346 Together with® Biology—12

10
Chapter
Biotechnology and
its Applications

Note: Ample Number of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) will help you prepare in CUET Examinations.

Topic covered
10.1. Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture
• The three options that can be thought of to increase food production are as follows?
(i) Agro-chemical-based agriculture
(ii) Organic agriculture
(iii) Genetically-engineered crop-based agriculture
• Further increase in the yield with the existing varieties of crops is not possible using conventional methods of breeding.
• Agrochemicals cause pollution of soil and water and are too expensive for the farmers; hence pest-resistant crops are
produced using biotechnology, e.g. Bt cotton plants, nematode-resistant tobacco, etc.
• The technology of tissue culture got developed as the traditional breeding techniques failed to keep pace with the
increasing demand and to provide sufficiently fast and efficient systems for crop improvement.
• Tissue culture refers to the technology of regeneration of whole plants for any small part of the plant, called explant
in a test tube under sterile conditions in special nutrient media.
• Many important food plants like tomato, apple, banana, etc., have been produced by this method.

5. Micropropagation can be achieved by [CBSE 2020]

Multiple Choice (a) self-pollination (b) asexual reproduction
Questions 1 Mark (c) tissue culture (d) vegetative propagation
6. Viral disease-free plants are obtained through
1. Which one of the following is used during ‘RNAi’ (a) anther culture.
process to silence the desired gene? [AI 2023] (b) shoot meristem culture.
(a) dsDNA (b) dsRNA (c) ovary culture.
(c) rDNA (d) DNA polymerase (d) leaf-cell culture.
2. Nematode-specific genes were introduced into the 7. The term ‘totipotency’ refers to
tobacco plants using vector [AI 2020] (a) the ability of an organism to regenerate its lost
(a) pBR322 (b) plasmid parts.
(c) bacteriophage (d) Agrobacterium (b) the ability of a plant cell to grow into an entire
3. Cry protein coded by the gene cryIAb controls plant.
 [AI 2020] (c) the techniques of growing immature embryos in
(a) cotton bollworm (b) corn borer culture.
(c) tobacco budworm (d) mosquito (d) the introduction of a foreign gene into a plant cell.
4. cry genes that code for insecticidal toxins are present 8. What triggers the activation of protoxin to activate
in [CBSE 2020C] Bt toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in cotton bollworm?
(a) cotton bollworm (a) Alkaline pH in the gut
(b) nematodes (b) Acidic pH in the gut
(c) corn borer (c) Microbes in the gut
(d) Bacillus thuringiensis (d) Conversion factors in the gut
 Biotechnology and its Applications 347
9. Golden rice is a transgenic plant or a GMO, where (ii) It has reduced the dependence of crops on chemical
the introduced gene is meant for biosynthesis of pesticides as they are made pest-resistant.
(a) Vitamin B (b) Vitamin A (iii) Post-harvest losses are much reduced.
(c) Vitamin C (d) Omega-3 (iv) As the plants have increased efficiency of mineral
10. RNA interference involves usage by plants, the early exhaustion of fertility
(a) synthesis of cDNA using reverse transcriptase of soil is prevented.
(b) silencing of a specific mRNA due to complementary (v) Food produced from GM (Genetically Modified)
dsRNA crops has enhanced nutritional value.
(c) interference of synthesis of RNA
(vi) Genetic modification has been used to create
(d) synthesis of mRNA from hnRNA
tailor-made plants to supply resources such as
11. The Ti plasmid used for producing transgenic plants starch, fuels, pharmaceuticals, etc. to industries.
is found in
(any four)
(a) Azotobacter (b) Rhizobium
(c) Azospirillum (d) Agrobacterium 15. (a) Name (i) a GM cereal crop having enhanced
nutritional value and (ii) the nutrient, it is rich
Answers in.
(b) State any two benefits of genetically-modified
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) crops. [Delhi 2023]
5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (a) Ans. (a) (i) Rice, (ii) Vitamin-A
9. (b) 10. (b) 11. (d) (b) Refer to Ans. 14.
16. (a) What are cry genes? In which organism are
V S A Very Short Answer they present?
Type Questions 2 Marks (b) Name the respective target pests of the genes
12. Name the technology used in micropropagation of (i) cryIAb and (ii) cryIAc
plants. Write the genetic significance of the plants Ans. (a) – The genes which code for the Bt toxin proteins,
raised through this technique. Give two examples, are called cry genes.
where this technology is commercially exploited. – They are present in the bacterium, Bacillus
Ans. – The technology is tissue culture. thuringiensis.
– The plants produced are genetically identical among (b) (i) Corn borer
themselves and to the original plant from which they (ii) Cotton bollworm
have been grown.
– Banana, tomato, apple (any two) 17. (a) What is the significance of the process of RNA
interference (RNAi) in eukaryotic organisms?
13. Explain the relevance of ‘Totipotency’ and
(b) Write the possible source of RNA interference
‘Somaclones’ in raising healthy banana plants from
virus-infected banana plants.  [Delhi 2019] (RNAi) gene. [Delhi 2013C]
Ans. – Explants are taken from shoot apical meristem and Ans. (a) RNA interference is a method of cellular defense
grown in a nutrient medium in a test tube under in all eukaryotic organisms.
aseptic conditions. (b) (i) Infection by a virus having RNA genome.
– Totipotency refers to the capacity of a cell (explant) (ii) Mobile genetic elements, called transposons
to generate a whole plant from an explant. that replicate via an RNA intermediate.
– A number of virus-free plants can be produced
18. What do ‘cry’ genes in Bacillus thuringiensis code
through micropropagation, because meristems are
for? State its importance for cotton crop.
not infected by virus.
– The plants that are grown through tissue culture and  [AI 2014 C]
micropropagation are called somaclones as they are Ans. – ‘cry’ genes code for certain Crystal (Cry) proteins,
genetically identical among themselves and also to called Bt toxins that are toxic to certain insect larvae.
the parent plant. – The genes cryIAc and cryIIAb control cotton
14. List any four ways by which GMO’s have been bollworm; when these genes are introduced into
useful for enhanced crop output. [Delhi 2019] cotton plants through genetic engineering, the cotton
Ans. (i) Genetic modification has made the crops more plants are made resistant to the attack of cotton
tolerant to abiotic stresses like cold, heat, drought, bollworm.
salinity, etc.
348 Together with® Biology—12
19. Why does the insecticidal proteins produced by Advantages of micropropagation:
Bacillus thuringiensis not kill the bacterium, but (i) By this method, thousands of plants can be raised
kills the cotton bollworm? Explain. [AI 2019] in a short duration.
Or (ii) By culturing the meristems of even virus-infected
plants, virus-free (healthy) plants can be raised.
Why does the toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis
(iii) Since the plants are genetically identical, certain
not kill the Bacillus? [Delhi 2019 C]
desirable characters can be continued through
Ans. – When Bt toxin is ingested by an insect, it is converted generations.
into its active form when exposed to the alkaline (iv) Through somatic hybridisation, hybrids which
pH which solubilises the crystals in the gut. otherwise cannot be produced, can be raised.
– The activated toxin binds to the surface of the
epithelial cells of the midgut and creates pores. 24. Why are plants obtained through micropropagation
– Water enters the cells and causes their swelling and termed somaclones? Name three food plants
lysis. produced on commercial scale using this method.
– Bt toxin does not kill the Bacillus thuringiensis Ans. – Plants obtained through micropropagation are
