Which of the following is mRNA vaccine used against Covid-19 infection?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — B, Moderna. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273, brand name Spikevax) is a messenger-RNA (mRNA) vaccine: it delivers lab-made mRNA coding for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, so the body's own cells make that protein and the immune system learns to recognise it. Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech were the two mRNA vaccines widely deployed against COVID-19. The other three options use entirely different platforms.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Sinovac's CoronaVac is an INACTIVATED whole-virus vaccine (killed SARS-CoV-2), not an mRNA vaccine.  (c) Sputnik V (Gamaleya Institute, Russia) is a VIRAL-VECTOR vaccine — it uses harmless human adenoviruses (Ad26, Ad5) to carry the spike gene, not mRNA.  (d) Novavax (NVX-CoV2373 / Covovax) is a PROTEIN-SUBUNIT vaccine — it injects ready-made spike protein nanoparticles with an adjuvant, not mRNA.

Concept: COVID-19 vaccines were built on several 'platforms'. mRNA vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) inject genetic instructions so the body makes the spike protein itself. Viral-vector vaccines (Sputnik V, Covishield/AstraZeneca) use a harmless carrier virus to deliver the spike gene. Inactivated vaccines (Sinovac's CoronaVac, Covaxin) use the killed whole virus. Protein-subunit vaccines (Novavax) inject the spike protein directly.

State PCS 2023 Q23 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2023 Q23 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer