RBSE Solutions Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Biotechnology General Introduction

RBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. Which of the following is not an example of Traditional Biotechnology?
(a) Formation of curd and cheese from milk
(b) Formation of vinegar from sugarcane juice
(c) Medicine production by rDNA technology
(d) Production of beer from sugar
Answer: (c) Medicine production by rDNA technology
In simple words: Traditional biotechnology uses older methods like fermentation. Making medicine with rDNA technology is a modern technique, not traditional.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between traditional methods (like fermentation for food) and modern methods (like genetic engineering) in biotechnology.

 

Question 2. Who first of all used the word “Biotechnology"?
(a) Alexander Flemming
(b) Karl Erik
(c) Haberlandt
Answer: (b) Karl Erik
In simple words: Karl Erik first used the term "Biotechnology."

🎯 Exam Tip: Remembering the key scientists associated with important terms or discoveries is crucial for MCQ-based questions.

 

Question 3. In which year National Biotechnology Board was established in India?
(a) 1982
(b) 1978
(c) 1986
(d) 1990
Answer: (a) 1982
In simple words: The National Biotechnology Board was set up in India in 1982.

🎯 Exam Tip: Exact dates for the establishment of key national or international bodies are common facts tested in exams.

 

Question 4. Centre for Cell and Molecular biology is situated at -
(a) New Delhi
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Poone (Pune)
(d) Chandigarh
Answer: (b) Hyderabad
In simple words: The Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology is located in Hyderabad.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the locations of important scientific research institutes, especially those related to biotechnology.

 

Question 5. ICGEB is associated with which organization -
(a) NBTB
(B) UNIDO
(C) IARI
(d) ICFRE
Answer: (b) UNIDO
In simple words: The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is linked with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware of the associations and parent organizations of major international research centers.

 

Question 6. Name of the first clone of sheep produced by lan Wilmut is?
(a) Mouli
(b) Dolly
(c) Poly
(d) Jolly
Answer: (b) Dolly
In simple words: The first cloned sheep created by Ian Wilmut was named Dolly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Key historical breakthroughs and the names associated with them, like Dolly the sheep and Ian Wilmut, are important to remember.

 

Question 7. Who discovered Bacteriophage?
(a) Theodor Eschrich
(b) Antony Von Leeuwenhoek
(c) K.F. Budareh
(d) Frederich W. Wort
Answer: (d) Frederich W. Wort
In simple words: Frederich W. Wort was the scientist who discovered bacteriophages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Familiarize yourself with the names of scientists and their significant discoveries, especially in the field of microbiology and genetics.

RBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Very Short Answer Questions

 

Question 1. Define Biotechnology.
Answer: Biotechnology is a branch of science that focuses on using living organisms and their biological processes to create useful products for human well-being. This includes using microbes, single-celled animals, plants, various cells, and their parts to make beneficial items.
In simple words: Biotechnology uses living things like bacteria or plants to make products that help people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a term, always include the core concept (using organisms/processes) and the main purpose (human welfare/useful products).

 

Question 2. What do you understand by traditional Biotechnology?
Answer: Traditional biotechnology refers to older methods where our ancestors made products like wine, beer, vinegar, and bread using fermentation. This field involves studying these bioprocesses related to fermentation and natural biological control methods.
In simple words: Traditional biotechnology means old ways of making things like bread or wine using natural processes such as fermentation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide clear examples of products made using traditional biotechnology to illustrate your definition.

 

Question 3. Differentiate between classical (traditional) and modern biotechnology.
Answer:

• Traditional biotechnology involves older methods such as using fermentation to produce food products, selecting specific crop plants, or developing livestock to obtain their products.
• Modern biotechnology uses advanced techniques like plant and animal tissue culture, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA (r-DNA) technology, nanotechnology, and the production of monoclonal antibodies to benefit human welfare.

In simple words: Traditional biotechnology uses old methods like fermentation for food, while modern biotechnology uses new techniques like genetic engineering.

🎯 Exam Tip: When differentiating, present distinct points for each category and provide clear examples for both classical and modern approaches.

RBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Short Answer Questions

 

Question 1. Write Notes on:
1. ICGEB
2. Biochips
3. Biosensors
4. Biofilm
5. Microarray
6. Department of Biotechnology
7. Biotechnology Park
8. Biotechnology Institutes in India
9. Application of Biotechnology in Medicine
10. Important Biotechnology Parks in India
11. Important schemes of Biotechnology Department
Answer:
**1. ICGEB**
ICGEB stands for International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. It was established in New Delhi by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 1983, with its main center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
**2. Biochips**
Biochips are also known as DNA chips or DNA microarrays. A biochip is a collection of tiny DNA molecules attached to a solid surface. Scientists use this method to measure how much several genes are active at one time. Stephen P.A. Fodor and his team created the first biochip in 1991. The main base material for biochips includes silica quartz, soda glass, and plastics, chosen based on their chemical and physical properties and the experiment's needs.
There are different types of biochips:

1. **Gene Chips:** These are microchips with complementary DNA probes fixed on them. They help identify samples used for analysis or experiments. They are also called DNA chips.
2. **Microarray:** This term refers to the following types:
3. **DNA Microarray:** A DNA microarray is even smaller than a postal stamp. About 4 lakh (400,000) cells are fixed on an inert (glass) surface. Each cell contains a micro spot of DNA, which has a single-stranded cDNA sequence from different genes.
4. **Protein Microarray:** This technique works based on how groups bind together. It depends on the products formed when target molecules in a solution interact with immobilized molecules.

**3. Biosensors**
All living organisms have biosensors, which are functional systems similar to mechanical devices. Biosensors are made of biological parts like tissues, microbes, cell organelles, receptors, enzymes, antibodies, and nucleic acids. These parts interact in different ways with the substance being analyzed. So, biosensors combine biomaterials that convert chemical and biological signals into an electrical signal using transducers. A commercial example is a blood sugar detector, which uses the glucose oxidase enzyme to break down blood sugar.
**4. Biofilm**
Biofilm is a thin, sticky layer of microorganisms that forms on surfaces, often related to the quality of water.
**5. Microarray**
Microarrays come in two types:

• **DNA microarray:** This is about the size of a postal stamp. Approximately 4 lakh cells are fixed on an inert (glass) surface. Each cell contains a tiny spot of DNA with a single-stranded C-DNA sequence of different genes.
• **Protein microarray:** This works based on how groups bind together. It depends on the products created from the interaction between larger molecules in a solution and the immobilized molecules.

**6. Department of Biotechnology**
Recognizing the importance of biotechnology, the Government of India established an independent department called the Department of Biotechnology in 1986. The main goal of this department is to build essential infrastructure and facilities for biotechnology research in various universities and respected institutes.
**7. Biotechnology Park**
In India, there are 19 Biotechnology Parks established to offer information and guidance to people who want to start biotechnology-based businesses. Due to the importance of biotechnology, 15 more such parks are planned for establishment.
**8. Biotechnology Institutes in India**
Some key biotechnology institutes in India include:

• Indian Institute of Sciences - Bengaluru.
• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) - New Delhi.
• A national facility for plant Tissue culture, Repository – New Delhi.
• Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) - Lucknow.
• Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute (TBRI) – Trivandrum.
• Rajeev Gandhi Biotechnology Centre – Thiruvananthapuram.

**9. Application of Biotechnology in Medicine**
Biotechnology offers many benefits in medicine:**10. Important Biotechnology Parks in India**

• Biotechnology Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Hyderabad Biotechnology Park, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
• Golden Jubilee Biotech Park (for women), Siruserri, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Guwahati Biotechnology Park, Assam.
• Biopharma-IT Park Andharuwa, Bhubaneswar.
• TICL International Biotechnology Park, Hinjawadi, Pune.
• KINFRA Biotechnology Park, Kerala.

**11. Important schemes of the biotechnology department**
The Department of Biotechnology aims to develop institutes and centers for germplasm storage, conservation, and re-establishment. It has started many schemes in this area, including:

• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Research.

In simple words: This section provides notes on various important biotechnology terms and organizations. It explains what each item is, its purpose, or its location.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "write notes on" questions, define each term clearly, provide examples where possible, and mention its significance or role.

RBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 14 Essay Type Questions

 

Question 1. Write a note on the development of Biotechnology in India?
Answer:

• In India, extensive research in biotechnology is ongoing at various national and international institutes and universities.
• Recognizing the importance of biotechnology for human welfare, the Government of India established the "National Biotechnology Board" (NBTB) in 1982.
• Initially, it was part of the Department of Science and Technology. Later, due to the growing importance of biotechnology, an independent department called the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986.
• The main goal of this department is to build basic facilities and infrastructure for biotechnology research in national and international institutes and universities, set up specific research institutes, and provide funding for their development.
• Some specific research centers in India focused on biotechnology include the Indian Institute of Science-Bengaluru (for Genetic Engineering), National Chemical Laboratory-Pune (for Plant Tissue Culture), and Indian Agriculture Research Institute-New Delhi (for Plant Tissue Culture, Photosynthesis, Plant Molecular Biology).
• The Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad focuses on Oncogene, Cell transformation, Nucleic acid, and Protein Structure.
• The Natural Immunological Research Institute in New Delhi conducts research on Immunity.
• Microbial biotechnology institutes exist, and the Department of Biotechnology has established eleven information distribution centers and fifty sub-centers in various institutes and universities. Their main purpose is to help institutes, groups, and scientists working in the field. These centers also provide training in bioinformatics techniques through workshops.
• Institutes set up by the Department of Biotechnology are also involved in germplasm storage, conservation, and re-establishment.
• Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is home to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), established in New Delhi by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 1983.