because it exists as an inactive protoxin. genetically identical among themselves and to the
parent plant from which they are produced; hence,
they are called somaclones.
A Short Answer
S – The food plants produced by micropropagation
Type Questions 3 Marks
include: Tomato, banana and apple.
20. Write any six applications of biotechnology. 25. What is tissue culture? Explain how, from a virus-
Ans. The applications of biotechnology include. infected banana plant, virus-free banana plants can
(i) Therapeutics be grown by this technique. [AI 2020]
(ii) Diagnostics Or
(iii) Genetically-modified crops for agriculture
A sugarcane plant has been affected by a virus. How
(iv) Bioremediation
can a virus-free cane be developed from it? Explain
(v) Processed foods
the procedure. [Delhi 2015 C]
(vi) Energy production
(vii) Waste treatment (any six) Or
21. Write the three critical research areas of bio- Suggest and describe a technique through which
technology. a virus-free healthy plant can be obtained from a
Ans. The three critical research areas of biotechnology are: diseased sugarcane plant. [AI 2014 C]
(i) Providing the best catalyst in the form of improved Ans. – Tissue culture refers to the regeneration of whole
organism, usually a microbe or pure enzyme. plants from any cell/explant in vitro.
(ii) Creating optimal conditions through engineering – Shoot tip/meristem is used to grow virus-free plants.
for a catalyst to act. – The explant/shoot tip is grown in a test tube under
(iii) Downstream processing technologies to purify sterile conditions in special nutrient medium.
the protein or other compounds. – The nutrient medium must provide a carbon source
like sugar and also inorganic salts, vitamins,
22. (a) Write the two limitations of traditional plant
amino acids and growth regulators such as auxins,
breeding technique that led to the promotion
ytokinins, etc.
of micropropagation. – The plantlets are then shifted to the soil in the field.
(b) Give two examples, where it is commercially
adopted. 26. What is Pomato? How has it been created? Why
Ans. (a) The two limitations are: has it not been commercially produced?
(i) Traditional plant breeding techniques failed to Ans. – Pomato is a somatic hybrid produced by fusion of
keep pace with the demand of the increasing protoplasts of potato and tomato.
population. – It has been created by somatic hybridisation
(ii) It could not provide sufficiently fast and between potato and tomato.
efficient systems of crop improvement. – The protoplasts of potato and tomato have been
(b) Tomato, Banana, Apple. (any two) isolated and they are made to fuse under sterile
conditions in the laboratory.
23. Mention the property of plant cells that has helped – The fusion product is grown in the lab and later the
them to grow into a new plant in in vitro conditions. plants are shifted to the field.
Explain the advantages of micropropagation. – The hybrid pomato did not combine all the desirable
Ans. Totipotency is the property by which each plant cell characters for commericial utilisation.
can grow into a new plant.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 349
27. Differentiate between somaclones and somatic express a foreign DNA, are called genetically modified
hybrids. Give one example of each. [Delhi 2016] organisms (GMOs)
Ans. Differences: Refer to ans. 14
Somaclones Somatic hybrids 29. Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that kill
– Somaclones are – Somatic hybrids certain groups of insects. Name three groups of such
produced by are produced insects with an example of each.
Ans. The three groups of insects include
tissue culture and by protoplast
(i) Lepidopterans - e.g. Tobacoo budworm/Army
micropropagation, fusion and then
worm
i.e. production of growing the hybrid
(ii) Coleopterans - e.g. Beetles
a large number protoplasts.
(iii) Dipterans - e.g. Mosquitoes/flies
of plants through
tissue culture. 30. What are Cry proteins? With the help of a suitable
example, explain how it acts as a biological pesticide?
– All the plants are – The plants are
genetically identical genetically  [AI 2022]
among themselves dissimilar among Ans. – Cry proteins are the crystal proteins coded by the
and also to the themselves and also cry genes of the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) during a particular phase of their growth.
plant from which from the parent
– They are toxic to certain group of insects; hence,
they are produced. plants.
called Bt toxin too.
e.g. somaclones of e.g. pomato is a – While the cry genes cryIAc and cryIIAb control
tomato, banana, somatic hybrid cotton bollworms, the cry gene, cryIAb controls
apple etc. are between potato corn borer.
produced. and tomato. – The cry genes are cloned from the bacterium and
28. ‘Genetically modified plants are considered to be introduced into the cotton/corn plants and made to
superior to non-genetically modified plants’. Explain express in the plants.
giving three reasons why? [AI 2022] – When the parts of such Bt crop plants are ingested
by the larvae of the insect, they are killed.
Or – Thus plants are provided with resistance to specific
Why are GMOs so called? List the different ways in insect pests without the use of insecticides; in effect,
which GM plants have benefitted and have become biological pesticide is created.
useful to humans? [Delhi 2020]
31. How has the use of Bacillus thuringiensis helped in
Or protecting cotton plants against the attack of cotton
Many people are apprehensive of accepting GM bollworm, thus increasing the cotton yield? Explain.
crops. Give three reasons so as to convince them  [CBSE 2022C]
to use these crops. [AI 2019]
Or
Or ‘Cotton bollworms enjoy feeding on cotton plants,
GM Plants are useful in many ways. How would you but get killed when feeding on Bt cotton plants’.
convince the farmers to grow GM plants in their Justify the statement. [AI 2020]
fields? Explain giving three reasons. [Delhi 2017C] Or
Or Why do lepidopterans die, when they feed on
People are quite apprehensive to use GM crops. Bt cotton plants. Explain how it does happen.
Give three arguments in support of GM crops so  [Delhi 2017]
as to convince the people in favour of such crops.
 [AI 2017C] Or
Or How has the study of biotechnology helped in
developing pest-resistant cotton crop? Explain.
What is a GMO? List any five possible advantages  [Delhi 2016C]
of a GMO to a farmer. [Delhi 2016]
Or
Or
One of the major contributions of biotechnology is
Describe any three potential applications of to develop pest-resistant varieties of cotton plants.
genetically modified plants. [Delhi 2015]
Explain how it has been made possible.
Ans. The living organisms (plants, animals, fungi or bacteria)  [Foreign 2015]
whose DNA has been manipulated to possess and
350 Together with® Biology—12
Ans. – Cotton plants resistant to insect pests like the nematode, Meloidegyne incognitia. Name the
lepidopterans (cotton bollworm) have been raised processes responsible for this. [Delhi 2020]
through recombinant DNA technology using the cry Or
genes from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis,
How has the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens as
which produces Bt-toxins.
vector helped in controlling Meloidegyne incognitia

– The genes cryIAc and cryIIAb, encoding the
infestation in tobacco plants? Explain in correct
Bt toxins, have been isolated from the bacterium and
sequence. [CBSE 2018]
incorporated into cotton plants to create Bt cotton
plants resistant to cotton bollworms. Or

– The genes code for the insecticidal crystal protein How has RNAi technique helped to prevent the
in the plants that is ingested by the insect pest along infestation of roots in tobacco plants by a nematode
with the plant parts. Meloidegyne incognitia? [Delhi 2016]

– The inactive toxin is converted into its active form Ans. Refer to Ans. 32 (b)
by the alkaline pH in the gut.

– The active form of the toxin binds to the surface A Long Answer
L
of the midgut epithelial cells and creates pores that Type Questions 5 Marks
cause swelling and lysis of the cell and eventually 35. (a) What are the three options that can be thought
kills the insect pest (lepidopterans). of, to increase food production?
32. (a) Write the scientific name of the nematode that (b) Mention the reasons for the success of Green
infests the tobacco plants and the part that it Revolution in increasing food production.
infects. (c) Why do we still search for other alternatives to
(b) How is Agrobacterium used to protect tobacco increase food production?
plants from this attack? [AI 2023] Ans. (a) Options to increase food supply:
Ans. (a) – Meloidegyne incognitia is the nematode pest. (i) Agrochemical-based agriculture, using
– Tobacco roots are infected. chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
(b) – Agrobacterium is used as the vector for the (ii) Organic agriculture, using biofertilizers,
introduction of nematode-specific genes into biopesticides, vermi composting, etc.
the host plant. (iii) Genetically-engineered (GM) crops-based
– The DNA is introduced such that it produces agriculture.
both sense and anti-sence RNA in the host (b) The success of Green Revolution was due to:
plant. – Use of improved/hybrid crop varieties
– Since these two RNAs are complementary to – Better management practices.
each other, they form a dsRNA. – Use of agrochemicals (pesticides and
– The dsRNA binds to and initiates RNA fertilisers).
interference, i.e., a specific segment of mRNA (c) We still search for other methods for the
of the nematode is silenced. following reasons:
33. (a) Given below is a single stranded DNA molecule. – The agrochemicals cause pollution of soil and
Frame and label its sense and antisense RNA water and reduce the yield in the long run; they
molecule. are too expensive for the farmers.
5′ ATGGGGCTC 3′ sense – Further increase in the yield of the existing
(b) How the RNA molecules made from above DNA varieties by conventional breeding is not
strand help in silencing of the specific RNA possible.
molecules? [CBSE Sample Paper 2016] 36. (a) Name the technology that has helped the
Ans. (a) 5′ATGGGGCTC-3′ — Sense scientists to propagate on large scale, the desired
3′TACCCCGAG-5′ — Antisense DNA crops in short duration. List the steps carried
5′AUGGGGCUC-3′ — Sense out to propagate the crops by the said technique.
RNAs (b) How are somatic hybrids obtained? [Delhi 2014]
3′UACCCCGAG-5′ — Antisense
(b) – The sense and the antisense strands of RNA Ans. (a) Tissue culture is the technology used; its steps are
being complementary, will form a double as follows:
stranded RNA. – Making explants, i.e., any part of the plant or
– The dsRNA binds to and prevents the translation cells or tissues that will be used to regenerate
of a specific mRNA, i.e. silencing of mRNA. whole plants.
– Preparing a nutrient medium containing carbon
34. Explain the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in
source (sucrose), inorganic nutrients, vitamins,
developing resistance in tobacco plants against
amino acids and growth regulators.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 351
– Sterilisation of the medium. – Isolation of protoplasts from the selected two
– Growing the explants in the medium. different varieties of plants.
– Transferring the plantlets on to the field – Fusion of the isolated protoplasts.
(micropropagation). – Growth of hybrid in a suitable nutrient medium.
(b) Somatic hybridisation – Transfer of plantlets to the field (micropropa-
The steps include: gation).
37. 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.

D
Types of
maize
E

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Leaf area damaged/mm2
Key for lepidopteran insect pest species
Species I Species II Species III

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?
[CBSE Sample Paper 2023]
Ans. (a) Species III is least susceptible to Bt toxin.
(b) – Species I is most susceptible to Bt-maize.
– When it feeds on Bt-maize leaves, the Bt toxin (protoxin) becomes activated and solubilised.
– The activated toxin binds to the midgut epithelial cells and creates pores that cause swelling and lysis of cells
and eventually death of the insect.
(c) – The activation of protoxin requires an alkaline pH in the gut.
– Species I and II have alkaline pH in their guts, which activates the protoxin; hence they are affected.
– Species III has acidic pH in its gut which cannot activate the protoxin; hence, it is not susceptible to the toxin.
38. Answer the following questions based on Bt crops.
(a) Why do farmers prefer to grow Bt cotton crop than genetically unmodified cotton crop?
(b) Name any two insects that are killed by Bt toxin.
(c) Explain the mechanism by which Bt toxin kills the insects, but not the bacterium, which possesses the toxin.
 [AI 2023]
Ans. (a) Farmers prefer to grow Bt-cotton crop because
(i) It is resistant to the attack of cotton bollworm; hence, the yield is more.
(ii) There is no need for application of synthetic pesticides, which are expensive for them.
(iii) The pollution due to pesticides is prevented.
(b) Cotton bollworm, corn borer, tobacco bud worm, army worm. (any two)
352 Together with® Biology—12
(c) – When the inactive Bt-toxin is ingested by the insects, the toxin becomes active when exposed to the alkaline
pH in the stomach.
– The active toxin binds to the epithelium of the midgut, causes pores and lysis of the cells and ultimately the
death of the insect.
– The toxin is produced as the inactive protoxin; hence it does not kill the bacterium that produces it.
39. Read the following passage and answer the questions (a) Which of the above 4 farm lands has successfully
that follow: applied the concepts of Biotechnology to show
GM crops especially Bt crops are known to have better management practices and use of
higher resistance to pest attacks. To substantiate this agrochemicals? If you had to cultivate, which
an experimental study was conducted in 4 different crop would you prefer (Bt or Non- Bt) and why?
farmlands growing Bt and non Bt-Cotton crops. (b) Cotton Bollworms were introduced in another
The farm lands had the same dimensions, fertility experimental study on the above farm lands
and were under similar climatic conditions. The wherein no pesticide was used. Explain what
histogram below shows the usage of pesticides on effect would a Bt and Non Bt crop have on the
Bt crops and non-Bt crops in these farm lands. pest. [CBSE Sample Paper 2022]
Ans. (a) – Farmland II
3.5
– Bt crop
3
– Because Bt crop will be resistant to the pest
and hence, the use of pesticides is minimised;
Pesticide use (kg a.i./acre)

2.5 Bt Non-Bt to reduce the use of pesticide is an objective

of creating Bt crop.
2 (b) – The Bt crop will not be affected, because the
cry gene introduced into it from the bacterium,
1.5 Bacillus thuringiensis will code for the Cry
protein that is toxic to bollworm.
1 – When such plant parts are ingested by the insect,
the protein gets activated at the alkaline pH of
0.5
the gut and causes the lysis of the epithelial
cells of the gut and the insect is killed.
0
Farm Farm Farm Farm – The non-Bt crop will be infested by the cotton
land I land II land III land IV
bollworm and the yield will decrease; the
plants may die of infestation.

Practice questions
40. The part of the plant that is suitbale for raising virus- (c) use of agrochemicals, i.e., fertilizers and pesticides.
free plants throught micropropagation, is (d) all of these
(a) bark (c) shoot meristem 42. (a) What is an explant?
(b) root (d) vascular tissues (b) Name two plants, which the scientists have
41. Green revolution in India was successful due to succeeded in culturing the meristems.
(a) use of high yielding hybrid varieties of crops 43. What is a protoplast? How is it isolated?
(b) better managment practices

Topic covered
10.2. Biotechnological Applications in medicine
• The rDNA technology has been used in the production of safe and more effective therapeutic drugs.
• The recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted immunological responses that are commonly observed with
similar products isolated from non-human sources.
• At present about thirty recombinant therapeutics have been approved for human use, of which twelve are being marketed
in India also.
• Production of therapeutics (like human insulin and vaccines), gene therapy, molecular diagnostics (for early detection
of infections or cancer) and stem cell therapy are some applications of biotechnology in the field of medicine.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 353
Ans. – In the human body, insulin is synthesised as a
Multiple Choice prohormone and hence, needs to be processed before
Questions 1 Mark it becomes functional hormone.
– The prohormone consists of three peptide chains,
44. The two polypeptide chains in human insulin are A, B and C.
linked together by – During the processing, the peptide C is removed
(a) hydrogen bonds (b) phosphodiester bonds and the peptides A and B are joined by disulphide
(c) covalent bonds (d) disulphide bridges bridges, to make mature functional insulin.
45. Which of the following is used as a vector for 50. What is gene therapy? Name the first clinical case
introducing functional ADA gene in the gene therapy where it was used. [Delhi 2014]
given for ADA deficiency? Ans. – Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows
(a) pBR322 (b) Ti plasmid the correction of a gene defect that is diagnosed in
(c) Retrovirus (d) Bacteriophage a child or embryonic stage.
46. ELISA technique is based on the principle of – The first clinical gene therapy for adenosine
 [AI 2020] deaminase (ADA) deficiency.
(a) DNA replication 51. Write the function of adenosine deaminase enzyme.
(b) antigen-antibody interaction State the cause of ADA deficiency in humans.
(c) pathogen-antigen interaction Mention a possible permanent cure for an ADA
(d) antigen-protein interaction deficiency patient. [Delhi 2013]
Ans. – Adenosine deaminase enzyme is necessary for the
Answers proper functioning of our immune system.
– ADA deficiency is caused by the deletion of the
44. (d) 45. (c) 46. (b) gene coding for ADA.
– If the normal gene producing ADA can be isolated
from marrow cells and introduced into cells at early
V S A Very Short Answer embryonic stages, it could be a permanent cure.
Type Questions 2 Marks
52. (a) Mention the cause and the body system affected
47. (a) State the cause of adenosine deaminase enzyme by ADA deficiency in humans.
deficiency. [AI 2015] (b) Name the vector used for transferring ADA-
(b) Why do children cured by enzyme replacement DNA into the recipient cells in humans. Name
therapy of adenosine deaminase deficiency, need the recipient cells.
periodic treatment? [AI 2015] Ans. (a) ADA deficiency:
Ans. (a) It is caused due to deletion of the gene coding for – It is caused by the deletion of the gene coding
the enzyme, adenosine deaminase. for adenosine deaminase.
(b) The lymphocytes are not immortal, but have – The enzyme is crucial for the functioning of
a life span; hence, with the formation of new the immune system; hence the immune system
lymphocytes, every time, the enzyme has to be gets affected.
injected. (b) Vector – A retroviral vector
48. Give a schematic representation of the transformation Recipient cells – Lymphocytes.
of pro-insulin into insulin. [AI 2019] 53. Why does a patient of ADA-deficiency require
Ans. repeated infusion of genetically engineered
Proinsulin lymphocytes? Suggest a possible permanent remedy.
s–s
s s
Ans. – The genetically-engineered lymphocytes have a life
s s span; hence, the patient requires periodic infusion
of genetically-engineered lymphocytes and the cure
s –s
A peptide is not permanent.
s s – There could be a permanent cure if the gene isolated
Insulin
–

s
–

s from marrow cells producing ADA is introduced

+ B peptide into the cells at early embryonic stages.
54. How is recombinant DNA technology helping in
Free C peptide
detecting the presence of mutant genes in cancer
49. Human insulin when synthesised in the body needs patients?
to be processed before it can act. Explain giving Ans. – A single-stranded DNA or RNA is tagged with a
reasons. [AI 2014C] radioactive molecule and used as a probe.
354 Together with® Biology—12
– It is allowed to hybridise with its complementary in the field of medicine. With the help of a flow
DNA in a clone of cells, followed by detection using chart, show how this technology has been used in
autoradiography. preparing genetically engineered human insulin.
– The clone having the mutant gene will not appear  [Delhi 2015]
on the photographic film, because the probe will Or
not be complementary with the mutated gene.
How did an American Company, Eli Lilly, use the
knowledge of rDNA technology to produce human
A Short Answer insulin?
S [AI 2015]
Type Questions 3 Marks
Ans. In vitro synthesis of two DNA strands, coding
55. Insulin in the human body is secreted by pancreas as for the polypeptides A and B of human insulin.
prohormone/proinsulin. The schematic polypeptide
structure of proinsulin is given below. The proinsulin Introduction of the DNA strands into the
needs to undergo processing before it becomes plasmid of the bacterium Escherichia coli.
functional in the body. Answer the questions that
follow. [AI 2020] Culturing of the E. coli cells
C

Proinsulin Selection of transformants (transgenic bacteria)

s –s
and culturing the transformants in a large scale.
s A s
s s
B
(a) State the changes the proinsulin undergoes at Collection of polypeptides A and B of insulin
the time of processing to become functional. secreted by the bacteria in the culture medium.
(b) Name the technique, the American company,
Eli Lilly used for the commercial production Purification and joining of the polypeptides
of human insulin. using disulphide bridges.
(c) How are the two polypeptides of a functional 57. A schematic diagram of mature human insulin is
insulin chemical hold together? given below:
Ans. (a) The C peptide is removed
(b) Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology
(c) Disulphide bridges S

