GATE XL 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key

GATE XL 2024 question paper with answer key: all 122 questions

All 122 questions from the GATE 2024 Life Sciences (XL) paper, typed out in full, with the official final answer key and every diagram: General Aptitude, Chemistry and all five optional sections.

122questions across all sections
65you answer: GA, XL-P and two sections
100marks, 3 hours
24diagrams, as set in the exam

GATE 2024 Life Sciences (XL) was organised by IISc Bengaluru. Every candidate answered General Aptitude (GA) and XL-P Chemistry, then chose two of the five optional sections: XL-Q Biochemistry, XL-R Botany, XL-S Microbiology, XL-T Zoology and XL-U Food Technology. This page has all of them, in the order they were set, so you can practise the two you plan to choose and look at the rest. Each question is tagged with its topic. Tap Show answer under any question to check the official answer.

How to use this pageTry each question before you open its answer. Answers come from the organising institute’s final answer key. For MSQ questions every correct option must be chosen; numerical answers are accepted anywhere in the official range.
Take it as a timed examThe same paper is available as a free, timed test with GATE marking and an instant score: GATE XL 2024 in live exam mode (log in to save your score).
Want full-length practice?The GATE-XL Life Sciences Full Test Series gives you full-length mocks on the GATE pattern, with MCQ, MSQ and numerical questions and GATE marking. See the GATE-XL Life Sciences Full Test Series.

Marking scheme

SectionQuestionsMarksYou answer
GA: General Aptitude10 (5 × 1 mark, 5 × 2 marks)15Compulsory
XL-P: Chemistry17 (9 × 1 mark, 8 × 2 marks)25Compulsory
XL-Q to XL-U: five optional sections19 each (8 × 1 mark, 11 × 2 marks)30 eachAny two
Total you answer651003 hours
Negative markingOnly MCQs are penalised: a wrong 1-mark MCQ loses 1/3 mark and a wrong 2-mark MCQ loses 2/3 mark. MSQ and numerical answer questions have no negative marking, and there is no partial credit on MSQ.

Which topics this paper tested

We tagged every question with its GATE XL syllabus topic. The table shows the three biggest topics in each section; each section below opens with a chart of all its topics.

SectionQuestionsMost-tested topics (questions)
GA General Aptitude10Quantitative Aptitude (6), Verbal Aptitude (2), Spatial Aptitude (1)
XL-P Chemistry17Organic Chemistry (5), Atomic Structure & Periodicity (2), Thermodynamics (2)
XL-Q Biochemistry19Biomolecules (5), Biochemical Techniques (4), Metabolism & Bioenergetics (3)
XL-R Botany19Plant Physiology & Biochemistry (5), Morphogenesis & Development (2), Plant Pathology (2)
XL-S Microbiology19Prokaryotic Cells (4), Methods in Microbiology (3), Microbial Genetics (3)
XL-T Zoology19Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (6), Parasitology & Immunology (3), Animal Anatomy & Physiology (3)
XL-U Food Technology19Food Chemistry & Nutrition (7), Food Microbiology (5), Food Products Technology (4)

Jump to a section

GA: General Aptitude (Q1–10)

10 questions (5 of 1 mark, 5 of 2 marks). Compulsory for every XL candidate.

GATE XL 2024, GA General Aptitude: questions by topic
10 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Quantitative Aptitude60%
Verbal Aptitude20%
Spatial Aptitude10%
Analytical Aptitude10%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q1Verbal AptitudeGA Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

If ‘→’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words [walk → jog → sprint] is analogous to [bothered → ________ → daunted]. Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?

  1. Aphased
  2. Bphrased
  3. Cfazed
  4. Dfused
Show answer
Answer: (C) fazed
Q2Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Two wizards try to create a spell using all the four elements, water, air, fire, and earth. For this, they decide to mix all these elements in all possible orders. They also decide to work independently. After trying all possible combination of elements, they conclude that the spell does not work. How many attempts does each wizard make before coming to this conclusion, independently?

  1. A24
  2. B48
  3. C16
  4. D12
Show answer
Answer: (A) 24
Q3Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

In an engineering college of 10,000 students, 1,500 like neither their core branches nor other branches. The number of students who like their core branches is 1/4th of the number of students who like other branches. The number of students who like both their core and other branches is 500.

The number of students who like their core branches is

  1. A1,800
  2. B3,500
  3. C1,600
  4. D1,500
Show answer
Answer: (A) 1,800
Q4Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

For positive non-zero real variables x and y, if

ln((x + y)/2) = ½[ln(x) + ln(y)]

then, the value of x/y + y/x is

  1. A1
  2. B1/2
  3. C2
  4. D4
Show answer
Answer: (C) 2
Q5Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.5 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

In the sequence 6, 9, 14, x, 30, 41, a possible value of x is

  1. A25
  2. B21
  3. C18
  4. D20
Show answer
Answer: (B) 21
Q6Verbal AptitudeGA Q.6 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Sequence the following sentences in a coherent passage.

P: This fortuitous geological event generated a colossal amount of energy and heat that resulted in the rocks rising to an average height of 4 km across the contact zone.
Q: Thus, the geophysicists tend to think of the Himalayas as an active geological event rather than as a static geological feature.
R: The natural process of the cooling of this massive edifice absorbed large quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide, altering the earth’s atmosphere and making it better suited for life.
S: Many millennia ago, a breakaway chunk of bedrock from the Antarctic Plate collided with the massive Eurasian Plate.

  1. AQPSR
  2. BQSPR
  3. CSPRQ
  4. DSRPQ
Show answer
Answer: (C) SPRQ
Q7Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.7 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

A person sold two different items at the same price. He made 10% profit in one item, and 10% loss in the other item. In selling these two items, the person made a total of

  1. A1% profit
  2. B2% profit
  3. C1% loss
  4. D2% loss
Show answer
Answer: (C) 1% loss
Q8Quantitative AptitudeGA Q.8 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

The pie charts depict the shares of various power generation technologies in the total electricity generation of a country for the years 2007 and 2023.

GATE XL 2024 Q8 figure: The pie charts depict the shares of various power generation technologies in the total electricity generation

The renewable sources of electricity generation consist of Hydro, Solar and Wind. Assuming that the total electricity generated remains the same from 2007 to 2023, what is the percentage increase in the share of the renewable sources of electricity generation over this period?

  1. A25%
  2. B50%
  3. C77.5%
  4. D62.5%
Show answer
Answer: (D) 62.5%
Q9Spatial AptitudeGA Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

A cube is to be cut into 8 pieces of equal size and shape. Here, each cut should be straight and it should not stop till it reaches the other end of the cube. The minimum number of such cuts required is

  1. A3
  2. B4
  3. C7
  4. D8
Show answer
Answer: (A) 3
Q10Analytical AptitudeGA Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

In the 4 × 4 array shown below, each cell of the first three rows has either a cross (X) or a number.

GATE XL 2024 Q10 figure: In the 4 × 4 array shown below, each cell of the first three rows has either a cross (X) or a number.

