Biotechnology and its Applications

Previous Years' CBSE Board Questions

10.1 Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture
MCQ
1. 'cry genes' that code for insecticidal toxins are present in
(a) Cotton bollworms (b) Nematodes
(c) Corn borer (d) Bacillus thuringiensis.
(2020 C)
VSA (1 mark)
2. What are cry genes? In which organism are they present?
(AI 2017)
3. Write the function of cryIAc gene.
(AI 2015C)
SA I (2 marks)
4. List any four ways by which GMOs have been useful for enhanced crop output.
(Delhi 2019)
5. Name one toxin gene isolated from B. thuringiensis and its target pest.
(2019 C)
6. Why does the toxin produced by B. thuringiensis not kill the Bacillus ?
(2019 C)
7. Why does Bt toxin not kill the bacterium that produces it, but kill the insect
that ingests it?
(Delhi 2014)
8. What does 'cry' genes in Bacillus thuringiensis code for? State its importance in
cotton crop.
(Al 2014 C)
SA II (3 marks)
9. On spraying Bacillus thuringiensis on an infected cotton crop field, the pests
are killed by the toxin, however, the toxin although produced by the bacteria does
not affect it. Explain giving reason. (2023)
10. (a) Write the scientific name of the nematode that infests the tobacco plants
and the part that it infests.
(b) How is Agrobacterium used to protect tobacco plant from this attack?
(2023)
11. What is cry-proteins? With the help of a suitable example, explain how it acts
as a biological pesticide.
(2022)
12. When Bacillus thuringiensis enters a certain insect's body, the insect gets
killed, but itself remain unaffected. Explain how it is possible?
(2020)
13. Cotton bollworms enjoy feeding on cotton plants but get killed when feed on
Bt cotton plant. Justify the statement.
(2020)
14. Many people are apprehensive of accepting GM crops. Give three reasons so
as to convince them to use these crops.
(2019)
15. A corn farmer has perennial problem of corn-borer infestation in his crop.
Being environmentally conscious he does not want to spray insectides. Suggest
solution based on your knowledge of biotechnology. Write the steps to be carried
out to achieve it. (2019)
16. Why do lepidopterans die when they feed on Bt cotton plant? Explain how
does it happen.
(Delhi 2017)
17. What is GMO? List any five possible advantages of a GMO to a farmer.
(Delhi 2016)
18. One of the major contributions of biotechnology is to develop pest-resistant
varieties of cotton plants. Explain how it has been made possible.
(Foreign 2015)
19. Describe any three potential applications of genetically modified plants.
(AI 2015 C, 2014 C)
LA (5 marks)
20. (b) Answer the following questions based on Bt-crops:
(i) Why do farmers prefer to grow Bt cotton crop than genetically unmodified
cotton crops?
(ii) Name any two insects that are killed by Bt toxin.
(iii) Explain the mechanism by which Bt toxin kills the insects but not the
bacterium which possesses the toxin.
(2023)
21. There are two different farm lands, one where Bt-cotton crop was cultivated
and the other where non Bt-cotton crop (indigenous) was cultivated. Farmers
responsible for this experimental cultivation were free to use the farming
practices of their choice. During the cultivation period, the data was collected
with respect to the amount of pesticide used, water required for irrigation and at
harvesting time, the crop productivity. Based on the data collected, a bar graph
was plotted which is shown below.

Answer the following questions:

(i) Write your interpretation, with reason, on the basis of the three parameters
plotted in the graph.
(ii) Which one of the crops would you like to cultivate in your farm and why?
(iii) Which one out of these two crops would a farmer from Rajasthan like to
cultivate and why?
(Term II, 2021-22)
22. To save the crop plant from the attack of various insect pests the
biotechnologists have developed many pest resistant plants. One such example is
Bt corn plant. In this plant'cry' genes were introduced which produces
cryproteins in the plant that has toxic effect on the pest (corn borer). Thus saves
the corn plant from the attack of the corn borer. An experimental field study was
conducted by the scientists to see the efficacy of the Bt corn plant against the
attack of corn borers. Three different species of corn borers namely 'A', 'B', 'C'
were collected and were independently fed on non Bt corn plants and Bt corn
plants separately for the same period. The extent of the damage caused to the leaf
area of the plant was observed and noted down. With the help of the
observations and data collected the following bar graph was plotted. Study the
graph and answer the questions that follow.
(i) Identify the species of the corn borer that was most successfully controlled by
Bt corn plant. Give appropriate reason for your inference.
(ii) Identify the species of the corn borers which shows least impact of toxin
produced by Bt genes.
(iii) What would be your advice as a Scientist, to the farmers for growing this
particular Bt corn variety in the area which is infested by species-'B' of corn
borers?
(iv) Name one Bt gene that encodes protein in corn plants to control corn borers.
(Term II, 2021-22)
23. (a) Name the insect that attacks cotton crops and causes lot of damage to the
crop. How has Bt cotton plant overcome this problem and saved the crop. Explain.
(b) Write the role of gene crylAb. (2020)
24. Explain the application of biotechnology in producing Bt cotton.
(Delhi 2015 C)
10.2 Biotechnological Applications in Medicine
MCQ
25. Which one of the following is not the product of transgenic experiments?
(a) Pest resistant crop variety (b) High nutritional value in
grains
(c) Production of insulin by rDNA technique (d) Drought resistant crops
(2020)
VSA (1 mark)
26. Mention the chemical change that proinsulin undergoes, to be able to act as
mature insulin. (2018)
27. Suggest any two possible treatments that can be given to a patient exhibiting
adenosine deaminase deficiency.
(AI 2015)
OR
A boy has been diagnosed with ADA deficiency. Suggest any one possible
treatment. (Delhi 2014 C)
28. Why do children cured by enzyme-replacement therapy for adenosine
deaminase deficiency need periodic treatment?
(AI 2015 C)
29. State the role of C peptide in human insulin. (AI 2014)
SA I (2 marks)
30. Explain how recombinant DNA technology is used to detect a disease even
before clinical symptom appears.
(2023)
31. How does a gene therapy involving direct modification of the cells, in order to
achieve a therepeutic goal is used in the treatment of ADA deficiency? Explain.
(Term II, 2021-22)
32. Give a schematic representation of the transformation of a pro-insulin into
insulin. (2019)
33. What is gene therapy? Name the first clinical case in which it was used.
(Delhi 2014)
34. Why is proinsulin so called? How is insulin different from it?
(AI 2014 C)
35. (a) Name the deficiency for which first clinical gene therapy was given.
(b) Mention the cause of and one cure for this deficiency.
(AI 2014C)
SA II (3 marks)
36. One of the potential uses of genetic engineering is in correction of a gene
defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo. Explain how gene therapy is of
help in ADA deficiency. (2022 C)
37. Insulin in the human body is secreted by pancreas as prohormone/proinsulin.
The schematic polypetide structure of proinsulin is given below. This proinsulin
needs to undergo processing before it becomes functional in the body. Answer
the questions that follow:
(a) State the change the proinsulin undergoes at the time of its processing to
become functional.
(b) Name the technique the American company Eli Lilly used for the commercial
production of human insulin.
(c) How are the two polypeptides of a functional insulin chemically held
together? (2020)
38. (a) Mention the cause of ADA deficiency in humans.
(b) How is gene therapy carried out to treat the patients suffering from this
disease.?
(c) State the possibility of a permanent cure of this disease.
(2020)
39. (a) Write the difference between proinsulin and mature insulin.
(b) How did American company Eli Lilly produce human insulin using rDNA
technique? (2020)
40. Two children, A and B aged 4 and 5 years respectively visited a hospital with a
similar genetic disorder. The girl A was provided enzyme replacement therapy
and was advised to revisit periodically for further treatment. The girl, B was,
however, given a therapy that did not require revisit for further treatment.
(a) Name the ailments the two girls were suffering from.
(b) Why did the treatment provided to girl A required repeated visits?
(c) How was the girl B cured permanently?
(Delhi 2019)
41. A child is born with ADA-deficiency.
(a) Suggest and explain a procedure for possible life-long (permanent) cure.
(b) Name any other possible treatment for this disease.
(2019)
42. Explain the various steps involved in the production of artificial insulin.
(AI 2017)
43. Explain enzyme-replacement therapy to treat adenosine deaminase
deficiency. Mention two disadvantages of this procedure. (AI 2016)
44. Recombinant DNA-technology is of great importance in the field of medicine.
With the help of a flow chart, show how this technology has been used in
preparing genetically engineered human insulin.
(Delhi, Al 2015)
45. How did an American Company, Eli Lilly use the knowledge of rDNA
technology to produce human insulin?
(AI 2015)
46. Mention the cause of ADA deficiency in humans. How has genetic engineering
helped patients suffering from it? (AI 2015C)
LA (5 marks)
47. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow:
Biotechnology revolves around the "gene of interest", with an objective to open
various avenues for human welfare in health, medicine, pharma, agriculture etc.
using different techniques, tools and processes. One of the breakthroughs of
biotechnology in medicine is the gene therapy.
(i) Name the human disease for which the gene therapy was used for the first
time.
(ii) Explain the steps of gene therapy carried to cure the disease using the
lymphocytes of the patient. Why is this therapy not a permanent cure of the
disease?
(iii) Write the possible permanent cure of the therapy that is in progress.
(Term-11, 2021-22)
48. Explain the application of rDNA technology to produce insulin. (AI 2015)
10.3 Transgenic Animals
VSA (1 mark)
49. What are transgenic animals? Give an example. (AI 2016)
SA I (2 marks)
50. What are transgenic animals? How was the first transgenic cow found to be
more useful than the normal cow for humans?
(2020)
51. How have transgenic animals proved to be beneficial in:
(a) Production of biological products
(b) Chemical safety testing.
(AI 2014)
SA II (3 marks)
52. What are transgenic animals? How are they being used for vaccine safety and
chemical safety testing? Explain.
(2020 C)
10.4 Ethical Issues
VSA (1 mark)
53. What is biopiracy? (Delhi 2017, Al
2016, Delhi 2015)
54. Mention two objectives of setting up GEAC by our Government.
(AI 2016)
SA I (2 marks)
55. Name the Indian crop variety for which in 1997 an American company got
patent right through the US Patent and Trademark Office. Why did the company
claim it to be an invention or a novelty?
(2021 C)
56. Why has the Indian Government set up the organisation named GEAC? Give
any two reasons.
(2019)
57. (a) What is biopiracy?
(b) State the initiative taken by the Indian parliament against it.
(Delhi 2014)
 CBSE Sample Questions
10.1 Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture
LA (5 marks)
1. Insects in the Lepidopteran group lay eggs on maize crops. The larvae on
hatching feed on maize leaf and tender cob. In order to arrest the spread of three
such Lepidopteran pests, Bt maize crops were introduced in an experimental
field.
A study was carried out to see which of the three species of lepidopteran pests
was most susceptible to Bt genes and its product.
The lepidopteran pests were allowed to feed on the same Bt-maize crops grown
on 5 fields (A-E).
The graph below shows the leaf area damaged by these three pests after feeding
on maize leaves for five days.

Insect gut pH was recorded as 10, 8 and 6 respectively for Species I, II and III
respectively.
(a) Evaluate the efficacy of the Bt crop on the feeding habits of the three species
of stem borer and suggest which species is least susceptible to Bt toxin.
(b) Which species is most susceptible to Bt-maize? Explain why?
(c) Using the given information, suggest why similar effect was not seen in the
three insect species?
(2022-23)
2. GM crops especially Bt crops are known to have higher resistance to pest
attacks. To substantiate this an experimental study was conducted in 4 different
farmlands growing Bt and non Bt-Cotton crops.
The farm lands had the same dimensions, fertility and were under similar
climatic conditions. The histogram below shows the usage of pesticides on Bt
crops and non-Bt crops in these farm lands.
(a) Which of the above 4 farm lands has successfully applied the concepts of
Biotechnology to show better management practices and use of agro-chemicals?
If you had to cultivate, which crop would you prefer (Bt or Non-Bt) and why?
(b) Cotton bollworms were introduced in another experimental study on the
above farm lands wherein no pesticide was used. Explain what effect would a Bt
and Non-Bt crop have on the pest.

10.2 Biotechnological Applications in Medicine

VSA (1 mark)
3. Differentiate between pro-insulin and mature insulin.
(2020-21)
 Detailed SOLUTIONS
Previous Years' CBSE Board Questions
1. (d): 'Cry genes' are the specific genes produced in bacteria Bacillus
thuringiensis. The gene codes for insecticidal toxin called Cry proteins.
2. 'cry genes' are specific genes that encode Cry proteins. They are produced in
Bacillus thuringiensis. Man had developed several transgenic crops by
introducing these genes from bacteria to crop plants such as Bt cotton, Bt corn,
etc.
3. crylAc gene controls cotton bollworms in Bt cotton.
4. Genetically modified organisms have been useful for enhanced crop output as
it has :
(i) made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
(ii) reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
(iii) increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early
exhaustion of fertility of soil).
(iv) enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., Vitamin 'A' enriched rice.
5. Cry IAC gene is isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis. It controls cotton
bollworm in Bt cotton.
6. B. thuringiensis forms toxic protein crystals. These crystals contain a toxic
insecticidal protein. This toxin does not kill the Bacillus (bacterium) because it
exists as inactive protoxins in them. But, once an insect ingests the crystals, it is
converted into an active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the alimentary
canal that solubilises the crystals.
7. Soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that kill certain insects
like lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles) and
dipterans (flies, mosquitoes), etc. B. thuringiensis forms some protein crystals.
These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. This toxin does not kill the
Bacillus (bacterium) because it exists as inactive protoxins in them. But, once an
insect ingests the crystals, it is converted into an active form of toxin due to the
alkaline pH of the alimentary canal that solubilises the crystals. The activated
toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and creates pores which cause
cell swelling and lysis and finally cause death of the insect.
8. cry genes code for certain crystal (cry) proteins that are toxic to insect larvae.
The genes cryIAc and cryIIAb control cotton bollworm. When these genes are
introduced into cotton plants through genetic engineering, these plants become
resistant to the attack of cotton bollworm.
9. Soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that kill cotton field
pests. B. thuringiensis forms some protein crystals. These crystals contain a toxic
insecticidal protein.
This toxin does not kill the Bacillus (bacterium) because it exists as inactive
protoxins in them. But, once an insect ingests the crystals, it is converted into an
active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the alimentary canal that solubilises
the crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of mid gut epithelial cells
and creates pores which cause cell swelling and lysis and finally cause death of
the insect.
10. (a) A nematode Meloidogyne incognita infests the roots of tobacco plants and
causes a great reduction of yield.
(b) Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific anti-sense genes are
introduced into the host plant. The introduction of DNA produces anti-sense RNA
in the host cells. The transgenic host plants expresses anti-sense RNA. As a
consequence, nematode infestation fails in the transgenic plants because the
complementary antisense RNA forms a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) which
interferes or blocks the translation and thus, silences the mRNA of the nematode.
The result was that the parasite could not survive in transgenic plant. In such
way, the transgenic plant gets protected from the parasite.
11.

12. Soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that kill certain
insects like lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans
(beetles) and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes), etc. B. thuringiensis forms some
protein crystals. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. This toxin
does not kill the Bacillus (bacterium) because it exists as inactive protoxins in
them. But, once an insect ingests the crystals, it is converted into an active form
of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the alimentary canal that solubilises the
crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut epithelial cells and
creates pores which cause cell swelling and lysis and finally cause death of the
insect.
13. Cotton bollworms enjoy feeding on cotton plants but get killed when feed on
Bt cotton plant because the latter is genetically modified for pest resistance
specifically to bollworm infestation. This happens because two genes cryIAc and
cryIIAb isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated into cotton plant.
The genetically modified plant contains Bt toxin genes. The bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis produces Bt toxin proteins as inactive protoxins. When the insect
larvae ingest any plant part, toxin becomes active in the alkaline pH of the gut and
kills the insect pests.
14. Genetically modified crops are helpful in following ways:
(i) GM crops are more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
(ii) GM crops reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
(iii) GM crops increases efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early
exhaustion of fertility of soil).
15. The plants can be made resistant to insects by introducing insect-resistant
genes in their genetic material. To make corn free from corn-borer infestation,
cry gene, i.e., Bt toxin gene should be extracted from Bacillus thuringeinesis. The
steps to carry out this biotechnological process are as follows:
(i) Bt toxin gene crylAb gene should be extracted from the bacteria.
(ii) Bt toxin gene is then introduced in plant cells and expressed to provide
resistance from corn borer without the need for insecticide.
(iii) The toxic protein encoded by gene cry/Ab controls corn borer without
causing harm to the environment.
(iv) Bt toxin protein exists as inactive protoxins but once an insect ingests the
inactive toxin, it is converted into the active form of toxin due to alkaline pH of
the gut which solubilizes the crystals which contain toxic insecticidal protein. The
activated toxins bind the surface of midgut epithelial cells and create pores that
cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually cause the death of insects (corn
borer).
16. Two genes crylAc and cryllAb control cotton bollworms. These two genes
were isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated into cotton plant. The
genetically modified plant is called Bt cotton as it contains Bt toxin genes. The
bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces Bt toxin proteins as inactive protoxins.
When the insect larvae (lepidopterans) ingest any plant part, toxin becomes
active in the alkaline pH of the gut and kills the insect pests. That is how Bt cotton
attains resistance against bollworm.
