Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology Chapter 12 Biotechnology PDF Download

12 Biotechnology

You are already aware of what biotechnology is. It is the product of interaction between the biological science and technology. It is infact, an applied branch of biology. The term biotechnology was first used by Karl Ereky in 1919 to describe a process for large scale production of pigs.

12.1 Biotechnology

It is defined by different organizations in different ways. It has been broadly defined as 'the development and utilization of biological forms, products or processes for obtaining maximum benefits to man and other forms of life'. According to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 1981)- 'It is the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents to provide goods and service to the human welfare'.

It uses scientific principles of microbiology, genetics biochemistry, chemical engineering, mathematics, statistics, computers, industrial processes, etc. Biological agent means plants and animal cells, microorganisms, enzymes or their products.

History of origin of biotechnology is as old as human civilization. Development of biotechnology in terms of its growth, occurred in two phases viz, Traditional biotechnology and Modern biotechnology.

Traditional biotechnology (old biotechnology) was primarily based on fermentation technology using microorganisms as in the preparation of curd, ghee, soma, vinegar, yogurt, cheese making, wine making, etc. It became an art of kitchen in indian houses. It was more an art than science. Till that time people did not know as to how exactly the process occurs and the organisms causing this process. The contributions made by several chemists, biochemists and microbiologist, over the time, could explain the mechanism of process and also the nature of microorganisms causing the process.

During 1970 a new technique of 'recombinant DNA technology was developed and then established by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1973. This technique has changed the overall outlook, then. The technique permits to change/ modify genetic (heritable) material for getting new specific products. The combination of biology and production technology based on genetic engineering evolved into modern biotechnology (new biotechnology).

There are two major features of technology that differentiate modern biotechnology from classical or old biotechnology viz,

i. Capability of science to change the genetic material for getting new specific products through rDNA technology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), microarrays, cell culture and fusion, and bioprocessing.

ii. Ownership of technology and its socio-political impact.

Now the conventional industries, pharmaceutical industries, agro industries, food industries, etc. are also focussing attention to produce biotechnology- based products.

12.2 Principles and Processes of Biotechnology

Modern biotechnology is based on two core techniques viz. genetic engineering and chemical engineering.

Teacher's Note

Biotechnology is used in India to make better rice and cotton. Indian farmers use these new crops to grow more food.

Exam Trick

Remember: Old biotechnology = making curd and yogurt. New biotechnology = changing genes using machines. Think of it like old cooking vs. modern cooking with electricity.

Points to Remember

Biotechnology is using living things to make products for humans.
Traditional biotechnology used fermentation like making yogurt.
Modern biotechnology uses genetic engineering to change genes.
Recombinant DNA technology was developed in 1973.
Genetic engineering and chemical engineering are the two main techniques.

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