The number in a cell represents the count of the immediate neighboring cells (left, right, top, bottom, diagonals) NOT having a cross (X). Given that the last row has no crosses (X), the sum of the four numbers to be filled in the last row is

  1. A11
  2. B10
  3. C12
  4. D9
Show answer
Answer: (A) 11

XL-P: Chemistry (Q11–27)

17 questions (9 of 1 mark, 8 of 2 marks). Compulsory for every XL candidate.

GATE XL 2024, XL-P Chemistry: questions by topic
17 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Organic Chemistry29.4%
Atomic Structure & Periodicity11.8%
Thermodynamics11.8%
Biomolecule Chemistry11.8%
s, p & d Block Elements11.8%
Reaction Kinetics5.9%
Structure & Bonding5.9%
Chemical Equilibria5.9%
Electrochemistry5.9%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q11Atomic Structure & PeriodicityXL-P Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The CORRECT order of electronegativity is

  1. AAl > Si > P > S
  2. BAl > S > Si > P
  3. CS > Si > Al > P
  4. DS > P > Si > Al
Show answer
Answer: (D) S > P > Si > Al
Q12ThermodynamicsXL-P Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following is the CORRECT representation of the variation of the Gibbs free energy (G) of a substance with temperature (T) at constant pressure?

  1. AGATE XL 2024 Q12, option A
  2. BGATE XL 2024 Q12, option B
  3. CGATE XL 2024 Q12, option C
  4. DGATE XL 2024 Q12, option D
Show answer
Answer: (A)
Q13Biomolecule ChemistryXL-P Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Among the following, the structure representing histidine is

  1. AGATE XL 2024 Q13, option A
  2. BGATE XL 2024 Q13, option B
  3. CGATE XL 2024 Q13, option C
  4. DGATE XL 2024 Q13, option D
Show answer
Answer: (C)
Q14Organic ChemistryXL-P Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The CORRECT order of acidity of the following compounds is

GATE XL 2024 Q14 figure: The CORRECT order of acidity of the following compounds is
  1. AI > II > III
  2. BII > III > I
  3. CI > III > II
  4. DIII > II > I
Show answer
Answer: (B) II > III > I
Q15Organic ChemistryXL-P Q.5 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The molecules A and B are a pair of ____________.

GATE XL 2024 Q15 figure: The molecules A and B are a pair of ____________.
  1. Aenantiomers
  2. Bdiastereomers
  3. Cconformational isomers
  4. Dconstitutional isomers
Show answer
Answer: (D) constitutional isomers
Q16Organic ChemistryXL-P Q.6 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

The CORRECT option(s) of Y for the following reaction is/are

GATE XL 2024 Q16 figure: The CORRECT option(s) of Y for the following reaction is/are
  1. AGATE XL 2024 Q16, option A
  2. BGATE XL 2024 Q16, option B
  3. CGATE XL 2024 Q16, option C
  4. DGATE XL 2024 Q16, option D
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) and (C)
Q17Atomic Structure & PeriodicityXL-P Q.7 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the shell with n = 2 is ________ (in integer). (Given: n = principal quantum number)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 8 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q18ThermodynamicsXL-P Q.8 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

One mole of an ideal gas expands isothermally and reversibly to double its volume. If the expansion work done by the system is 1728.85 J, the temperature of the system is _____ K (rounded off to 2 decimal places). (Given: Gas constant, R = 8.314 J K–1 mol–1)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 299.90 to 301.90 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q19Reaction KineticsXL-P Q.9 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

The initial rate of a reaction triples when the concentration of a reactant, A, is doubled. The order of the reaction with respect to A is _______ (rounded off to 2 decimal places).

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 1.55 to 1.60 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q20Organic ChemistryXL-P Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Each of the following alkenes undergoes addition reaction with bromine. Under the same reaction conditions, the CORRECT trend in the reaction rates is

GATE XL 2024 Q20 figure: Each of the following alkenes undergoes addition reaction with bromine. Under the same reaction conditions, th
  1. AI > II > III
  2. BII > III > I
  3. CI > III > II
  4. DIII > II > I
Show answer
Answer: (B) II > III > I
Q21Biomolecule ChemistryXL-P Q.11 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

An enzyme-catalyzed conversion of a substrate at 298 K proceeds by a Michaelis-Menten mechanism. The Lineweaver-Burk plot for the analysis of the experimental data has an intercept along the y-axis of 0.357 mmol–1 dm3 s and a slope of 2.10 s. The CORRECT Michaelis constant for the reaction is ________ (rounded off to 2 decimal places).

  1. A5.88 mmol dm–3
  2. B5.88 mmol dm–3 s–1
  3. C2.80 mmol dm–3
  4. D2.80 mmol dm–3 s–1
Show answer
Answer: (A) 5.88 mmol dm–3
Q22Organic ChemistryXL-P Q.12 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one among the following structures is the most stable conformer of (Z)-pent-2-ene?

  1. AGATE XL 2024 Q22, option A
  2. BGATE XL 2024 Q22, option B
  3. CGATE XL 2024 Q22, option C
  4. DGATE XL 2024 Q22, option D
Show answer
Answer: (C)
Q23s, p & d Block ElementsXL-P Q.13 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Upon addition of compound X to an aqueous AgNO3 solution, a white precipitate appears instantly. Also, X does not exhibit geometrical isomerism.

The CORRECT option(s) for X is/are

  1. A[Cr(OH2)4Cl2]Cl
  2. B[Cr(OH2)5Cl]Cl2
  3. C[Cr(OH2)6]Cl3
  4. D[Cr(OH2)3Cl3]
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) [Cr(OH2)5Cl]Cl2 and (C) [Cr(OH2)6]Cl3
Q24s, p & d Block ElementsXL-P Q.14 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

The paramagnetic species among the following is/are

(Given: Atomic numbers of Cr = 24; Fe = 26; Ni = 28)

  1. A[Fe(CN)6]3–
  2. B[Ni(OH2)6]2+
  3. C[Ni(CN)4]2–
  4. D[Cr(CN)6]3–
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) [Fe(CN)6]3– and (B) [Ni(OH2)6]2+ and (D) [Cr(CN)6]3–
Q25Structure & BondingXL-P Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

The molecule(s) with non-zero dipole moment is/are

  1. AN2
  2. BCO2
  3. CNO
  4. DSO2
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (C) NO and (D) SO2
Q26Chemical EquilibriaXL-P Q.16 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

The ionic product of water at 40 ℃ is 2.92 × 10–14 M2. The pH of water at 40 ℃ is ___________ (rounded off to 2 decimal places).

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 6.76 to 6.78 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q27ElectrochemistryXL-P Q.17 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

Given the standard reduction potentials (E⊖) for the half-cell reactions below, the standard Gibbs free energy of the dissolution of silver chloride in water, at 298 K, is _____________ J mol–1 (rounded off to nearest integer).

(Given: Faraday constant, F = 96500 C mol–1; J = C × V)

AgCl(s) + e− → Ag(s) + Cl−(aq) ; E⊖ = 0.22 V at 298 K
Ag+(aq) + e− → Ag(s) ; E⊖ = 0.80 V at 298 K

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 55960 to 55980 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Two sections to go. Now test yourself under time
The GATE-XL Life Sciences Test Series gives you full-length mocks on the GATE pattern, with MCQ, MSQ and numerical questions.

