Biotechnology is a revolutionizing field that applies biological principles to contribute to the development of technologies and products that help better human life and the health of our planet. It involves techniques and processes in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. This chapter of Biology is important for Class 12 students and those who are preparing to pass entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS, nursing, and paramedical streams. This article covers all the aspects of biotechnology, starting from the principles and applications to questions that are usually asked in exams. It is a very important resource for such aspiring students.
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In short words, it is defined as the field that brings together the principles of biological science and technology in altering living organisms and biological systems for certain applications. That means some of the examples of its application are genetic modification, fermentation, and tissue culture. Biotechnology plays an important role in the production of novel medicines, agricultural productivity improvement, and finding a sustainable solution to environmental challenges.
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Biotechnology can be defined as the use of living organisms, cells and biological systems to develop products and processes. Techniques are used which manipulate genetic material, including recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, thus permitting the creation of desired traits in organisms.
The principles of biotechnology are based on two major techniques:
Genetic engineering: It refers to the reconstruction of the genetic material of organisms to generate desired traits. Some of the prime techniques applied in genetic engineering include cloning genes, recombinant DNA technology, and PCR.
Bioprocess Engineering: Bioprocess engineering is the application of biological materials in producing processes on industrial scales. Bioprocess engineering thus applies to the large-scale production of substances like vaccines, enzymes, and biofuels.
These should be of interest to the Class 12 students learning because this topic begins gaining more importance in competitive exams like NEET.
Biotechnology has numerous applications. Some applications are given below:
The title "Father of Biotechnology" has generally been bestowed on Karl Ereky, who was credited with the term "biotechnology" coined as early as 1919 for industrial applications of biological processes. Such work could obviously sow the seeds of modern biotechnology, affecting as broad areas as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Biotechnology raises a plethora of ethical questions, particularly in its applications to genetically modified crops.
Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, biodiesel, detergents, sugar, biodegradable plastic, and textiles are a few of the more popular ones. Biotechnology is used to make all of your processed foods, medications, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Among the numerous features of NEETs, biotechnology has an important share if asked in their exams. Questions are based on genetic engineering and bioprocessing with their applications. Common types of questions:
Focus on understanding the concepts rather than mugging them up.
Correlate the applications with the current scenario.
Solve previous years’ questions to gather an insight into the pattern of questions.
Read NCERT textbook for class 12 for building basics.
The NCERT textbook for class 12
A Textbook of CBSE Biology for Class 12 by Sarita Aggarwal
Trueman’s Elementary Biology Volume 2
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Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for biotechnology and its Applications:
Mnemonics
Remember the four major strands of biotechnology by using the "GEBI" acronym as a mnemonic device-Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology or Environmental, Bioprocess Engineering and Industrial Biotechnology
Study Aids
Prepare flowcharts and diagrams regarding the process of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology
Prepare a comparison table of applications of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture and the environment.
Multimedia
Watch animations that illustrate the various processes of genetic engineering such as PCR and cloning of genes for better comprehension
Flashcards
Use flashcards to memorize: enzymes involved in genetic engineering and examples of genetically modified organisms.
Given below is the indication of the types of questions asked about biotechnology and its applications in different exams:
Exam Type | Types of Questions |
---|---|
CBSE Board Exams | Definitions, short answers on principles and applications |
NEET | MCQs on genetic engineering, enzyme functions, and applications |
AIIMS | Assertion and reason questions on biotechnological advances |
Nursing Entrance Exams | Scenario-based questions on applications in healthcare |
Paramedical Exams | True/False questions on biotechnology principles and ethical concerns |
The table given below shows the weightage of the questions asked about biotechnology and its applications in different exams:
Exam Type | Weightage of Biotechnology |
---|---|
CBSE Board Exams | 5-7% |
NEET | 3-4% |
Nursing Entrance Exams | 2-4% |
Paramedical Exams | 1-3% |
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DNA Fingerprinting | Biopiracy |
Biotechnology Application in Medicine | Biotechnology in Agriculture |
Bioremediation | Biosafety Issues |
Biotechnology involves using biological processes for technological advancements in various fields. Its applications include developing pharmaceuticals, genetically modifying crops, and reducing environmental pollution through innovative biotechnological processes.
Option 1) Hind II
Option 2) Protease
Option 3) DNase I
Option 4) RNase
Restriction Endonuclease - These enzymes cleave DNA only within or near the specific base sequence. These sequences are called recognition sites. They are of three types RE- I, RE-II and RE-III.
wherein 1st Restriction enzyme (Hind II) was used in RDT. Hind II are restriction endonucleases because they cleave DNA at specific sequences within the DNA strand.
Option 1) Flower
Option 2) Leaf
Option 3) Stem
Option 4) Root
Answer: Option 4) Root
It is a single-stranded RNA that is complementary to a protein-coding messenger RNA (mRNA) that hybridizes with it and blocks protein translation.
This method is also known as Gene knockdown. RNA I (Interference RNA) is also used for the same purpose
The roots of the tobacco plants are infected. The RNA I (Interference RNA) method is used to develop resistance against infection.
Modern biotechnology's five branches—human, environmental, industrial, animal, and plant—help us fight hunger and disease, produce goods more safely, cleanly, and effectively, lessen our impact on the environment, and conserve energy.
Biotechnology has a vast scope, influencing sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and industry. Its applications range from medical research and drug development to creating sustainable agricultural practices and industrial processes.
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms and biological systems to create products and services that improve human health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. It is a multidisciplinary field encompassing biology, chemistry, and engineering.
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