Description

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Context:

Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a water-pollutant detecting device called ‘AroTrack’.

Details:

Function	Detects harmful aromatic xenobiotic pollutants such as phenol, benzene, and xylenols.
Mechanism	Uses proteins from bacteria in polluted environments to identify multiple aromatic pollutants.
Detection Process	Protein undergoes selective ATP hydrolysis reaction when an aromatic compound is present. Hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a catabolic reaction that releases chemical energy stored in ATP's phosphoanhydride bonds. This process involves adding water to break the bonds, releasing one or two phosphate groups. The energy released is used in the cell for processes like synthesizing proteins.
	Colour change in the protein solution is detected by AroTrack.
Key Technology	LED-phototransistor assembly shines light through the sample to measure absorption.
Biosensing Module	MopR is the core component, a sensitive sensor for detecting phenol.
Performance	Works in water temperatures up to 50°C and completes tests in less than 30 minutes.
Significance	Low-cost, battery-operated, and portable, suitable for rural and low-income areas.

What are Xenobiotics?

Xenobiotics are chemical compounds that are foreign to a biological system,but are present in it. Some examples of xenobiotics include pesticides, industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants, drugs, plant constituents, food additives, flavorings, fragrances and cosmetics.

Xenobiotics can be introduced into the body through air, water, diet, bedding, caging, and equipment. They can also be intentionally introduced as part of a conditioning or experimental procedure.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding AroTrack:

AroTrack is an indigenous satellite-based tracking system developed by ISRO.
It provides real-time data on the movement of ships.
AroTrack is specifically designed to monitor fishing vessels operating in Indian coastal waters.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: AroTrack is a satellite-based system designed by ISRO. It aims to improve navigation safety and ensuring efficient maritime operations.

Statement 2 is correct: AroTrack helps in tracking ships, providing real-time data to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of maritime operations.

Statement 3 is correct: AroTrack can monitor various maritime vessels its primary purpose is not limited to fishing vessels. It is used for tracking all types of maritime traffic.