56. Explain how recombinant human insulin was S S

prepared in 1983 by Eli Lily an American company. S
 [Delhi 2022]
Or

How is the process of its formation naturally in the
With the help of a storyboard or a flowchart only, human body different form that of its formation of
explain all the stages of how human insulin is rDNA technology? Explain. [CBSE 2022C]
produced through rDNA technology. [AI 2022] Ans.
In human body By rDNA technology
Or
– In s u l i n i s f o r m e d – There is no formation
Explain, how Eli Lilly, an American company
as prohormone of proinsulin, but
produced insulin by recombinant DNA technology.
proinsulin, that is not direct formation of
 [CBSE 2018C]
functional. functional insulin.
Or
– It has three peptide –  Only two DNA
Explain the various steps involved in the production chains, A, B, and C sequences coding
of artificial insulin. [AI 2017]
and during processing for A and B peptides
Or C peptide is removed have been synthesised;
Explain how the company, Eli Lilly was able to and the A and B these two peptides are
produce human insulin using recombinant DNA peptide are formed joined by disulphide
technology. [AI 2017C] by disulphide bridges bridges to make
Or to make functional functional insulin.
Recombinant DNA technology is of great importance insulin.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 355
58. Explain the three different approaches used in the ⇒ A functional ADA cDNA (using retroviral
treatment of a person suffering from Adenosine vector) is introduced into lymphocytes; such
Deaminase (ADA) deficiency. [CBSE 2021C] lymphocytes are introduced back into the
Ans. The three different approaches include: blood of the patient.
(i) Enzyme replacement therapy ⇒ But the patient requires periodic infusion of
– The functional enzyme, adenosine deaminase is such genetically engineered lymphocytes, as
injected into the patient periodically. the lymphocytes have a life span.
(ii) Bone marrow transplantation. ⇒ If the functional gene isolated from marrow
– B one marrow from a normal individual is cells is introduced into cells in the early
transplanted in the patient, which can produce embryonic stage, it could be a permanent cure.
the functional enzyme, adenosine deaminase. 61. Two children, A and B aged 4 and 5 years respectively
(iii) Gene therapy visited a hospital with a similar genetic disorder. The
– A functional ADA-cDNA is introduced into the girl A was provided enzyme-replacement therapy
cultured lymphocytes using a retroviral vector. and was advised to revisit periodically for further
– T he lymphocytes are then returned to the treatment. The girl, B was, however, given a therapy
circulation of the patient that did not require revisit for further treatment.
– S ince, these lymphocytes have a life span, (a) Name the ailments the two girls were suffering
the patient requires periodic infusion of such from?
genetically-engineered lymphocytes. (b) Why did the treatment provided to girl A require
– If a functional gene isolated from a marrow repeated visits?
producing ADA is introduced into the cells at (c) How was the girl B cured permanently?
early embroyonic stages, it could be a permanent [Delhi 2019]
cure. Ans. (a) The girls were suffering from Adenosine
59. Explain enzyme-replacement therapy to treat deaminase deficiency (ADA).
adenosine deaminase deficiency. Mention two (b) – The lymphocytes are not immortal, but have
disadvantages of this procedure. [AI 2016] a life span; hence, with the formation of new
Ans. – In the enzyme-replacement therapy, functional lymphocytes, the enzyme has to be injected.
adenosine deaminase enzyme is injected into the (c) – The girl B had a permanent cure, because she
patient. was given gene therapy.
Disadvantages: – In this, the functional ADA gene isolated from
(i) It is not a completely curative method. marrow cells is introduced into the body cells
(ii) The enzyme has to be injected often at periodic to give a permanent cure.
intervals. 62. (a) Name three molecular diagnostic techniques for
60. One of the potential uses of genetic engineering is in diagnosis of a disease.
correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed (b) List three advantages of molecular diagnostic
in a child/embryo. Explain how gene therapy is of techniques over the conventional methods of
help in ADA-deficiency. [CBSE 2022C]
diagnosis. [AI 2022]
Ans. (a) The molecular diagnostic tests are
Or (i) Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay
(a) What is gene therapy? (ELISA)
(b) Describe the procedure of such a therapy that (ii) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
could be a permanent cure for a disease. Name (iii) Recombinant DNA technology
the disease. [Foreign 2016] (b) Advantages:
Ans. – Gene therapy is a collection of methods, that allows (i) PCR is used to detect the presence of a
correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed bacterial or viral pathogen, at a time when
in a child or embryo. the pathogen is at a very low concentration
Correction of a genetic defect involves delivery of and the symptoms have not appeared, by
a normal gene into the individual or embryo to take amplification of the nucleic acid.
over the function of the non-functional gene. (ii) By using a probe, mutations of genes in
– ADA (Adenosine deaminase) deficiency was treated suspected cancer patients can be found out.
in a 4-year old girl using gene therapy. (iii) ELISA is routinely used to detect HIV
⇒ This disorder is caused by the deletion of the infection in suspected cases.
gene for the enzyme. 63. Expand ‘elisa’. Why is this method preferred over
⇒ The lymphocytes from the blood of the patient conventional methods of diagonsis of the disease?
are grown in a culture, in vitro.  [AI 2017C]
356 Together with® Biology—12
Ans. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: (c) State any two application of ‘stem cells’ in curing
– Using conventional methods, early diagnosis is not human diseases. [AI 2023]
possible. Ans. (a) They are undifferentiated, totipotent cells, which
– By the time, the symptoms of the disease appear, have the capacity to proliferate and differentiate
the concentration of the pathogen is very high. into any other tissue/organ.
– But by Elisa, the presence of the pathogen can (b) ‘Stem cells’ can be obtained from umbilical cord
be detected, when its concentration is low and the blood, adipose tissue, blood, bone marrow, etc.
symptoms have not appeared; hence, early treatment (c) – Bone marrow transplantation is an example
and cure is possible. of stem cell therapy; it is used in curing
64. (a) Write the characteristics of ‘Stem cells’. blood-related diseases like Thalassemia, and
(b) From where can one obtain ‘stem cells’ in Leukemia.
humans?

Practice questions
65. Human insulin is being produced commercially using (c) bone marrow transplantation
a transgenic species of (d) introducing normal gene producing ADA into the
(a) Saccharomyces cells of an early embryo
(b) Mycobacterium 67. The enzyme adenosine deaminase is synthesised by
(b) Escherichia (a) pancreas (b) lymphocyte
(d) Salmonella (c) liver (d) bone marrow
66. The genetic defect ADA deficiency may be cured 68. (a) Expand ELISA
permanently by (b) State the principle on which ELISA works.
(a) gene therapy at a later stage of life 69. Why is proinsulin so called? How is insulin different
(b) administering adenosine deaminase enzyme from it? [AI 2013]
through injections

Topic covered
10.3. Transgenic Animals
• Transgenic animals are those animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express a foreign gene;
transgenic animals are created for various uses, like understanding the role of genes in physiology, development of
diseases, or producing biological compounds for use as nutrients or medicines, and for safety testing of vaccines, etc.

Answers
Multiple-Choice
Questions 1 Mark 70. (a) 71. (c)

70. Genetic engineering has been sucessfully used for V S A Very Short Answer
producing transgenic Type Questions 2 Marks
(a) mice, for testing safety of polio vaccine before
using on humans. 72. Name the animal, that constitutes more than 90%
(b) cows, which produce high fat milk for human of the transgenic animals. What are they used for?
babies. Ans. – Mice
(c) draught animals for farm work – They are used in testing the safety of polio vaccine.
(d) animals for products to treat cardiac diseases. 73. Why are certain animals called ‘transgenic’? Give
an example of such an animal that is being used
71. The recombinant protein obtained from transgenic
for testing the vaccine safety for a specific human
animals that could be used to treat emphysema, is disease. Name the disease. [AI 2020]
(a) humulin (b) a-lactalbumin Ans. – Animals whose DNA has been manipulated to
(c) a-1-antitrypsin (d) iodothyronine possess and express one or more foreign gene(s),
are called ‘transgenic’.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 357
– Mica are used for testing vaccine safety. (b) Mice.
– Polio is the disease. (c) They are produced for the following purposes:
74. (a) Name the first transgenic cow developed. (i) Transgenic animals are designed to allow
(b) Explain the improvement in the quality of the the study of how genes are regulated and
product produced by it. how they affect the normal functions of the
Ans. (a) Rosie is the first transgenic cow. body and its development, e.g. information
(b) The milk contained human protein, a-lactalbumin has been obtained as to how insulin has a
(2.4 g per litre) which is nutritionally important for role as growth factor.
human babies. (ii) Transgenic animals that produce useful
biological compounds are created by
A Short Answer introducing a portion of the DNA that
S
Type Questions 3 Marks codes for the product, e.g. a-1-antitrypsin
75. (a) What are transgenic animals? is produced for treating emphysema.
(b) Name the transgenic animal having the largest
(iii) Transgenic animals are being developed to
number amongst all the existing transgenic test the safety of vaccines, e.g. polio vaccine
animals. has been tested on transgenic mice.
(c) Mention any three purposes for which these (iv) Transgenic animals with more sensitivity to
animals are produced. [CBSE 2018C] toxic substances are being developed to test
Ans. (a) Transgenic animals are those animals, which have the toxicity of drugs. (any three)
their DNA manipulated to possess and express
one/more foreign gene(s).

Practice questions
76. Attempts are being made to produce biological products (b) transgenic mice for testing safety of polio vaccine
that will be useful for the treatment of (c) transgenic models to study new treatments for
(a) phenylketonuria (b) emphysema heart diseases
(c) cystic fibrosis (d) all of these (d) animals like bulls for farm work with more muscle
77. Genetic engineernig has been successfully employed strength
to produce 78. How are transgenic animals used in chemical safety
(a) transgenic cow, Rosie, which produce high fat milk testing?
for babies.

Topic covered
10.4. Biosafety Issues
• Genetic modification of organisms can have unpredictable/undesirable effects, when such organisms are introduced
into the ecosystem.
• Hence, the Indian Government has set up organisations which are authorised to make decisions regarding the validity
of genetic modifications and the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms for public services.
• One such organisation is the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).

Biopiracy
– The industrialised/developed nations are rich financially, but poor in biodiversity and traditional knowledge, while the
developing and underdeveloped countries are rich in bioresources and traditional knowledge.
– Now some nations are developing laws to prevent unauthorised exploitation of their bioresources and traditional
knowledge by the developed countries.
358 Together with® Biology—12
82. Name the Indian crop variety for which in 1997, an
Multiple Choice American company got patent right through the US
Questions 1 Mark patent and Trademark office. Why did the company
claim it to be an invention or a novelty?
79. Which among the following plants are biopatented  [CBSE 2021C]
in India? Ans. – Basmati rice was the crop variety.
(a) Turmeric – The ‘new’ variety of Basmati rice was developed by
(b) Neem crossing Indian Basmati with the American semi-
(c) Basmati Rice dwarf varieties and was claimed as an invention or
(d) All of these novelty.
80. Which of the following is correct regarding GEAC? 83. Why has the Indian government set up the
(a) It ensures the safety of introducing GMOs for organisation named GEAC? Give any two reasons.
public services.  [AI 2019]
(b) It makes decisions regarding the validity of genetic Or
modifications. Mention two objectives of setting up GEAC by our
(c) It check any unpredictable results produced by government. [AI 2016]
GMOs when introduced into ecosystems. Or
(d) All of these State the purpose for which the Indian Government
has set up GEAC. [Foreign 2013]
Answers Ans. The reasons or purposes are:
(i) To have some ethical standards to evaluate the
79. (d) 80. (d) morality of human activities that might help or
harm living organisms.
(ii) Genetic modifications of organisms may have
V S A Very Short Answer unpredictable results when such organisms are
Type Questions 2 Marks
introduced into the ecosystem; hence a regulation
81. What is Biopiracy? State the initiative taken by the is necessary.
Indian Parliament towards it. [Delhi 2014]
Ans. – Biopiracy refers to the unauthorised use of A Short Answer
S
bioresources and traditional knowledge related to Type Questions 3 Marks
bioresources for commercial benefit by certain 84. Expand GEAC. Mention the responsibilities assigned
organisations or multinational companies without to this organisation.
proper consent from the country and compensatory Ans. – Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.
payment to people. – Its responsibilities are:
– Indian Parliament has passed the second amendment (i) to make decisions regarding the validity of GM
of the Patents Bill, which deals with patent terms, research.
emergency provisions and research and development (ii) to check the safety of introducing GM-organisms
initiatives. for public services.

Practice questions
85. Which of the following is a product of biotechnology? (b) biopiracy
(a) GM crops (c) bioremediation
(b) Transgenic mice (d) biosafety
(c) Humulin 87. Several attempts have been made to patent the processes,
(d) All of these products and their uses in the Indian traditional herbal
medicine of the plants
86. The use of bioresources by multinational companies
(a) neem and sandal
and other organisations, without proper authorisation
(b) sandal and turmeric
from the countries and people concerned, is called (c) turmeric and neem
(a) bioprospecting (d) barley and turmeric
 Biotechnology and its Applications 359

Integrated (mixed) Questions

88. Match the items in Column I with those in Column II 90. Mark the odd one in each of the following groups
and select the correct option. (1 Mark) and select the correct option. (1 Mark)
A. PCR, Widal, rDNA technology, ELISA.
Column I Column II
B. Tetanus toxoid, a-1 antitrypsin, Hepatitis B
A. Rosie 1. Polio vaccine safety vaccine, Humulin.
B. Ti plasmid 2. Human alpha lactalbumin C. Agrobacterium, RNAi , cryIAc, Meloidegyne.
D. cryIAb, cry IIAb, cryIAc, RNAi
C. RNAi 3. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (a) A – Widal B – Humulin
D. ELISA 4. Meloidegyne incognitia C – RNAi D – cry IAb
(b) A – PCR B – a-1 antitrypsin
5. Antigen-antibody interaction
C – RNAi D – cry IAb
(a) A – 2, B – 3, C – 4, D – 5 (c) A – Widal B – Tetanus taxoid
(b) A – 2, B – 3, C – 1, D – 5 C – cry IAc D – RNAi
(c) A – 5, B – 4, C – 3, D – 1 (d) A – ELISA B – Humulin
(d) A – 3, B – 4, C – 2, D – 1 C – Meloidegyne D – RNAi
89. Identify whether each of the following statements is 91. Select the incorrectly matched pair. (1 Mark)
true (T) or false (F) and select the correct option. (a) ELISA – Antigen - antibody interaction
 (1 Mark) (b) Corn borer – cryIIAb gene
A. The disorder ADA deficiency can be cured by (c) Transgenic cow – Human a-lactalbumin
gene therapy only. [True/False] (d) Meloidegyne incognitia – Tobacco root
B. Transgenic mice are used to test the safety of 92. Match the items in Column I with those in
polio vaccine. [True/False] Column II. (2 Marks)
C. The recombinant therapeutics induce unwanted
immunological responses. [True/False]
Column I Column II
D. ELISA is based on introducing a functional gene A. Rosie 1. Polio vaccine safety
in place of a defective gene. [True/False]
B. Ti plasmid 2. Human alpha-lactalbumin
(a) A – F, B – T, C – F, D – F
(b) A – T, B – F, C – T, D – T C. RNAi 3. Agrobacterium tumefaciens
(c) A – F, B – F, C – T, D – F D. ELISA 4. Meloidegyne incognitia
(d) A – T, B – F, C – F, D – F
5. Antigen-antibody interaction