17. Bacteria, fungi, plants and animals whose genes have been altered by
manipulation are called genetically modified organisms (GMO). Applications of
genetically modified plants are as follows:
(i) Genetically modified plants are resistant to (a) diseases resulting from viral,
bacterial and fungal infections, (b) pests, such as nematodes and insects and (c)
pesticides.
(ii) GM plants can tolerate adverse abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salt,
heat.
(iii) GM plants show increased efficiency of mineral usage (this prevents early
exhaustion of fertility of soil).
(iv) GM plants have high nutritional value, e.g., vitamin A enriched rice.
(v) Plants such as poplar (Populus) trees have been genetically engineered to
clean up heavy pollution from contaminated soil. (vi) GM plants help to reduce
post-harvest losses, e.g., Flavr Savr transgenic tomato.
18. Refer to answer 16.
19. Applications of genetically modified plants are as follows:
(i) Genetically modified plants are resistant to (a) diseases resulting from viral,
bacterial and fungal infections (b) pests, such as nematodes and insects and (c)
pesticides.
(ii) GM plants can tolerate adverse abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salt,
heat.
(iii) GM plants show increased efficiency of mineral usage (this prevents early
exhaustion of fertility of soil).
20. (b) (i) Bt cotton crop has higher productivity and input of pesticides is lesser
therefore farmers prefer to grow Bt cotton crop.
(ii) Tobacco budworm and beetles are killed by Bt-toxin.
(iii) Bt toxin kills the insects but not the bacterium which possesses the toxin
because B. thuringiensis forms protein crystals during a particular phase of their
growth. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. The Bt toxin protein
exist as inactive protoxins but once an insect ingests the inactive toxin, it is
converted into an active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the gut which
solubilise the crystals. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut
epithelial cells and create pores that cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually
cause death of the insect.
21. (i) On the basis of three parameters, the following interpretations can be
drawn by looking at the graph:
(a) Average crop productivity was much higher in case of Bt crop (120
tonnes/Ha) as compared to the non-Bt crop (80 tonnes/Ha). This is due to the
fact that Bt crop is resistant to insects, nematodes, lepidopterans etc., and hence
leads to higher productivity.
(b) The input of pesticide in case of Bt crop is less as compared to non-Bt crops
because Bt crops are resistant to insects. The Bt toxin genes are insect group
specific.
(c) The Bt crop needs more water for their growth hence the amount of irrigation
in litres/Ha is more in Bt crop as compared to non Bt-crop.
(ii) Looking at the higher productivity and lesser input of pesticides in Bt crops, I
would like to cultivate Bt crop in my farm as plant productivity is higher and
input of pesticides is lesser in Bt crops.
(iii) A farmer from Rajasthan would like to grow non-Bt crop as there is scarcity
of water in Rajasthan and non-Bt crop requires less water.
22. (i) Species A is most successfully controlled by Bt corn plant as the
proportion of leaf area damage reduced significantly when they fed on Bt crop.
(ii) Species B of corn borer shows least impact of toxin produced by Bt genes. as
% change of leaf area damage between non-between and Bt crop by species B is
not significant.
(iii) Since species B of corn borers is more resistant to this particular Bt corn
variety, the farmer should be advised to grow different variety of Bt corn to get
maximum yield.
(iv) Crylab controls corn borer.
23. (a) The insect that attacks cotton crops and causes a lot of damage to cotton
crops is known as cotton bollworm. Bt cotton is genetically modified for pest
resistance. Two genes crylAc and cryllAb control cotton bollworms. These two
genes were isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and incorporated into cotton
plant.
The genetically modified plant is called Bt cotton as it contains Bt toxin genes.
The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces Bt toxin proteins as inactive
protoxins. When the insect larvae (lepidopterans) ingest any plant part, toxin
becomes active in the alkaline pH of the gut and kills the insect pests. That is how
Bt cotton attains resistance against bollworm.
(b) Crylab gene is isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and is introduced in Bt
corn to protect the plant from corn borer.
24. Bt cotton is produced by using biotechnology. Soil bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis produces proteins that kill certain insects like lepidopterans
(tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles) and dipterans (flies,
mosquitoes), etc. B. thuringiensis forms some protein crystals.
These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein. This toxin does not kill the
bacteria because it exists as inactive protoxins in them. But, once an insect
ingests the crystals, it is converted into an active form of toxin due to the alkaline
pH of its alimentary canal that solublises the crystals.