In simple words: India has made big strides in biotechnology. The government set up the National Biotechnology Board in 1982, and then a dedicated Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 1986 to support research, build facilities, and train scientists across many institutes and universities.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing development, focus on chronological order of establishment, key institutions, their objectives, and their contributions.

 

Question 2. Write the names of different branches of biotechnology.
Answer: The main branches of biotechnology are:

1. Plant biotechnology
2. Animal biotechnology
3. Food and nutrition biotechnology
4. Medical biotechnology
5. Bioresource and environmental biotechnology
6. Marine biotechnology
7. Bioinformatics biotechnology

In simple words: Biotechnology has many branches, like plant, animal, food, medical, environmental, marine, and bioinformatics.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure you list a diverse range of branches to show a comprehensive understanding of the field's scope.

 

Question 3. Write a short note on various Institutes of Biotechnology and their contribution.
Answer:

• In India, extensive research in biotechnology is going on in various national and international institutes and universities.
• The Government of India established the "National Biotechnology Board" (NBTB) in 1982, considering the importance of biotechnology for human welfare.
• Initially, it was part of the Department of Science and Technology. However, recognizing the importance of biotechnology, an independent Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986.
• The main objective of this department is to develop basic infrastructure and facilities for biotechnology research in national and international institutes and in universities, establish specific research institutes, and provide grants for their development.

In India, the following are specific centers for research in the field of biotechnology:

• Indian Institute of Science-Bengaluru (Genetic Engineering).
• Poona University, Pune (Animal Cell Culture and Virology).
• National Chemical Laboratory, Pune (Plant Tissue Culture).
• Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi (Plant Tissue Culture, Photosynthesis, Plant molecular biology and Agriculture Information Sciences).
• Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad (Oncogene, Cell transformation, Nucleic acid and Protein Structure).
• Natural Immunological Research Institute, New Delhi (Research on Immunity).
• Microbial biotechnology institute: The Department of Biotechnology has established eleven information distribution centers and fifty sub-centers in different institutes and universities. The main goal of these centers is to help institutes, groups, and scientists working in the field of science. These centers currently provide training related to bioinformatics techniques through workshops.

Institutes established by the Department of Biotechnology also manage germplasm storage, conservation, and re-establishment.These centers also aim for seed, field bank, plant tissue culture repository, and cryopreservation facilities.
The Rajeev Gandhi Biotechnology Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and the International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi were established by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 1983.
In simple words: India has many institutes focused on biotechnology, such as the Indian Institute of Science, NBTB, and DBT, which were set up by the government to boost research, develop infrastructure, and train scientists in various fields like genetic engineering, plant tissue culture, and immunology.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing institutes and their contributions, mention both government initiatives and specific research areas of prominent organizations, and include relevant establishment dates.

 

Question 4. Describe the scope of different areas of Biotechnology and their importance.
Answer: Biotechnology directly or indirectly impacts human life, with a vast scope ranging from microorganisms to environmental protection and, ultimately, human welfare. Here are some important areas related to human welfare and environment conservation through biotechnology:
**1. In Medical Field:**
Biotechnology is highly important in modern medicine. Various efforts and experiments in medicinal biotechnology are presented in the following table:

**2. In-Plant Biotechnology:**
Biotechnology techniques are useful for multiplying plants, conserving them, and improving crops. To produce desired metabolic products, other techniques have been developed. Some are:**3. In the field of Animal Biotechnology:**

• Ian Wilmut and his team from the Russian institute, Scotland, successfully created the first mammalian clone by combining an enucleated ovum from a Scottish Black Face sheep with the nucleus of a somatic cell from a six-year-old Finn Dorset sheep on July 5, 1956.
• Wilmut and his colleagues officially announced this breakthrough to the media on February 22, 1997, naming this first mammalian clone "Dolly."
• This achievement opened new possibilities in animal cloning, and now more than twenty animal clones with desired traits have been developed.

**4. In Production of Materials of Commercial Importance:**
Using cell and tissue culture techniques, several important commercial products are made, such as alcohol, acetone, glycerol, various organic acids, vitamins, and enzymes. Single-cell culture and antibiotics are also produced. By using cell culture transformation, less useful products can be turned into more valuable ones.
**5. In conservation of Environment:**

• Special types of bacteria are used in sewage treatment, to remove harmful substances from industrial waste, and to break down mineral oil.
• The Pseudomonas putrid strain, discovered by Anand Mohan Chakraborty and known as "superbug," can help control almost three-fourths of oil pollution.

In simple words: Biotechnology is important in many areas. In medicine, it helps create new treatments and vaccines. For plants, it helps improve crops and develop new varieties. In animal science, it led to cloning breakthroughs like Dolly the sheep. It also helps make useful commercial products and protects the environment by treating waste and cleaning up oil spills.

🎯 Exam Tip: For broad scope questions, break down the answer into distinct fields (medical, plant, animal, commercial, environmental) and provide specific examples or applications for each.