XL-Q: Biochemistry (Q28–46)

19 questions (8 of 1 mark, 11 of 2 marks). Optional: answer it only if you pick Biochemistry. From GATE 2027 this section is called XL1.

GATE XL 2024, XL-Q Biochemistry: questions by topic
19 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Biomolecules26.3%
Biochemical Techniques21.1%
Metabolism & Bioenergetics15.8%
Cell Biology10.5%
Immunology10.5%
Molecular Biology10.5%
Enzymes5.3%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q28BiomoleculesXL-Q Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following pairs of amino acids is NOT incorporated in a polypeptide chain?

  1. A4-Hydroxyproline and γ-carboxyglutamate
  2. Bγ-Carboxyglutamate and desmosine
  3. COrnithine and citrulline
  4. D4-Hydroxyproline and 5-hydroxylysine
Show answer
Answer: (C) Ornithine and citrulline
Q29BiomoleculesXL-Q Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Mammalian cells cultured at low temperature (25 to 30 °C) leads to an increased sterol content in the membrane. Elevated sterols in the membrane results in

  1. Aan enhancement in membrane fluidity.
  2. Bstabilization of membrane proteins.
  3. Can increase in membrane permeability to water.
  4. Da decrease in membrane fluidity.
Show answer
Answer: (A) an enhancement in membrane fluidity.
Q30Metabolism & BioenergeticsXL-Q Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following metabolic intermediates is common to glycolysis, nucleotide synthesis and glycogen synthesis?

  1. ACitrate
  2. BOxaloacetate
  3. CGlucose 6-phosphate
  4. DGlycerol 3-phosphate
Show answer
Answer: (C) Glucose 6-phosphate
Q31Cell BiologyXL-Q Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

In mammals, hematopoietic stem cells that give rise to different types of blood cells are known as

  1. Atotipotent stem cells.
  2. Bpluripotent stem cells.
  3. Cmyeloid progenitor cells.
  4. Dlymphoid progenitor cells.
Show answer
Answer: (B) pluripotent stem cells.
Q32ImmunologyXL-Q Q.5 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements correctly describe(s) the addition of N-nucleotides during the rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene?

  1. AAddition of N-nucleotides is template encoded.
  2. BN-nucleotides are added by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase.
  3. CThe added N-nucleotides are common in V-D and D-J junction.
  4. DN-nucleotides are added by the DNA polymerase II.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) N-nucleotides are added by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. and (C) The added N-nucleotides are common in V-D and D-J junction.
Q33BiomoleculesXL-Q Q.6 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

A newly identified viral protein contains one long α-helix spanning 60 amino acid residues. The number of main chain H-bonds formed in this helix is __________. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 56 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q34BiomoleculesXL-Q Q.7 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

In a lactic acid solution at pH 4.8, the concentrations of lactic acid and lactate are 0.01 M and 0.087 M, respectively. The calculated pKa of lactic acid is ________. (Round off to one decimal place)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 3.8 to 3.9 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q35Biochemical TechniquesXL-Q Q.8 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

If a 10 mM solution of a biomolecule in a cuvette of path length 10 mm absorbs 90% of the incident light at 280 nm, the molar extinction coefficient of the biomolecule at this wavelength is _____________ M-1cm-1. (Round off to two decimal places)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 98 to 102 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q36Metabolism & BioenergeticsXL-Q Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Metabolic intermediates provide the backbone for the synthesis of amino acids. Match the metabolic intermediates listed in Column I with their corresponding amino acids given in Column II.

Column IColumn II
P. α-Ketoglutaratei. Histidine
Q. Ribose 5-phosphateii. Glutamate
R. 3-Phosphoglycerateiii. Aspartate
S. Phosphoenolpyruvateiv. Phenylalanine
v. Serine
  1. AP-ii; Q-i; R-v; S-iv
  2. BP-iii; Q-ii; R-i; S-v
  3. CP-iv; Q-iii; R-ii; S-v
  4. DP-ii; Q-i; R-iv; S-v
Show answer
Answer: (A) P-ii; Q-i; R-v; S-iv
Q37Biochemical TechniquesXL-Q Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following is the correct match between the molecular properties listed in Column I and the corresponding biochemical separation methods in Column II?

Column IColumn II
P. Solubilityi. Reverse phase chromatography
Q. Ionic chargeii. Ultracentrifugation
R. Polarityiii. Salting out
S. Molecular sizeiv. Isoelectric focusing
v. Gel electrophoresis
  1. AP-i; Q-ii; R-v; S-iii
  2. BP-iii; Q-iv; R-ii; S-i
  3. CP-iii; Q-iv; R-i; S-ii
  4. DP-v; Q-iv; R-iii; S-ii
Show answer
Answer: (C) P-iii; Q-iv; R-i; S-ii
Q38Metabolism & BioenergeticsXL-Q Q.11 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements is/are correct regarding the electromotive force generated by electron transfer chain?

  1. AIt is used for the synthesis of ATP.
  2. BIt is not used for active transport process.
  3. CIt includes a pH gradient component.
  4. DIt does not include an electrical potential gradient component.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) It is used for the synthesis of ATP. and (C) It includes a pH gradient component.
Q39Cell BiologyXL-Q Q.12 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements is/are correct regarding the transport and retention of proteins in different cell organelles?

  1. AMannose 6-phosphate residues are involved in targeting proteins to lysosomes.
  2. BTransport of proteins into the mitochondrial compartment is aided by positively charged amino acid residues at the N-terminus and internal hydrophobic segments.
  3. CThe retention of protein in the ER lumen requires the KDEL sequence motif at the C-terminus.
  4. DNuclear proteins are transported in an unfolded conformation and the nuclear localization signal sequence is subsequently cleaved by peptidases in the nucleoplasm.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Mannose 6-phosphate residues are involved in targeting proteins to lysosomes. and (B) Transport of proteins into the mitochondrial compartment is aided by positively charged amino acid residues at the N-terminus and internal hydrophobic segments. and (C) The retention of protein in the ER lumen requires the KDEL sequence motif at the C-terminus.
Q40Biochemical TechniquesXL-Q Q.13 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements correctly describe(s) fluorescence spectroscopy?

  1. AThe emission maxima (λmax) is independent of the excitation wavelength.
  2. BThe emission maxima (λmax) depends on the concentration of a quencher.
  3. CThe emission maxima (λmax) varies with solvent polarity.
  4. DThe emission maxima (λmax) varies with temperature.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) The emission maxima (λmax) is independent of the excitation wavelength. and (C) The emission maxima (λmax) varies with solvent polarity. and (D) The emission maxima (λmax) varies with temperature.
Q41Molecular BiologyXL-Q Q.14 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements is/are correct in the processing of pre-mRNA in eukaryotes?