Through genetic engineering Bt toxin genes were isolated from Bacillus
thuringiensis and incorporated into the several crop plants such as cotton. The
choice of genes depends upon the crop and targeted pest, as most Bt toxins are
insect-group specific.
The toxin is coded by a gene named cry. Two cry genes crylAc and cryllAb have
been incorporated in cotton. The genetically modified crop is called Bt cotton as it
contains Bt toxin genes against cotton bollworms. Similarly, crylAb has been
introduced in Bt corn to protect the same from corn borer.
25. (c)
26. Proinsulin has three polypeptide chains (A, B and C) which need to be
processed before it becomes fully mature and functional insulin. C peptide chain
is removed during maturation of insulin and only two polypeptide chains i.e., A-
chain and B-chain joined by disulphide bond are present in mature insulin.
27. The possible treatments that can be given to a patient exhibiting adenosine
deaminase (ADA) deficiency are:
(i) bone marrow transplantation
(ii) enzyme replacement therapy.
28. The lymphocytes are not immortal but have a short- life span. So, the patient
requires the periodic infusion of genetically engineered lymphocytes in enzyme
replacement therapy.
29. The C-peptide is an extra stretch present in the proinsulin. It is not present in
mature insulin and is removed during processing of proinsulin to insulin.
30. In DNA recombinant technology, single stranded DNA or RNA tagged with a
radioactive molecule that allowed to hybridise its complementary DNA of cells.
Normally detection of pathogen occurs only when the disease symptoms start to
appear as the concentration of the pathogens is very high.
The concentration of pathogens is very low before clinical symptoms appear. So,
by using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of the nucleic acid in the
pathogen allow to detect the pathogen at very low concentration. Using
autoradiography, we can detect disease. The clone having the mutated gene will
not appear on the photographic film, because the probe used will not be
complementary to the mutated gene. In this way mutated gene can be detected
and help in detection of a disease.
31. In order to the treat ADA, the lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are
grown in a culture outside the body. A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral
vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes, which are reinjected into the
patient's bone marrow. But as these cells do not always remain alive, the patient
requires periodic infusion of such genetically engineered lymphocytes. However,
if the isolated gene from bone marrow cells producing ADA is introduced in
embryonic stage, it could be a permanent cure.
32.

33. Gene therapy is the technique of genetic engineering which involves

replacement of a faulty gene by a normal healthy functional gene. The first
clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4 years old girl with adenosine
deaminase deficiency (ADA deficiency). This enzyme is very important for the
immune system to function.
34. Proinsulin is the prohormone which needs to be processed before it becomes
a fully mature and functional hormone. Proinsulin contains an extra stretch called
the C peptide. This C peptide is not present in the mature insulin and is removed
during maturation into insulin.
35. (a) The first clinical gene therapy was given to 4-year-old girl with adenosine
deaminase deficiency in 1990.
(b) ADA deficiency is caused by the deletion of ADA gene. The lymphocytes are
not immortal. They have a life span, hence with the formation of new
lymphocytes, the patient requires the periodic infusion of genetically engineered
lymphocytes in enzyme replacement therapy.
36. Gene therapy is the technique of genetic engineering which involves
replacement of a faulty gene by a normal healthy functional gene. The gene
therapy for the treatment of ADA deficiency is a method to correct the genetic
defect involving delivery of a normal gene into the individual to take over the
function of non-functional gene. The enzyme ADA (adenosine deaminase) is
crucial for the immune system to function.
The disorder is caused due to the deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase.
In order to the treat this genetic defect, the lymphocytes from the blood of the
patient are grown in a culture outside the body.
A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into these
lymphocytes, which are reinjected into the patient's bone marrow. But as these
cells do not always remain alive, the patient requires periodic infusion of such
genetically engineered lymphocytes. However, if the isolated gene from bone
marrow cells producing ADA is introduced in embryonic stage, it could be a
permanent cure.
37. (a) Proinsulin has three polypeptide chains (A, B and C) which need to be
processed before it becomes fully mature and functional insulin. C peptide chain
is removed during maturation of insulin and only two polypeptide chains i.e., A-
chain and B-chain joined by disulphide bond are present in mature insulin.
(b) Recombinant DNA technology
(c) In mature insulin, two polypeptide chains A and B are held together by
disulphide bonds.
38. (a) ADA deficiency in humans is due to a defect in gene that synthesise
enzyme adenosine deaminase.
(b) In gene therapy, lymphocytes are extracted from the bone marrow of the
patient and are grown in a culture outside the body. A functional ADA cDNA
(using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes, which are
reinjected to the patient's bone marrow. But these cells do not remain alive
always and the patient requires periodic infusion of such genetically engineered
lymphocytes.
