Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a very special molecule. It (1)__________________ as the code for all life on Earth, holding the cellular instructions to (2)______________ everything from a beetle to a human. Because DNA is (3)_________________ to each species, it’s like a product barcode in a supermarket. As animals and plants live their lives, they (4)________________ fragments of their DNA into their environment (5)_________________ dead skin, hair, saliva, scat, leaves or pollen. These traces make up environmental DNA. There’s enough DNA in water and even air to tell species apart.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. acts.
Context: The sentence says DNA “_____ as the code for all life on Earth,” meaning it performs the role or function of the code. The correct verb here should indicate serving a function.
Meaning of the words:
Acts: means performs the role or function of something.
Keeps: means holds or retains something.
Present: means to show or offer something.
Delivers: means to bring or hand over something.
Correct word: Acts
Reason: DNA performs the role of a code for life — it doesn’t just “keep,” “present,” or “deliver” the code. “Acts” correctly expresses the idea of functioning as the code.
Final Sentence: It acts as the code for all life on Earth, holding the cellular instructions to build everything from a beetle to a human.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 5