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Science Class 12 - Biotechnology Notes

Comprehensive study notes for Class 12 - Biotechnology olympiad preparation

Biotechnology

Welcome to the chapter on Biotechnology for Class 12. In this chapter, you will learn about the principles, techniques, and applications of biotechnology. By the end of this chapter, you will understand how biotechnology is used in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry, and the ethical issues related to its use.

Introduction

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products and processes for human benefit. It combines biology with technology and has revolutionized many sectors.

Key Concepts

  • Genetic Engineering: Manipulation of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.
  • Recombinant DNA Technology: Joining together of DNA molecules from different species.
  • Cloning: Producing identical copies of genes, cells, or organisms.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Technique to amplify DNA segments.
  • Transgenic Organisms: Organisms with foreign genes inserted into their genome.

Tools and Techniques of Biotechnology

  • Restriction Enzymes: Cut DNA at specific sequences.
  • Vectors: DNA molecules (like plasmids) used to transfer genes.
  • Gel Electrophoresis: Separates DNA fragments by size.
  • DNA Ligase: Joins DNA fragments together.

Applications of Biotechnology

  • Medicine: Production of insulin, vaccines, gene therapy, and monoclonal antibodies.
  • Agriculture: Genetically modified crops (Bt cotton, Golden rice), pest-resistant and high-yield varieties.
  • Industry: Production of enzymes, biofuels, and biodegradable plastics.
  • Environment: Bioremediation (using microbes to clean pollutants), waste management.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues

  • Concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their impact on health and environment.
  • Ethical issues in cloning and gene editing.
  • Intellectual property rights and patenting of biological products.

Practice Questions

  1. What is recombinant DNA technology?
  2. Name two applications of biotechnology in medicine.
  3. What are transgenic organisms? Give one example.
  4. Explain the role of restriction enzymes in genetic engineering.
  5. List two ethical issues related to biotechnology.

Challenge Yourself

  • Describe the steps involved in producing a genetically modified crop.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using biotechnology in agriculture.

Did You Know?

  • The first genetically engineered insulin was produced in 1982 and is called "Humulin".
  • Golden rice is a genetically modified crop rich in vitamin A, developed to fight malnutrition.

Glossary

  • Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
  • Genome: The complete set of genes in an organism.
  • Clone: An identical copy of a gene, cell, or organism.
  • Transgenic: An organism that contains genes from another species.

Answers to Practice Questions

  1. Recombinant DNA technology is the process of joining DNA from two different sources to create new genetic combinations.
  2. Production of insulin and vaccines.
  3. Transgenic organisms are those that have foreign genes inserted into their genome. Example: Bt cotton.
  4. Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sites, allowing scientists to insert or remove genes.
  5. Ethical issues in cloning and GMOs; concerns about environmental impact.

Biotechnology is shaping the future of science and society. Explore its wonders and think about its responsibilities!

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