(c) As on date there is no permanent cure of this disease. However, if the isolated
gene from bone marrow cells producing ADA is introduced into cells at early
embryonic stages, then it can be a permanent cure.
39. (a) Mature insulin is made up of 51 amino acids arranged in two polypeptide
chains, chain A having 21 amino acids and chain B with 30 amino acids. This
hormone develops from a storage product called proinsulin which has three
chains A, B and C. C chain with 33 amino acids is removed prior to insulin
formation.
(b) In 1983, Eli Lilly an American company, first prepared two DNA sequences
corresponding to A and B chains of human insulin and introduced them in
plasmids of Escherichia coli to produce insulin chains. Chains A and B were
produced separately, extracted and combined by creating disulfide bonds to form
human insulin (humulin). It is recombinant DNA technological process.
40. (a) Both the girls A and B were suffering from SCID (Severe Combined
Immune Deficiency) syndrome produced by the deficiency of enzyme Adenosine
deaminase (ADA).
(b) The treatment provided to girl A required repeated visits because enzyme
replacement therapy is not permanent cure. This is because these patients do not
have functional T-lymphocytes, therefore they cannot provide immune responses
against invading pathogens.
(c) The girl B was treated by the transplanted stem cells that are injected into the
bloodstream. They will then become healthy white blood cells that replenish
immune functions - essentially building a whole new, functional immune system
for the girl B. The immune system regains complete function and hence girl B was
permanently cured.
41. (a) The gene therapy for the treatment of ADA deficiency is a method to
correct the genetic defect. In order to the treat this genetic defect, the
lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are grown in a culture outside the
body. A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into
these lymphocytes, which are reinjected into the patient's bone marrow. But as
these cells do not always remain alive, the patient requires periodic infusion of
such genetically engineered lymphocytes. However, if the isolated gene from bone
marrow cells producing ADA is introduced in embryonic stage, it could be a
permanent cure.
(b) The possible treatments that can be given to a patient exhibiting adenosine
deaminase (ADA) deficiency is 'bone marrow transplantation!
42. The steps involved in the production of artificial insulin or humulin are as
follows:
(i) Isolation of donor or DNA segment - A useful DNA segment is isolated from
the donor organism.
(ii) Formation of recombinant DNA (rDNA) - Both the vector and donor DNA
segments are cut in the presence of restriction endonuclease. In the presence of
ligase DNA segments of both are joined to form rDNA.
(iii) Production of multiple copies of rDNA - In this process multiple copies of this
recombinant DNA are produced.
(iv) Introduction of rDNA in the recipient organism - The rDNA is inserted into a
recipient organism.
(v) Screening of the transformed cells - The recipient (host) cells are screened in
the presence of rDNA and the product of donor gene. The transformed cells are
separated and multiplied.
43. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme is crucial for the immune system to
function. Its deficiency is caused due to the deletion of the gene for adenosine
deaminase. It can be treated by enzyme replacement therapy, in which
lymphocytes from blood of patient are grown in culture outside the body. A
functional ADA cDNA is then introduced into these lymphocytes, which are
subsequently returned to the patient.
Two disadvantages of enzyme replacement therapy are:
(i) It is not a permanent cure because the patients of ADA deficiency do not have
functional T-lymphocytes, they cannot provide immune responses against
invading pathogens.
(ii) It is an expensive method.
44. The recombinant DNA technology process has made great impact in the area
of health care by mass production of safe and more effective therapeutic drugs.
Further, the recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted immunological
responses.
Flow chart showing preparation of genetically engineered human insulin is as
follows:
45. In 1983, Eli Lilly an American company, first prepared two DNA sequences
corresponding to A and B chains of human insulin and introduced them in
plasmids of Escherichia coli to produce insulin chains. Chains A and B were
produced separately, extracted and combined by creating disulfide bonds to form
human insulin (humulin). It is recombinant DNA technological process.
46. ADA deficiency in humans is due to a defect in gene that synthesise enzyme
adenosine deaminase. In gene therapy, lymphocytes are extracted from the bone
marrow of the patient and are grown in a culture outside the body. A functional
ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes,
which are reinjected to the patient's bone marrow. But these cells do not remain
alive always and the patient requires periodic infusion of such genetically
engineered lymphocytes. As on date there is no permanent cure of this disease.
However, if the isolated gene from bone marrow cells producing ADA is
introduced into cells at early embryonic stages, then it can be a permanent cure.
47.

48. In 1983, Eli Lilly an American company, first prepared two DNA sequences
corresponding to A and B chains of human insulin and introduced them in
plasmids of Escherichia coli to produce insulin chains. Chains A and B were
produced separately, extracted and combined by creating disulfide bonds to form
human insulin (humulin). It is recombinant DNA technological process.
Flow chart showing preparation of genetically engineered human insulin is as
follows:

49. Transgenic animals are those animals which contain a foreign gene in their
genome, introduced by recombinant DNA technology. Such gene is called
transgene. Examples of transgenic animals are transgenic mice, transgenic rabbit,
etc.
50. Transgenic animals are those animals which contain a foreign gene in their
genome, introduced by recombinant DNA technology. Such gene is called
transgene. Examples of transgenic animals are transgenic mice, transgenic rabbit,
etc.
Rosie is the first transgenic cow which contains human gene coding for protein
alpha-lactalbumin. The gene is expressed in mammary tissues and the protein is
secreted in milk. This milk is nutritionally a more balanced product for human
babies than natural cow milk.
51. (a) Transgenic animals that produce useful biological products can be created
by the introduction of the DNA segment (or gene) which code for a particular
product such as human protein (α-1-antitrypsin) used to treat emphysema.
Similar attempts are being made for treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) and
cystic fibrosis.
(b) Transgenic animals are being made that carry genes which make them more
sensitive to toxic substances than non-transgenic animals. They are then exposed
to the toxic substances and the effects are studied.
52. Transgenic animals are those animals which contain in their genome, a
foreign gene introduced by recombinant DNA technology. Such gene is called
transgene. Examples of transgenic animals are transgenic mice and transgenic
rabbit, etc.
Genetically modified organisms such as mice are being formed for use in testing
the safety of vaccines before they are used on human beings. Transgenic mice are
being used to test the safety of the polio vaccine. Transgenic animals are being
made that carry genes which make them more sensitive to toxic substances than
non-transgenic animals. They are then exposed to the toxic substances and the
effects are studied.
53. Biopiracy is the commercial exploitation or patenting of biological resources
of a nation by some other organisation or company without proper authorisation
and without compensatory payment from concerned country and people.
54. GEAC is Genetic Engineering Approval Committee. It makes decisions
regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM organisms
for public services. The objectives of setting up GEAC by our government is as
follows:
(i) To permit the use of GM organisms and their products for commercial
applications.
(ii) To approve for conduct of large-scale field trials and release of transgenic
crops in the environment.
55. In 1997, an American company got patent rights on Basmati rice through the
US Patent and Trademark Office. This allowed the company to sell a 'new' variety
of Basmati, in the US and abroad. This 'new' variety of Basmati had actually been
derived from Indian farmer's varieties. Indian Basmati was crossed with semi-
dwarf varieties and claimed as an invention or a novelty.
56. Refer to answer 54.
57. (a) Biopiracy is the commercial exploitation or patenting of biological
resources of a nation by some other organisation or company without proper
authorisation and without compensatory payment from concerned country and
people.
(b) The Indian parliament has recently passed the second amendment of the
Indian patent bill that considers issue related to patent terms, emergency
provisions and research and development initiative.
 CBSE Sample Questions

1. (a) Species III is least susceptible to Bt toxin.

(b) Species I is most susceptible to toxic protein secreted by Bacillus
thuringiensis. The insecticidal protein is converted to active form due to alkaline
pH of gut of insect, which binds to surface of midgut epithelial cell and create
pores that cause cell swelling and lysis and eventually the death of insect.
(c) All species do not show similar effect to Bt toxin because of difference in pH of
gut. As Bt toxin proteins are secreted in inactive form and gets activated at
alkaline pH of gut. All three species have different pH of gut, thus show different
effects.
2. (a) Farm I and II shows better management practices and use of agro
chemicals. If I had to cultivate, I would personally prefer Bt crop, because the use
of pesticides is highly reduced for Bt crops.
(b) In Bt cotton, a cry gene has been introduced from bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) which causes synthesis of a toxic protein. This protein
becomes active in the alkaline gut of bollworm feeding on cotton, punching holes
in the lining causing death of the insect.
However, a non Bt crop will have no effect on the cotton bollworm and the yield
of cotton will decrease as non Bt will succumb to pest attack.
3. Pro-insulin contains an extra stretch called the C peptide which is not present
in the mature insulin.