  1. A3′ → 5′ exonuclease activity is involved in the conversion of pre-mRNA to mRNA.
  2. B5′– capping and addition of 3′– poly A tail precedes splicing.
  3. CSplicing of pre-mRNA occurs via transesterification reaction.
  4. DAlternative splicing can yield different mRNA products from the same pre-mRNA.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (C) Splicing of pre-mRNA occurs via transesterification reaction. and (D) Alternative splicing can yield different mRNA products from the same pre-mRNA.
Q42Molecular BiologyXL-Q Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following statements correctly describe(s) the changes upon the addition of puromycin during eukaryotic translation?

  1. APuromycin resembles aminoacyl end of the charged tRNA.
  2. BPuromycin occupies the A site of the translating ribosomes.
  3. CPuromycin occupies the P site of the translating ribosomes.
  4. DPuromycin occupies the E site of the translating ribosomes.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Puromycin resembles aminoacyl end of the charged tRNA. and (B) Puromycin occupies the A site of the translating ribosomes.
Q43ImmunologyXL-Q Q.16 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Factor H, a complement regulatory protein in plasma, binds C3b and

  1. Acompetes with factor B to displace Bb from convertase.
  2. Binitiates the catabolism of C3b into inactivate products.
  3. Cthen binds to C3bBb convertase.
  4. Dacts as a cofactor for factor I.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) competes with factor B to displace Bb from convertase. and (D) acts as a cofactor for factor I.
Q44EnzymesXL-Q Q.17 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

In Michaelis-Menten’s equation, if [S] = 15 Km, then the ratio v0/Vmax is __________. (Round off to three decimal places)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 0.93 to 0.95 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q45BiomoleculesXL-Q Q.18 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

A 5250 base-pair long plasmid with 10 negative supercoils would have a linking number of ____________, considering 10.5 base pairs per turn for B DNA. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 490 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q46Biochemical TechniquesXL-Q Q.19 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

The spectrum of a protein obtained using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is shown below. Two peaks, one at m/z = 2960.6 and the other at m/z = 3552.5, are marked. The mass of the protein associated with the m/z = 2960.6 peak is __________ Da. (Round off to two decimal places)

GATE XL 2024 Q46 figure: The spectrum of a protein obtained using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is shown below. Tw

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 17750 to 17770 (numerical answer, as in the official key).

XL-R: Botany (Q47–65)

19 questions (8 of 1 mark, 11 of 2 marks). Optional: answer it only if you pick Botany. From GATE 2027 this section is called XL2.

GATE XL 2024, XL-R Botany: questions by topic
19 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Plant Physiology & Biochemistry26.3%
Morphogenesis & Development10.5%
Plant Pathology10.5%
Plant Breeding & Genetic Modification10.5%
Economic Botany10.5%
Ecology & Environment10.5%
Genetics & Genomics10.5%
Plant Systematics5.3%
Plant Anatomy5.3%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q47Plant SystematicsXL-R Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following plant families does apple (Malus domestica) belong to?

  1. ARosaceae
  2. BRutaceae
  3. CRubiaceae
  4. DRanunculaceae
Show answer
Answer: (A) Rosaceae
Q48Plant AnatomyXL-R Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The collateral and open type of vascular bundle with endarch xylem strand is usually found in

  1. Amonocot stem
  2. Bdicot stem
  3. Cmonocot root
  4. Ddicot root
Show answer
Answer: (B) dicot stem
Q49Morphogenesis & DevelopmentXL-R Q.3 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which of the following tissue types is/are established during embryogenesis in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana?

  1. AShoot apical meristem
  2. BRosette leaf primordium
  3. CProcambium
  4. DLateral root primordium
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Shoot apical meristem and (C) Procambium
Q50Plant Physiology & BiochemistryXL-R Q.4 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which of the following plant natural products is/are cyanogenic glycoside(s)?

  1. ALinustatin
  2. BLimonene
  3. CLuteolin
  4. DLinamarin
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Linustatin and (D) Linamarin
Q51Plant PathologyXL-R Q.5 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which of the following plant diseases is/are caused by nematode?

  1. ACereal cyst of barley
  2. BErgot of rye
  3. CWart of potato
  4. DEar-cockle of wheat
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Cereal cyst of barley and (D) Ear-cockle of wheat
Q52Plant Breeding & Genetic ModificationXL-R Q.6 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which of the following selectable marker genes is/are used for herbicide tolerance during genetic transformation of plants?

  1. Ahpt
  2. Bbar
  3. CnptII
  4. Dpmi
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) bar
Q53Economic BotanyXL-R Q.7 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 1 mark, no negative marking

Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT with reference to rubber production from plants?

  1. APara rubber is produced from Hevea brasiliensis
  2. BIndia rubber is produced from Ficus elastica
  3. CPanama rubber is produced from Manihot glaziovii
  4. DCeara rubber is produced from Castilla elastica
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Para rubber is produced from Hevea brasiliensis and (B) India rubber is produced from Ficus elastica
Q54Plant Physiology & BiochemistryXL-R Q.8 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

In Calvin-Benson cycle, to produce 1 molecule of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate by fixing 3 molecules of carbon dioxide, 9 molecules of ATP and ________ molecules (in integer) of NADPH are typically utilized.

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 6 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q55Morphogenesis & DevelopmentXL-R Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

In wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana, the four types of floral organs (sepal, petal, stamen, carpel) are arranged in concentric whorls from outside to inside. With reference to the ABC model of floral organ patterning, match the homeotic mutants in Group 1 with their respective arrangements of organs in the four whorls given in Group 2.

Group 1Group 2
(P) A class mutants(i) sepal, sepal, carpel, carpel
(Q) B class mutants(ii) sepal, petal, petal, sepal
(R) C class mutants(iii) carpel, stamen, stamen, carpel
(iv) sepal, sepal, petal, petal
  1. AP–iv, Q–ii, R–i
  2. BP–iii, Q–i, R–ii
  3. CP–ii, Q–i, R–iii
  4. DP–iii, Q–i, R–iv
Show answer
Answer: (B) P–iii, Q–i, R–ii
Q56Plant Physiology & BiochemistryXL-R Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the inhibitors in Group 1 with their respective targets in Group 2.

Group 1Group 2
(P) Oligomycin(i) Cytochrome bc1 complex
(Q) Antimycin A(ii) Photosystem II
(R) 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU)(iii) K+ ionophore
(S) Valinomycin(iv) FO ATP synthase
  1. AP–i, Q–ii, R–iii, S–iv
  2. BP–iv, Q–i, R–ii, S–iii
  3. CP–iii, Q–i, R–iv, S–ii
  4. DP–iv, Q–ii, R–i, S–iii
Show answer
Answer: (B) P–iv, Q–i, R–ii, S–iii
Q57Plant Breeding & Genetic ModificationXL-R Q.11 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

With reference to Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated plant transformation, match the virulence factors in Group 1 with their protein types in Group 2.

Group 1Group 2
(P) VirG(i) Kinase
(Q) VirA(ii) Helicase
(R) VirE(iii) Transcriptional activator
(S) VirC(iv) Single strand binding protein
  1. AP–i, Q–ii, R–iv, S–iii
  2. BP–iii, Q–i, R–ii, S–iv
  3. CP–ii, Q–iv, R–i, S–iii
  4. DP–iii, Q–i, R–iv, S–ii
Show answer
Answer: (D) P–iii, Q–i, R–iv, S–ii
Q58Economic BotanyXL-R Q.12 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the plant products in Group 1 with the plant species in Group 2 that produce them and the respective plant parts in Group 3 where they accumulate the most.

Group 1Group 2Group 3
(P) Liquorice(i) Cinchona calisaya(a) Leaf
(Q) Quinine(ii) Lawsonia inermis(b) Root
(R) Henna(iii) Glycyrriza glabra(c) Flower
(S) Saffron(iv) Papaver somniferum(d) Bark
(v) Crocus sativus(e) Seed
  1. AP–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–a, S–v–c
  2. BP–i–b, Q–iii–d, R–ii–a, S–iv–c
  3. CP–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–e, S–v–c
  4. DP–iv–b, Q–i–d, R–iii–c, S–ii–a
Show answer
Answer: (A) P–iii–b, Q–i–d, R–ii–a, S–v–c
Q59Ecology & EnvironmentXL-R Q.13 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the types of ecological interactions in Group 1 with their respective definitions in Group 2.

Group 1Group 2
(P) Protocooperation(i) One species is harmed but the other is neither harmed nor benefitted
(Q) Commensalism(ii) A type of mutualism where one species is benefitted more than the other
(R) Amensalism(iii) Both the species are benefitted but the interaction between them is not obligatory
(S) Helotism(iv) One species is benefitted without harming the other
  1. AP–iii, Q–iv, R–i, S–ii
  2. BP–ii, Q–i, R–iii, S–iv
  3. CP–i, Q–iv, R–iii, S–ii
  4. DP–iii, Q–i, R–iv, S–ii
Show answer
Answer: (A) P–iii, Q–iv, R–i, S–ii
Q60Ecology & EnvironmentXL-R Q.14 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the types of ecological energy productivity in Group 1 with their respective definitions in Group 2.

Group 1Group 2
(P) Net primary productivity(i) Total amount of energy produced by autotrophs
(Q) Gross primary productivity(ii) Amount of energy stored by autotrophs after respiration
(R) Net productivity(iii) Net gain of energy by the consumers after energy loss
(S) Secondary productivity(iv) Unused amount of energy after consumption by heterotrophs
  1. AP–iii, Q–ii, R–iv, S–i
  2. BP–ii, Q–i, R–iii, S–iv
  3. CP–ii, Q–i, R–iv, S–iii
  4. DP–iv, Q–i, R–ii, S–iii
Show answer
Answer: (C) P–ii, Q–i, R–iv, S–iii
Q61Plant PathologyXL-R Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following combinations of plant diseases and the types of their causal organisms is/are CORRECT?

  1. ALate blight of potato – Bacteria
  2. BBlack rot of crucifer – Bacteria
  3. CTungro disease of rice – Mycoplasma
  4. DRoot knot of tomato – Nematode
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Black rot of crucifer – Bacteria and (D) Root knot of tomato – Nematode
Q62Plant Physiology & BiochemistryXL-R Q.16 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Identify the CORRECT combination(s) of plant natural products and the categories they belong to.

  1. ADhurrin – Phenolic compounds
  2. BFarnesene – Terpenoids
  3. CNaringenin – Cyanogenic glycosides
  4. DVincristine – Alkaloids
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Farnesene – Terpenoids and (D) Vincristine – Alkaloids
Q63Plant Physiology & BiochemistryXL-R Q.17 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Identify the CORRECT combination(s) between the enzymes in Group 1 and the reactions in Group 2 they catalyze.

Group 1Group 2
(P) Cinnamate-4-hydroxylase(i) L-phenylalanine → Cinnamic acid
(Q) Glycerate kinase(ii) Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate → dihydroxyacetone phosphate
(R) PEP carboxylase(iii) Glycolate + O2 → Glyoxylate + H2O2
(S) Nitrate reductase(iv) NO3− + NAD(P)H + H+ → NO2− + NAD(P)+ + H2O
  1. AS–iv
  2. BQ–ii
  3. CP–i
  4. DR–iii
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) S–iv
Q64Genetics & GenomicsXL-R Q.18 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

In a genetic cross between two pure-line parents differing in the two independently segregating traits, plant height (tall vs dwarf) and flower color (purple vs white), all the F1 plants were tall with purple flowers. In a testcross population involving these F1 individuals, the expected percentage (%) of dwarf plants with purple flower would be _______ (in integer).

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 25 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q65Genetics & GenomicsXL-R Q.19 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

The mRNA of a hypothetical plant gene HSDU is 800-nucleotide long and encodes a protein of 160 amino acid residues. The calculated length of HSDU CDS would be ________ nucleotides (in integer).

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 483 (numerical answer, as in the official key).

XL-S: Microbiology (Q66–84)

19 questions (8 of 1 mark, 11 of 2 marks). Optional: answer it only if you pick Microbiology. From GATE 2027 this section is called XL3.

GATE XL 2024, XL-S Microbiology: questions by topic
19 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Prokaryotic Cells21.1%
Methods in Microbiology15.8%
Microbial Genetics15.8%
Microbial Metabolism15.8%
Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology10.5%
Microbial Growth10.5%
Historical Perspective5.3%
Microbial Ecology & Applied Microbiology5.3%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q66Microbial Pathogenesis & ImmunologyXL-S Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following bacterial species can cause atypical pneumonia?

  1. AChlamydia pneumoniae
  2. BStreptococcus pneumoniae
  3. CKlebsiella pneumoniae
  4. DHaemophilus influenzae
Show answer
Answer: (A) Chlamydia pneumoniae
Q67Prokaryotic CellsXL-S Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following organisms has axial filaments?

  1. AMycobacterium tuberculosis
  2. BPasteurella multocida
  3. CTreponema pallidum
  4. DShigella dysenteriae
Show answer
Answer: (C) Treponema pallidum
Q68Historical PerspectiveXL-S Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Who among the following scientists was the pioneer in development of chemotherapy?

  1. AElie Metchnikoff
  2. BRobert Koch
  3. CPaul Ehrlich
  4. DRonald Ross
Show answer
Answer: (C) Paul Ehrlich
Q69Methods in MicrobiologyXL-S Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

In which of following processes, glutaraldehyde is used as a sterilizing agent?

  1. APasteurization
  2. BIncineration
  3. CCold sterilization
  4. DAutoclaving
Show answer
Answer: (C) Cold sterilization
Q70Microbial Pathogenesis & ImmunologyXL-S Q.5 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The most abundant class of immunoglobulins in serum is __________.

  1. AIgM
  2. BIgA
  3. CIgD
  4. DIgG
Show answer
Answer: (D) IgG
Q71Microbial GeneticsXL-S Q.6 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following double-stranded sequences will NOT be recognized by a Type IIP restriction endonuclease?

  1. A5′–GGTACC–3′
    3′–CCTAGG–5′
  2. B5′–GGATCC–3′
    3′–CCTAGG–5′
  3. C5′–CATATG–3′
    3′–GTATAC–5′
  4. D5′–GATTTC–3′
    3′–CTAAAG–5′
Show answer
Answer: (D) 5′–GATTTC–3′
3′–CTAAAG–5′
Q72Microbial MetabolismXL-S Q.7 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following use inorganic compounds as an energy source?

  1. AHeterotrophs
  2. BChemolithotrophs
  3. CChemoorganotrophs
  4. DPhotoheterotrophs
Show answer
Answer: (B) Chemolithotrophs
Q73Microbial Ecology & Applied MicrobiologyXL-S Q.8 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following represents the abundance of the organisms found in soil?

  1. AFungi > Aerobic bacteria > Anaerobic bacteria
  2. BAerobic bacteria > Fungi > Anaerobic bacteria
  3. CAerobic bacteria > Anaerobic bacteria > Fungi
  4. DAnaerobic bacteria > Aerobic bacteria > Fungi
Show answer
Answer: (C) Aerobic bacteria > Anaerobic bacteria > Fungi
Q74Microbial GrowthXL-S Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the antibiotics in Group I with the microorganisms that produce them in Group II.

Group IGroup II
(P) Streptomycin(i) Streptomyces griseus
(Q) Bacitracin(ii) Bacillus licheniformis
(R) Amphotericin B(iii) Streptomyces venezuelae
(S) Chloramphenicol(iv) Streptomyces nodosus
  1. A(P)-(ii), (Q)-(iii), (R)-(i), (S)-(iv)
  2. B(P)-(i), (Q)-(ii), (R)-(iv), (S)-(iii)
  3. C(P)-(i), (Q)-(ii), (R)-(iii), (S)-(iv)
  4. D(P)-(ii), (Q)-(iv), (R)-(i), (S)-(iii)
Show answer
Answer: (B) (P)-(i), (Q)-(ii), (R)-(iv), (S)-(iii)
Q75Microbial MetabolismXL-S Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following redox couples has the highest tendency to donate electrons?

  1. AFumarate / succinate
  2. BNAD+ / NADH
  3. CFAD / FADH
  4. DPyruvate / lactate
Show answer
Answer: (B) NAD+ / NADH
Q76Prokaryotic CellsXL-S Q.11 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following is/are active transport mechanism(s) in prokaryotes where the substance is chemically altered during transport across the membrane?

  1. AGroup translocation
  2. BSimple diffusion
  3. CFacilitated diffusion
  4. DOsmosis
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Group translocation
Q77Prokaryotic CellsXL-S Q.12 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following cocci is/are examples of division in one plane?

  1. AStaphylococci
  2. BStreptococci
  3. CMicrococci
  4. DDiplococci
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Streptococci and (D) Diplococci
Q78Microbial GeneticsXL-S Q.13 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following event(s) occur(s) during translation in prokaryotes?

  1. AtRNA binding to the start codon of mRNA on the 30s subunit of ribosome
  2. BAnticodon of tRNA binding to the start codon of mRNA on the 50s subunit of ribosome
  3. CThe ribosome continues to move along the mRNA to add new amino acids to the polypeptide
  4. DThe polypeptide is released when the ribosome reaches the stop codon
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) tRNA binding to the start codon of mRNA on the 30s subunit of ribosome and (C) The ribosome continues to move along the mRNA to add new amino acids to the polypeptide and (D) The polypeptide is released when the ribosome reaches the stop codon
Q79Microbial GeneticsXL-S Q.14 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following is/are consequence(s) of nitrous acid (HNO2) mediated deamination?

  1. ADeamination of cytosine, adenine and guanine
  2. BGC-to-AT transitions
  3. CAT- to- GC transitions
  4. DAddition of alkyl group to the bases
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Deamination of cytosine, adenine and guanine and (B) GC-to-AT transitions and (C) AT- to- GC transitions
Q80Microbial MetabolismXL-S Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

At root nodules, which of the following C4 organic acid(s) is/are transported across the symbiosome membrane and into bacteroids?

  1. ASuccinate
  2. BPyruvate
  3. CMalate
  4. DFumarate
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Succinate and (C) Malate and (D) Fumarate
Q81Prokaryotic CellsXL-S Q.16 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following is/are TRUE about the Escherichia coli chromosome?

  1. AIt is typically bound by histones
  2. BIt is circular in nature
  3. CIt is found in the nucleoid
  4. DIt contains multiple origins of replication
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) It is circular in nature and (C) It is found in the nucleoid
Q82Microbial GrowthXL-S Q.17 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

At t = 0, the bacterial cell number is 10,000 cells/mL. At t = 480 minutes, the cell number increased to 320,000 cells/mL. The mean generation time during this exponential growth period, rounded off to the nearest integer is ________ minutes.

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 95 to 97 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q83Methods in MicrobiologyXL-S Q.18 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

A landfill sample was analyzed by dilution and plating techniques for viable bacterial count. When one gram of the landfill sample was diluted 1 x 10-4 (w/v) it yielded 400 CFU. The viable bacterial count (in million, rounded off to the nearest integer) in one gram landfill sample is _______.

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 3 to 5 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q84Methods in MicrobiologyXL-S Q.19 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

A fluorescence microscope with an objective lens of numerical aperture (NA) 1.5 is used with light of wavelength (λ) 600 nanometers. The lateral resolution limit of this microscope rounded off to the nearest integer, is _________ nanometers.

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 200 to 250 (numerical answer, as in the official key).

XL-T: Zoology (Q85–103)

19 questions (8 of 1 mark, 11 of 2 marks). Optional: answer it only if you pick Zoology. From GATE 2027 this section is called XL4.

GATE XL 2024, XL-T Zoology: questions by topic
19 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology31.6%
Parasitology & Immunology15.8%
Animal Anatomy & Physiology15.8%
Animal Behaviour10.5%
Developmental Biology10.5%
Evolution10.5%
Cell Biology5.3%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q85Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following statements about gene expression is INCORRECT?

  1. ADNA is transcribed to mRNA.
  2. BmRNA can be reverse-transcribed to DNA.
  3. CmRNA can be translated to protein.
  4. DProtein can be reverse-translated to mRNA.
Show answer
Answer: (D) Protein can be reverse-translated to mRNA.
Q86Parasitology & ImmunologyXL-T Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following tissues/organs is least likely to experience graft rejection when transplanted from a person to an unrelated person?

  1. Abone marrow
  2. Bcornea
  3. Cheart
  4. Dkidney
Show answer
Answer: (B) cornea
Q87Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Codon bias is correlated with the relative frequencies of which one of the following types of RNA?

  1. AmRNA
  2. BrRNA
  3. CsiRNA
  4. DtRNA
Show answer
Answer: (D) tRNA
Q88Cell BiologyXL-T Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

CREB1 is a eukaryotic transcription factor. In which one of the following compartments of the cell is CREB1 predominantly localized?

  1. Alysosomes
  2. Bmitochondria
  3. Cnucleus
  4. Dperoxisomes
Show answer
Answer: (C) nucleus
Q89Animal BehaviourXL-T Q.5 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

In certain species of salamanders, male-female pairs have multiple mating partners in a breeding season. Which one of the following terminologies accurately describes this mating system?

  1. Amonogamy
  2. Bpolyandry
  3. Cpolygyny
  4. Dpolygynandry
Show answer
Answer: (D) polygynandry
Q90Animal Anatomy & PhysiologyXL-T Q.6 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following statements describes the key function of human sweat glands?

  1. AThey serve as touch sensors.
  2. BThey are responsible for skin color.
  3. CThey regulate body temperature.
  4. DThey store fat.
Show answer
Answer: (C) They regulate body temperature.
Q91Parasitology & ImmunologyXL-T Q.7 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Urease enzyme catalyzes the conversion of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Which one of the following organisms expresses urease enzyme?

  1. ACaenorhabditis elegans
  2. BDrosophila melanogaster
  3. CHelicobacter pylori
  4. DHomo sapiens
Show answer
Answer: (C) Helicobacter pylori
Q92Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.8 · Numerical answer · 1 mark, no negative marking

The human genetic code is triplet in nature with 64 codons made using four nucleotides. If the human genetic code was doublet in nature, the number of codons theoretically possible from four nucleotides is ______. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 16 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q93Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following statements is NOT TRUE of glycosaminoglycans?

  1. AGlycosaminoglycans are composed of repeating disaccharide units.
  2. BGlycosaminoglycans consist of amino sugars that are frequently sulfated.
  3. CHyaluronic acid is an example of a glycosaminoglycan.
  4. DMethionine is the predominant amino acid to which glycosaminoglycan chains are conjugated to form proteoglycans.
Show answer
Answer: (D) Methionine is the predominant amino acid to which glycosaminoglycan chains are conjugated to form proteoglycans.
Q94Developmental BiologyXL-T Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the options correctly matches the human tissues/organs with their embryonic germ layers of origin?

Tissues/organsEmbryonic germ layers
(P) liver(I) ectoderm
(Q) cerebellum(II) endoderm
(R) femur(III) mesoderm
  1. AP-II, Q-I, R-III
  2. BP-III, Q-I, R-II
  3. CP-I, Q-II, R-III
  4. DP-II, Q-III, R-I
Show answer
Answer: (A) P-II, Q-I, R-III
Q95EvolutionXL-T Q.11 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Consider a large population of a finch species, where both small and big beak sizes are advantageous, and an intermediate beak size is maladaptive. Over a period of 10 years, which one of the following evolutionary processes is most likely to operate on the beak size of this finch population?

  1. Adirectional selection
  2. Bdisruptive selection
  3. Cgenetic drift
  4. Dstabilizing selection
Show answer
Answer: (B) disruptive selection
Q96Animal Anatomy & PhysiologyXL-T Q.12 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

When the blood glucose level of a healthy person is 100 mg/dL, which one of the following options is most likely to represent the level of glucose in the urine of that person?

  1. A< 1 mg/dL
  2. B10 mg/dL
  3. C50 mg/dL
  4. D100 mg/dL
Show answer
Answer: (A) < 1 mg/dL
Q97EvolutionXL-T Q.13 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following rooted tree topologies best describes the primate phylogeny?

GATE XL 2024 Q97 figure: Which one of the following rooted tree topologies best describes the primate phylogeny?
  1. AI
  2. BII
  3. CIII
  4. DIV
Show answer
Answer: (C) III
Q98Animal BehaviourXL-T Q.14 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Consider a species of brightly colored beetle. Which one or more of the following observations suggest(s) that this species is aposematic?

  1. ABoth male and female beetles are brightly colored.
  2. BOnly male beetles are brightly colored.
  3. COnly female beetles are brightly colored.
  4. DThe beetle species is toxic and distasteful.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Both male and female beetles are brightly colored. and (D) The beetle species is toxic and distasteful.
Q99Developmental BiologyXL-T Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

The embryos of which one or more of the following animals show meroblastic cleavage?

  1. ADanio rerio (zebrafish)
  2. BGallus gallus (chicken)
  3. CSynapta digita (sea cucumber)
  4. DXenopus laevis (frog)
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Danio rerio (zebrafish) and (B) Gallus gallus (chicken)
Q100Parasitology & ImmunologyXL-T Q.16 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which one or more of the following parasites is/are typically transmitted by mosquitoes as vector?

  1. ALeishmania donovani
  2. BPlasmodium vivax
  3. CWuchereria bancrofti
  4. DTrichuris trichiura
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Plasmodium vivax and (C) Wuchereria bancrofti
Q101Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.17 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

Consider the following nucleotide sequence:

5′-GCCGCCAUGGCGUCUGCUAGCUGGCUCGAUCGCGAGCGAUCGUACGUAUAGUAUGAA-3′

Assume canonical initiation, canonical termination, no post-translational modification, and the average molecular mass of an amino acid to be 110 daltons. The theoretical molecular mass of the polypeptide translated from the above nucleotide sequence is _____ daltons. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 1540 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q102Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyXL-T Q.18 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

The pKa of a buffer solution with pH of 5, consisting of 0.4 M sodium acetate and 0.04 M acetic acid, is ______. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 4 (numerical answer, as in the official key).
Q103Animal Anatomy & PhysiologyXL-T Q.19 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

Consider a healthy person with the following lung volumes:

Residual volume = 900 mL
Expiratory reserve volume = 800 mL
Tidal volume = 200 mL

If the Total lung capacity is 5500 mL, then the Inspiratory reserve volume of the person is _____ mL. (Answer in integer)

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: 3600 (numerical answer, as in the official key).

XL-U: Food Technology (Q104–122)

19 questions (8 of 1 mark, 11 of 2 marks). Optional: answer it only if you pick Food Technology. From GATE 2027 this section is called XL5.

GATE XL 2024, XL-U Food Technology: questions by topic
19 questions, tagged by Lesson Basket.
Food Chemistry & Nutrition36.8%
Food Microbiology26.3%
Food Products Technology21.1%
Food Engineering15.8%
Topic tags: Lesson Basket. See also our GATE-XL weightage analysis.
Q104Food MicrobiologyXL-U Q.1 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following fungi produces aflatoxins?

  1. AAspergillus niger
  2. BFusarium verticillioides
  3. CAspergillus flavus
  4. DRhizopus oligosporus
Show answer
Answer: (C) Aspergillus flavus
Q105Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.2 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Under standard conditions in animal feeding studies, the weight gained (in grams) per gram of protein consumed by an animal is termed as

  1. ANet Protein Ratio
  2. BNet Protein Utilization
  3. CCoefficient of Protein Digestibility
  4. DProtein Efficiency Ratio
Show answer
Answer: (D) Protein Efficiency Ratio
Q106Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.3 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Xeropthalmia is caused due to the deficiency of

  1. AThiamin
  2. BPantothenic acid
  3. CVitamin A
  4. DVitamin C
Show answer
Answer: (C) Vitamin A
Q107Food Products TechnologyXL-U Q.4 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following steps is used to remove phosphatides from crude oil in the refining process?

  1. ANeutralization
  2. BBleaching
  3. CDegumming
  4. DDeodorization
Show answer
Answer: (C) Degumming
Q108Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.5 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The unique flavor of chocolate and cocoa is due to the formation of

  1. A5-methyl-2-phenyl-2-hexenal
  2. BCyclotene
  3. CFuraneol
  4. DMaltol
Show answer
Answer: (A) 5-methyl-2-phenyl-2-hexenal
Q109Food MicrobiologyXL-U Q.6 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following statements regarding Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan is NOT correct?

