The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of ​

The answer is D. ACE2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a protein on the surface of human cells, mainly in the lungs, heart, kidneys and intestines. SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, uses its spike protein to bind ACE2 and enter those cells. That is why ACE2 became central to discussions of viral spread and pathogenesis in 2020-21.

• A is wrong: ACE2 is a human protein, not a gene inserted into GM crops. Genes in GM plants are things like cry genes for Bt resistance.
• B is wrong: India's regional satellite navigation system is NavIC, earlier called IRNSS. ACE2 has nothing to do with it.
• C is wrong: Wildlife radio collars use VHF transmitters or GPS. They are unrelated to ACE2.

The core concept is the virus-receptor interaction. It connects to Mains GS-III on health, biotechnology and drug targeting. ACE2 also links to hypertension, since ACE inhibitors and ARBs act on the renin-angiotensin system.

Trap: Aspirants who recognise the word 'ACE' often guess a technology or navigation term. Remember that ACE2 is a biological receptor that the coronavirus binds to.