Science and Technology
2023
Biotechnology Basics

‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

D.Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
C.Producing biodegradable plastics
B.Converting crop residues into packing material
A.Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

Correct Answer: Option A

Wolbachia are naturally occurring bacteria found in up to 60% of insect species, including some mosquitoes.

Notably, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vectors for viruses like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, typically do not carry Wolbachia.

Research indicates that introducing Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can reduce the transmission of these viruses to humans.

The method involves introducing Wolbachia into Ae. aegypti mosquito eggs. When male Ae. aegypti mosquitoes with Wolbachia mate with wild females lacking Wolbachia, their eggs do not hatch, thus controlling the mosquito population.

Wolbachia bacteria are not harmful to humans or animals.

Hence, option A is correct.