Assertion and reason questions
Instruction: Following questions consists of two statements 94. Assertion: A single stranded DNA or RNA labelled with
– Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer these questions by a radioactive molecule, is called a probe.
selecting the appropriate option given below: Reason: A probe is used to detect mutations in HIV-
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the infected cells.
correct explanation of assertion. 95. Assertion: cry genes isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis
(b) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is not the are incorporated into crop plants, to make them pest-
correct explanation of assertion. resistant.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false. Reason: cryIAb and cryIIAb provide resistance to cotton
(d) Assertion is False but reason is true. bollworms.
93. Assertion: A patient of ADA-deficiency requires 96. Assertion: Functional ADA cDNA genes must be
periodic or repeated infusion of genetically-engineered inserted in the lymphocytes at the early embryonic
lymphocytes. stage.
Reason: Lymphocytes are not immortal, but have life Reason: Cells in the embryonic stage are mortal,
span. differentiated and easy to manipulate.
 [CBSE Sample Paper 2023]
360 Together with® Biology—12
97. Assertion: ELISA is based on the principle of antigen- 98. Assertion: Genetically modified (GM) crops contain
antibody interaction. and express one or more useful foreign genes.

Reason: ELISA can detect the proteins/glycoproteins
Reason: Genetically modified crops are mostly pest-
only when present in high concentration. resistant.

Case-based Questions
99. Read the following passage and answer the questions
that follow: Proinsulin
The main objective of application of biotechnology in s –s
s s
agriculture is the production of pest-resistant crops; s s
this would also reduce the quantity of the pesticides/
chemicals used and decrease environmental pollution. Bt A peptide
s –s
toxins produced by the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis s s
kills certain insects like lepidopterans, dipterans and Insulin

–
s

–
s
coleopterans. Several nematodes parasitise a wide + B peptide
variety of plants. A novel strategy has been adopted
to prevent this infestation in tobacco plant. Free C peptide
(a) Write the scientific name of the nematode that (a) Why is it called pro-insulin?
parasitises tobacco plants. (b) Why is the insulin obtained from other animal
(b) Mention the source of the complementary dsRNA sources not in use these days?
for the novel strategy. (c) Mention the chemical changes that the pro-insulin
(c) (i) Write in full form the novel strategy used to undergoes to become the mature functional insulin.
control the nematode infestation in tobacco Or
plants. (c) What is the challenge in the production of insulin
(ii) How does the novel strategy work? using rDNA techniques?
Or 102. Read the following passage and answer the questions
(c) Name the vector and its role in the strategy that follow:
mentioned above. The diversity of rice in India is one of the richest in
100. For effective treatment of a disease, early diagnosis and the world. There are an estimated 200,000 varieties
understanding its pathophysiology is important. But, of rice in India alone. Among these, Basmati rice is
the presence of a pathogen is normally suspected, only distinct for its unique aroma and flavour. In 1997, an
when the pathogen produces the symptom(s) of the American company got patent rights on Basmati rice,
disease. By this time, the concentration of the pathogen which allowed the company to sell a ‘new’ variety of
must have become very high in the body. Basmati in the U.S and abroad.
(a) How many documented varieties of Basmati are
(a) Expand PCR.
grown in India?
(b) Name a disease for the detection of which PCR is
(b) Name and define the term given to such unauthorised
routinely used.
practices.
(c) How is it used in early diagnosis of a disease?
(c) (i) What is the ‘new’ variety of Basmati,
Or developed by the U.S. company?
(c) Name two other molecular diagnostics used in (ii) Name two other medicinal plants for which
early detection of diseases. the MNCs have been attempting to get
101. Read the following passage and answer the questions patents.
that follow: Or
In the human body, insulin is synthesised as a pro- (c) What has the Indian Government done to prevent
hormone, i.e., pro-insulin. Insulin used by the diabetic such deeds?
patients was earlier extracted from the pancreas of 103. Read the following passage and answer the questions
slaughtered pigs and cattle. Now Eli Lilly, the American that follow:
company produces human insulin, using recombinant A child is born with a very weak immune system due to
DNA (rDNA) technology. Observe the diagram showing the deficiency of an enzyme; it is a hereditary disorder.
the maturation of pro-insulin into insulin that is given The doctor explained to the parents the available
below and answer the questions that follow. methods of treatment and advised for gene therapy.
 Biotechnology and its Applications 361
(a) Identify the deficient enzyme and mention the of the pathogen, when it has not produced the disease
cause for its deficiency. symptoms, can be detected using the molecular
(b) What is gene therapy? diagnostics.
(c) Mention the first instance of gene therapy. Name (a) Name two modern molecular diagnostics (in full
the vector and the recipient cells involved in it. form) used for early detection of viral/bacterial
Or pathogens.
(c) Name two other methods, the doctor must have (b) How are the modern techniques advantageous over
explained for the treatment of this disease. What the conventional methods to detect bacterial/viral
can be a permanent cure for the disorder? infections?
(c) (i) Expand ELISA.
104. Read the following passage and answer the questions
(ii) Mention the principle on which it works.
that follow:
(iii) What are the two ways in which infection by
For effective treatment of a disease, early diagnosis and
a pathogen can be detected using ELISA?
understanding of its pathophysiology are important.
Presence of a viral or a bacterial pathogen is normally Or
suspected only when the disease symptoms appear. But, (c) How is a probe used to detect the mutated gene in
by that time, the concentration of the pathogen has suspected cancer patients?
become very high in the body and treatment becomes
difficult or even impossible. Very low concentration

