Class 12 Biology Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications

Chapter 12 of Class 12 Biology, titled “Biotechnology and its Applications”, provides a detailed understanding of how biotechnology is applied in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. The chapter introduces students to concepts like recombinant DNA technology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the ethical implications of biotechnology. The chapter is essential for understanding the modern-day applications of biotechnology in solving global challenges, including food security, disease management, and environmental conservation.

What You Will Learn in Chapter 12 – Biotechnology and its Applications

This chapter introduces you to the various applications of biotechnology that have transformed multiple sectors. From agriculture to medicine, biotechnology plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life. The chapter explores recombinant DNA technology, its role in genetic engineering, and how biotechnological tools are applied in industries and medical fields.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction to Biotechnology

    • Definition of biotechnology and its scope.

    • Importance of biotechnology in modern science and industry.

  2. Recombinant DNA Technology

    • The concept of recombinant DNA (rDNA) and its process.

    • Steps involved in recombinant DNA technology: isolation of genes, cutting and joining of DNA, and transformation into host organisms.

    • Role of restriction enzymes and ligases in rDNA technology.

  3. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

    • What are GMOs and how are they created?

    • Benefits and concerns associated with GMOs.

    • Examples of GMOs in agriculture (Bt crops, Golden rice).

    • Regulatory aspects of GMOs.

  4. Biotechnology in Medicine

    • Applications of biotechnology in the production of insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines.

    • Gene therapy and its role in treating genetic disorders.

    • Stem cell therapy and its applications in regenerative medicine.

  5. Biotechnology in Agriculture

    • Use of biotechnology in developing high-yielding, pest-resistant, and drought-resistant crops.

    • Biopesticides, biofertilizers, and their role in sustainable agriculture.

    • Genetic engineering of plants to improve nutritional content (e.g., Golden rice).

  6. Industrial Biotechnology

    • Use of biotechnology in industries (fermentation, production of enzymes, biofuels).

    • Biotechnology in waste treatment and pollution management.

    • Bioreactors and their applications in large-scale production.

  7. Environmental Applications of Biotechnology

    • Role of biotechnology in environmental conservation (bioremediation, waste treatment).

    • Use of microorganisms in cleaning up pollutants.

    • Environmental biotechnology in managing industrial waste and oil spills.

  8. Ethical Issues in Biotechnology

    • Ethical concerns surrounding the use of genetic engineering, cloning, and GMOs.

    • Regulation and control of biotechnological applications.

Why Use Our NCERT Solutions for Chapter 12?

Our detailed NCERT solutions for Chapter 12: Biotechnology and its Applications simplify complex concepts such as recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, and GMOs. We provide step-by-step explanations of every process and example discussed in the chapter to help students understand how biotechnology is applied in real-world scenarios.

Highlights of Our Solutions:

  • Thorough explanations for all NCERT Intext and Exercise questions.

  • Well-labeled diagrams explaining processes like recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, and the production of GMOs.

  • Examples from current biotechnology applications to help relate theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

  • Key terms and concepts highlighted for easy revision.

  • Perfect for board exams, NEET, and other competitive exam preparations.

NCERT Solutions for Chapter 12 – Biotechnology and its Applications

Intext Questions:

  • Step-by-step breakdowns of the recombinant DNA technology process.

  • Diagrams explaining genetic modification in plants and animals.

  • Examples of biotechnological applications in medicine and agriculture.

Exercise Questions (Q.1 to Q.12):

  • Detailed answers to questions on recombinant DNA technology, GMOs, and biotechnology in medicine and agriculture.

  • Concept-based questions on gene therapy, genetic engineering, and bioremediation.

  • Definitions of key biotechnology terms and their applications in various sectors.

Download Chapter 12 Solutions PDF – Biotechnology and its Applications

Access the free, printable PDF containing all solved NCERT questions for offline revision and exam preparation.

What’s Inside the PDF:

  • Concise and well-structured solutions for all exercise and Intext questions.

  • Labeled diagrams and flowcharts to clarify key biotechnology processes.

  • Simple explanations of complex biotechnological concepts.

Recommended Preparation Tips:

  • Understand recombinant DNA technology and its importance in genetic engineering.

  • Familiarize yourself with the applications of GMOs and their benefits and risks.

  • Revise the production of medicines like insulin, vaccines, and hormones using biotechnology.

  • Learn about the role of biotechnology in agriculture, especially in improving crop yield and nutritional content.

  • Focus on environmental biotechnology and the use of bioremediation for pollution control.

  • Prepare for questions on the ethical concerns related to cloning, GMOs, and gene therapy.

Additional Study Resources:

  • Class 12 Biology Notes – Chapter 12

  • NCERT Exemplar Solutions for extra practice and application of biotechnology concepts.

  • NEET-targeted MCQs and previous year questions related to biotechnology.

  • Revision tables on biotechnology processes, applications, and key terms.

  • Flashcards for quick recall of biotechnology terms and applications.

Mastering Biotechnology and its Applications

Biotechnology is one of the most innovative fields in modern science, with far-reaching implications in medicine, agriculture, and the environment. By mastering the concepts in this chapter, students will understand the importance of biotechnology in shaping the future. Our detailed solutions will help you prepare efficiently for exams while offering you practical knowledge that could be useful in future studies and careers.

NCERT Solutions for Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications

1. Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do not kill the bacteria themselves because –

Ans: (c) Toxin is inactive.

2. What are transgenic bacteria? Illustrate using any one example.

Ans: Bacteria having gene or genes usually from an unrelated organism incorporated into their genome are called transgenic bacteria. For example, when human insulin gene is introduced into the isolated plasmid of E.coli bacterium and this recombinant DNA is transferred into a fresh bacterium, then the later is said to be transgenic or transformed bacterium.

3. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops.

Ans:

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Biology Biotechnology and its Applications Q3

4. What are Cry proteins? Name an organism that produces it. How has man exploited this protein to his benefit?

Ans: The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is a common soil bacterium which produces a protein toxin that kills certain insects. The toxin is a crystal (Cry) protein. There are several kinds of Cry proteins which are toxic to different groups of insects. The gene encoding Cry protein is called cry gene. Biotechnologists have been able to isolate the gene responsible for production of toxin and to introduce it into a number of plants to produce genetically modified plants resistant to insects, e.g., Bt cotton (resistant to bollworm) and GM tobacco (resistant to hornworms).

5. What is gene therapy? Illustrate using the example of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.

Ans: Gene therapy is correction of malfunctioning/gen by repairing or adding correct copy. ADA (adenosine deaminase deficiency) is a very rare genetic disorder due to deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase. The enzyme is crucial for the immune system to function. It can be treated by gene therapy. This gene is transfected into early embryonic cells of bone marrow for permanent use.

6. Diagrammatically represent the experimental steps in cloning and expressing a human gene (say the gene for growth hormone) into a bacterium like E. coli?

Ans:
NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Biology Biotechnology and its Applications Q6

7. Can you suggest a method to remove oil (hydrocarbon) from seeds based on your understanding of rDNA technology and chemistry of oil?

Ans: The genes for the formation of oil in the seed should be identified. The appropriate genes should be removed with the help of restriction endonucleases. Such DNA should then be treated with DNA ligases to make seal DNA at the broken ends. These cells when grown aseptically on nutrient medium will differentiate into a new plant whose seeds will not have oil in them.

8. Find out from the internet what is golden rice.

Ans: Golden rice is a transgenic variety of rice (Oryza sativa) containing good quantities of β-carotene (provitamin A) which is the principal source of vitamin A. Since the grains of the rice are yellow in color due to β-carotene, the rice is commonly called golden rice. It was developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology by Professor Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer.

9. Does our blood have proteases and nucleases?

Ans: No, blood does not have protease and nuclease. If they were present, blood and cells would be digested. Some proteases do exist in an inactive form.

10. Consult the internet and find out how to make orally active protein pharmaceuticals. What is the major problem to be encountered?

Ans: Orally active protein