CBSE Class 12 Biology VBQs Biotechnology Set B

CBSE Class 12 Biology VBQs BioTechnology Set A. Based on CBSE and NCERT guidelines. Value based questions are now being given in exams to promote morals and values in students, Students should read and understand the following VBQs to get better understanding and score good marks in exams

UNIT IX- BIOTECHNOLOGY

Q.1. A press note read as follows:

Kenya wants a share of the sales of a fabric softener that uses enzymes derived from its Lake Bogoria In generations past, the people of Kenya, attributed mystical powers to its water. Scientists found creatures that reside in one of the Earth's most inhospitable terrains. Another country subsequently obtained the water sample of the lake containing the creatures and their enzyme and cloned them on an industrial scale for textile companies and biodetergent manufacturers.

What is your interpretation of the above report? Explain (2)

Answer:

Value: Biopiracy. (1/2)

Critical thinking: Definition of biopiracy, the use bio-resources by organization without proper authorisation or concern or without compensatory payment. (1+1/2)

Q.2. Two groups of students A and B discussed STEM CELL RESEARCH. Group A explained stem cells created by reprogramming adult cells back to an embryonic-like state. Group B explained the use of embryonic stem cells. Give your opinion on the above discussions. (2)

Answer:

Value: Concern for using or killing embryos. OR Bioethics. (1)

Concept: Group A’s explanation is logical as other cells from adult organs can be used to generate stem cells.

*Critical thinking: Umbilical cord bank (1)

Group B’s method involves embryo cells that require damaging or killing embryos, an ethical issue.

Value: Concern for using or killing embryos OR Bioethics. (1)

Q.3. Explain how computer simulation can reduce the number of animals needed in the research and preclinical stages of drug discovery.

What is your opinion? List the any two uses of transgenic animals in biotechnology. (3)

Answer:

Value: Concern for using or killing animals for various clinical trials OR Bioethics. (1)

Transgenic animals are use to study physiology and development, disease and treatment methods, validity of biological products, safety of vaccines and for chemical safety testing. This leads to ethical issues and harm living organisms. Simulations help to resolve such issues. (any 2x1)

Q.4. A group of enthusiastic students were disappointed when the teacher instructed to observe the demonstration of gel electrophoresis of DNA and strictly prohibited them from attempting the procedure.

Give one reason why the teacher insisted on demonstration only and not as a student activity? (3)

Answer:

Value: Safety measures to be followed in biotechnology. (1) Gel electrophoresis uses the following hazardous chemicals that are to be handled with skill:

Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) used for staining is a mutagen, a suspected carcinogen. Ultraviolet (UV) light boxes are often used in visualizing ethidium bromide gels which pose potential exposures to UV radiation causing skin irritation (1/2) and prolonged exposure lead to mutations or skin cancer.(1/2)

Critical thinking: Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) used for staining is a mutagen, a suspected carcinogen. (1)

Laboratory personnel may be exposed to thermal hazards posed by liquefied gels. 

Q.5. A bioproduct from a bioreactor when tested for clinical safety after the downstream processing was found to be contaminated. With reference to your knowledge of bioreactor list the possible reasons for such a contamination. (5)

Answer:

Value and concept: (1)

Sterile maintenance of the bioreactors as the products are life-saving or for maintaining life quality of human beings. The bioreactor may not be maintained sterile. The nutrient culture medium may be contaminated. The delivery systems for oxygen, foam control, temperature control, pH control may not be handled safely. Contamination occurs at the inlet and outlet for culture medium and the sampling ports may be contaminated. Contamination may occur during separation and purification. (any 4x1)

Refer to link below to download CBSE Class 12 Biology VBQs BioTechnology Set A