent developments and events in the field of genetics, we may also pose the question.

• Born in 1922, Har Gobind Khorana was a scientist of Indian descent. For his work proving the order of nucleotides in nucleic acids—which manage the cell’s genetic code and control the creation of proteins—he co-shared the 1968 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with Marshall W. Nirenberg and Robert W. Holley. In 2022, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Har Gobind Khorana celebrated his 100th birthday. 

Body: In light of Har Gobind Khurana’s achievements, we can write about the state of genetics now. We can discuss the importance of his contributions and the latest advancements in the field of genetics in the second section of the response.

• Har Gobind Khurana made a significant contribution to the study of genetics when he figured out how the genetic code of DNA controls the creation of proteins that affect how cells function. By using enzymes to construct various RNA chains and assisting others in deciphering a range of mechanisms pertaining to RNA codes, he made significant advances to this subject. After years of effort, he became the first person in the world to properly synthesize a functional gene outside of a living organism in 1972. Even before the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was invented, he was able to join DNA fragments together using the enzymes polymerase and ligase.

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Conclusion: Provide evidence to back up the points you made in your response. A recent advancement in genetics allows us to draw a conclusion.

• Thus, by using enzymes to create various RNA chains, Har Gobind Khorana made significant contributions to this science. These enzymes allowed him to make proteins. The Punjab government established the Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme in 2013 in his honor.

Practice Question

Question: India has a long tradition of scientific excellence, from ancient knowledge systems to modern Nobel laureates. Discuss the significance of commemorating scientists like Har Gobind Khorana in nurturing scientific temper among youth.

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