Class 12 Biology - HARYANA
Biotechnology and its Applications
The chapter 'Biotechnology and its Applications' in Class 12 Biology explores how biological processes, organisms, and enzymes are manipulated for human welfare. Haryana (BSEH) board students will study critical topics such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), production of human insulin via recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, molecular diagnosis techniques like PCR and ELISA, and transgenic animals. Ethical issues such as biopiracy and biopatents are also covered. This chapter is vital for the board exams as it features both direct theoretical questions and application-based case studies, carrying significant weightage in the final examination.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi whose genes have been altered using genetic engineering techniques to improve traits like pest resistance and nutritional value.
Bt Cotton
A pest-resistant transgenic crop containing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that produce proteins toxic to specific insect pests like bollworms.
RNA Interference (RNAi)
A cellular defense mechanism used in eukaryotic organisms to silence specific genes by targeting mRNA, notably used to protect tobacco plants from nematode infection.
Gene Therapy
A collection of methods that allows correction of a gene defect diagnosed in a child or embryo, famously used to treat Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency.
Molecular Diagnostics
Advanced techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that allow early and accurate detection of diseases and pathogens.
Biopiracy
The unauthorized extraction and commercial exploitation of biological resources and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples without proper compensation.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 12 Biology board exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark short answer questions on applications like Bt cotton or RNAi, and 3 or 5-mark long answer questions detailing insulin production, gene therapy, or ethical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is recombinant insulin different from natural insulin?
Natural insulin is synthesized as a pro-hormone containing an extra C-peptide, which is removed during maturation. Recombinant insulin (Humulin) is produced in E. coli by separately synthesizing chain A and chain B and joining them together via disulfide bonds, lacking the C-peptide.
What is the role of Bacillus thuringiensis in agriculture?
Bacillus thuringiensis produces crystal proteins (Cry proteins) that act as insecticidal toxins against specific insect orders like lepidopterans, coleopterans, and dipterans, protecting crops without chemical pesticides.
Why does Bt toxin not kill the bacterium that produces it?
Bt toxin is produced as an inactive protein called protoxin inside the bacterium. It only becomes active and lethal when it encounters the alkaline pH of the insect gut, which dissolves the crystals.
Learn Biotechnology and its Applications with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards