Class 12 Biology - KERALA
Biotechnology and its Applications
The chapter 'Biotechnology and its Applications' explores how genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology are utilized for human welfare. Kerala SCERT Class 12 students will learn about the practical applications of biotechnology across agriculture, medicine, and environmental remediation. Key topics include the production of genetically modified organisms like Bt cotton, RNA interference, therapeutic proteins such as human insulin, gene therapy, molecular diagnosis techniques like PCR and ELISA, and ethical issues including biopiracy and transgenic animals. This chapter is vital for board exams as it features high-weightage application-based questions, process-oriented problems, and case studies that test conceptual understanding.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Bt Cotton
A genetically modified crop containing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that produces crystal proteins toxic to specific insect pests like bollworms, reducing pesticide use.
RNA Interference (RNAi)
A cellular defense mechanism in eukaryotes that uses double-stranded RNA to silence specific messenger RNAs, successfully utilized to protect tobacco plants against nematode infection.
Genetically Engineered Insulin
Human insulin (Humulin) produced using recombinant DNA technology in E. coli by separately inserting genes for chains A and B, followed by combining them through disulfide bonds.
Gene Therapy
A medical technique that corrects defective genes responsible for hereditary diseases, famously applied to treat Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency.
Molecular Diagnosis
Early detection methods using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and recombinant DNA probes to identify pathogens and genetic disorders before symptoms appear.
Biopiracy
The unauthorized commercial exploitation of traditional biological resources and indigenous knowledge by multinational corporations without proper compensation to the source countries.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 12 Biology board examination, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions often include descriptive answers on the production of transgenic insulin, differences between gene therapy approaches, applications of Bt crops, and short notes on biopiracy, ethical issues, and PCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetically engineered insulin is identical to natural human insulin, reducing immune rejection risks associated with animal insulin extracted from cows and pigs.
Genetically engineered insulin is identical to human insulin, whereas animal insulin caused allergic reactions and immune responses in some patients.
What is the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in producing transgenic plants?
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural plant genetic engineer; its tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid is modified to deliver desired foreign genes into plant cells safely.
Why does the Bt toxin not kill the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis?
Bt toxin exists in the bacterium as an inactive protoxin, which only becomes active in the alkaline environment of the susceptible insect's gut.
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