  1. AHACCP is a management tool for ensuring food safety.
  2. BHACCP involves five preliminary steps and seven principles.
  3. CHACCP is not effective without prior implementation of prerequisite programs.
  4. DHACCP plan involves establishment of corrective actions as second principle.
Show answer
Answer: (D) HACCP plan involves establishment of corrective actions as second principle.
Q110Food MicrobiologyXL-U Q.7 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

The product of cabbage fermentation by Leuconostoc mesenteroides is

  1. ATempeh
  2. BNatto
  3. CSauerkraut
  4. DMiso
Show answer
Answer: (C) Sauerkraut
Q111Food Products TechnologyXL-U Q.8 · MCQ · 1 mark, −1/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following absorbents is NOT used as an ethylene absorber in active packaging of fruits and vegetables?

  1. APotassium permanganate
  2. BActivated carbon
  3. CCalcium hydroxide
  4. DSilica gel
Show answer
Answer: (C) Calcium hydroxide
Q112Food EngineeringXL-U Q.9 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Which one of the following statements regarding moisture sorption isotherms of a dried food is NOT correct?

  1. AAt a given temperature, the difference between adsorption and desorption moisture isotherms is known as hysteresis.
  2. BAt a given temperature and water activity, an adsorption isotherm exhibits higher equilibrium moisture content than a desorption isotherm in hysteresis.
  3. CAt a given moisture content, effect of temperature on a moisture sorption isotherm follows the Clausius- Clapeyron equation.
  4. DThe Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) equation is a multilayer moisture sorption model.
Show answer
Answer: (B) At a given temperature and water activity, an adsorption isotherm exhibits higher equilibrium moisture content than a desorption isotherm in hysteresis.
Q113Food Products TechnologyXL-U Q.10 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Processing of fluid milk at 72 ℃ for 15 seconds is termed as

  1. AHigh-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization
  2. BLow-temperature, long-time (LTLT) pasteurization
  3. CUltra high-temperature (UHT) pasteurization
  4. DHomogenization process
Show answer
Answer: (A) High-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization
Q114Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.11 · MCQ · 2 marks, −2/3 for a wrong answer

Match the anti-nutritional factor in Column I with their corresponding activity given in Column II.

Column IColumn II
P. Lectin1. Flatulence
Q. Stachyose2. Chelates with divalent cations and reduces their bio-availability
R. Phytate3. Inhibits trypsin and chymotrypsin
S. Knuitz type inhibitor4. Hemagglutination
  1. AP-4,Q-1, R-2,S-3
  2. BP-3,Q-1, R-2,S-4
  3. CP-2,Q-1, R-4,S-3
  4. DP-1,Q-2, R-3,S-4
Show answer
Answer: (A) P-4,Q-1, R-2,S-3
Q115Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.12 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following fatty acids is/are known to increase the low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol?

  1. AOmega-3 Fatty acids
  2. BTrans Fatty acids
  3. CConjugated Linoleic acids
  4. DSaturated Fatty acids
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Trans Fatty acids and (D) Saturated Fatty acids
Q116Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.13 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

The addition of which of the following to high-methoxyl pectin will result in gel formation?

  1. ACalcium ions
  2. BHydrogen ions
  3. CSodium ions
  4. DSugar
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (B) Hydrogen ions and (D) Sugar
Q117Food Chemistry & NutritionXL-U Q.14 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following steps in food processing is/are used to reduce the acrylamide formation in food products?

  1. APretreatment using asparaginase
  2. BLowering the pH
  3. CIncreasing the temperature.
  4. DAdding glucose.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Pretreatment using asparaginase and (B) Lowering the pH
Q118Food Products TechnologyXL-U Q.15 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following enzymes is/are used for the production of high fructose syrup (HFS) from corn starch?

  1. Aα-Amylase
  2. Bβ-Amylase
  3. CXylose isomerase
  4. DGlucoamylase
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) α-Amylase and (C) Xylose isomerase and (D) Glucoamylase
Q119Food MicrobiologyXL-U Q.16 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following is/are typical characteristic(s) of a fungal cell?

  1. APresence of histone proteins
  2. BPresence of peptidoglycans in the cell wall
  3. CPresence of chitin in the cell wall
  4. DPresence of pseudomurein in the cell wall
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Presence of histone proteins and (C) Presence of chitin in the cell wall
Q120Food MicrobiologyXL-U Q.17 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following statements is/ are correct regarding food and water borne disease and the class of causative microorganisms?

  1. ALegionellosis is a bacterial disease.
  2. BGiardiasis is caused by the protists.
  3. CTyphoid fever is caused by the virus.
  4. DListeriosis is a fungal disease.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (A) Legionellosis is a bacterial disease. and (B) Giardiasis is caused by the protists.
Q121Food EngineeringXL-U Q.18 · MSQ (one or more correct) · 2 marks, no negative marking

Which of the following statements is/ are true?

  1. AHagen-Poiseuille’s law is used for calculation of molecular diffusion.
  2. BFick’s law is used for calculation of energy requirement in size reduction.
  3. CRittinger’s law is used for calculation of energy requirement in size reduction.
  4. DStokes law is used for derivation of terminal velocity.
Show answer
Answer (select all of these): (C) Rittinger’s law is used for calculation of energy requirement in size reduction. and (D) Stokes law is used for derivation of terminal velocity.
Q122Food EngineeringXL-U Q.19 · Numerical answer · 2 marks, no negative marking

A 10 kg tomato pulp is concentrated from an initial moisture content of 90% (wet weight basis) to 35% (wet weight basis). The weight of the concentrate in kg is __________ (round off to 2 decimal places).

Type a number as your answer.

Show answer
Answer: any value from 1.50 to 1.60 (numerical answer, as in the official key).

Changes in the final answer key

No question was dropped or given marks to all in the final key, so each question below has the answer shown.

How to revise from this paper

  1. Pick your two optional sections firstAttempt GA, XL-P and the two sections you plan to choose, 65 questions in one 3-hour sitting.
  2. Score it the GATE wayAdd 1 or 2 marks per correct answer and subtract 1/3 or 2/3 only for wrong MCQs. MSQ must be fully correct to score.
  3. Sort your mistakes by topicUse the topic tag on each question. Two or three misses in the same topic show where to revise first.
  4. Repeat with another yearTake a different year a week later and compare your topic-wise mistakes.

Keep going

Ready for full-length mocks? Try the GATE-XL Life Sciences Full Test Series
The GATE-XL Life Sciences Full Test Series gives you full-length mocks on the GATE pattern, with MCQ, MSQ and numerical questions and GATE marking.
Source: GATE 2024 Life Sciences (XL) question paper and final answer key, published by the organising institute (IISc Bengaluru). Question text is reproduced for practice; any transcription error is ours, and the official documents are the authority.
Practise on the Lesson Basket appEvery previous year paper in real exam mode with a timer, 130+ animated concept videos and full mock tests – free to start.
Get it on Google Play

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll to Top