ncert Zone
NCERT Exercises

10.1. Which part of the plant is best suited for making been manipulated to possess and express a foreign
virus-free plants and why? gene.
Ans. – Meristems are best used for production of virus-free – The E.coli bacterium in which the gene for human
plants. insulin is introduced is an example of a transgenic
– This is because even in a plant infected by virus, bacterium.
the apical and axillary meristem is free of virus; it ⇒ Eli Lilly, an American company, synthesised
can be easily removed and grown in vitro to obtain two DNA sequences, coding for the A and B
virus-free plants. polypeptide chains of human insulin.
10.2. What is the major advantage of producing plants by ⇒ These DNA sequences were introduced into
micropropagation? the plasmids of E.coli.
Ans. The major advantage is the recovery of healthy plants ⇒ Such an E.coli cell is a transgenic bacterium,
from diseased plants, through tissue culture. which contains genes for human insulin.
⇒ The bacterium produces insulin chains in the
10.3. Find out what the various components of the medium
culture medium.
used for propagation of an explant in vitro are?
Ans. The nutrient medium provides a carbon source such 10.6. Compare and contrast the advantages and
as sucrose, inorganic salts, vitamins, amino acids and disadvantages of production of genetically modified
growth regulators such as auxins and cytokinins. crops.
10.4. Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do Ans. Advantages:
not kill the bacteria themselves because— Refer to Ans. 14.
(a) bacteria are resistant to the toxin Disadvantages:
(b) toxin is immature; – The proteins produced by the GMO may cause
(c) toxin is inactive; allergy and other problems.
(d) bacteria encloses toxin in a special sac. – The genes present in the transgenic organisms may
Ans. (c) Toxin is inactive.
transform our intestinal bacteria also resistant to
certain antibiotics.
10.5. What are transgenic bacteria? Illustrate using any – When the resistant gene is transferred through pollen
one example. to the weeds, they may also become resistant to such
Ans. – Transgenic bacteria are the bacteria whose DNA has pests and start flourishing.
362 Together with® Biology—12
10.7. What are Cry proteins? Name an organism that 10.10. Can you suggest a method to remove oil (hydrocarbon)
produce it. How has man exploited this protein to from seeds based on your understanding of rDNA
his benefit? technology and chemistry of oil?
Ans. – Cry proteins are the crystal proteins that are toxic Ans. – Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology is used for
to certain insect pests (dipterans, coleopterans and manipulating the genetic material of an organism
lepidopterans). to get the desired results.
– They are produced by the bacterium Bacillus – This technology can be utilised to remove oil from
thuringiensis. seeds.
– Man has isolated the genes encoding these proteins – Glycerol and fatty acids are the two components of
from this bacterium and incorporated into some crop oil.
plants; such crop plants produce the proteins in their – If we stop biosynthesis of any of these two substances
cells and are resistant to the attack by these insect
in the seeds, oil can be removed from the seeds.
pests.
– This can be achieved by removing or blocking the
10.8. What is gene therapy? Illustrate using the example of expression of the gene responsible for biosynthesis
adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency. of either glycerol or fatty acid.
Ans. Refer to Ans. 60.
10.11. Find out from internet what is golden rice.
10.9. Diagrammatically represent the experimental steps Ans. – Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice
in cloning and expressing a human gene (say the
that is vitamin A-enriched.
gene for growth hormone), into a bacterium like
– Two genes coding for b-carotene have been
E.coli.
introduced into the rice plant for producing
Ans.
b-carotene and ultimately vitamin A from it.
Foreign Gene – This rice can synthesise 23 times more b-carotene
Plasmid in its endosperm cells, it provides the golden yellow
colour to the rice, the reason for its name golden rice.
Restriction enzyme – The objective of this project is to feed children who
Restriction enzyme
suffer from deficiency of vitamin A.
10.12. Does our blood have proteases and nucleases?
Plasmid Ans. No; blood has no proteases and nucleases.
10.13. Consult internet and find out how to make orally
active protein pharmaceutical. What is the major
Ligation (Ligase) problem to be encountered?
Ans. – Orally active protein pharmaceuticals contain the
biomolecules, polypeptides or proteins, which may
Plasmid rDNA even be an antibody.
– The drawback of orally active protein pharmaceutical
is that they are digested in the digestive system by
Introduction into E.coli
proteases and lose their bioactive property.
E.coli cell – So, such molecules are enclosed or capsulated in a
Chromosomal substance that resists digestion by the enzymes.
DNA Plasmid rDNA – Such pharmaceuticals are used as vaccines or
hormone-replacement.

Steps in rDNA technology

Select NCERT exemplar problems

1. α-1 antitrypsin is: 2. C-peptide of human insulin is
(a) an antacid (a) a part of mature insulin molecule.
(b) an enzyme (b) responsible for formation of disulphide bridges.
(c) used to treat arthritis (c) removed during maturation of pro-insulin to insulin.
(d) used to treat emphysema. (d) responsible for its biological activity.
Ans. (d) Ans. (c)
 Biotechnology and its Applications 363
3. Can a disease be detected before its symptoms 6. For which variety of Indian rice, was patent filed
appear? Explain the principle involved. by a USA company?
Ans. – Yes, a disease can be detected by molecular diagnosis, Ans. For a rice variety produced by crossing Indian Basmati
even before the symptoms appear. variety with a semi-dwarf variety.
– It is by amplifying, i.e. making many copies of the 7. Ignoring our traditional knowledge, can we prove
DNA of the pathogen through Polymerase Chain costly in the area of biological patenting. Justify.
Reaction (PCR); sufficient quantity of DNA becomes Ans. – Yes; our country is rich in biodiversity and traditional
available for detection. knowledge related to biodiversity.
4. Give the full form of ELISA. Which disease can be – The traditional knowledge can be used during
detected by using it? Discuss the principle underlying commercialisation:
the test. (i) to develop modern applications
Ans. – Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. (ii) to save time
– Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can (iii) to reduce expenditure
be detected by using it. (iv) to minimise the efforts.
– It works on the principle of antigen-antibody 8. With respect to understanding diseases, discuss the
interaction; the disease can be detected either by the importance of transgenic animal models.
antigens of the pathogen or the antibodies produced Ans. – The transgenic animals are designed to increase the
by our body in response to the antigen. understanding of the contribution of genes to the
5. Bt cotton is resistant to pests such as Lepidopterans, development of disease.
Dipterans and Coleopterans. Is Bt cotton also – They make possible the investigation of new
resistant to other pests as well? treatment for the disease.
Ans. No, it is resistant only to lepidopterans, coleopterans
and dipterans.

Answers to all unsolved questions are given at the end of all the chapters.
364 Together with® Biology—12

Self-Evaluation Test
1. Somatic hybridisation refers to the
A
(a) fusion of a gamete cell with a somatic/vegetative
cell of a plant.
(b) fusion of two somatic/vegetative cells of two B
different varieties of plants.
(c) hybridisation of plants of two different species. C
(d) hybridisation of animals of the same breed.
2. Night blindness can be prevented by use of D
Types of
(a) golden rice maize
(b) transgenic tomato E
(c) transgenic maize
(d) Bt brinjal.
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
3. Bt cotton variety, the transgenic plant that was developed Leaf area damaged/mm2
by the introduction of the cry gene from Bacillus
Key for lepidopteran insect pest species
thuringiensis is resistant to
Species I Species II Species III
(a) fungal diseases (b) insect pests
(c) viral diseases (d) nematodes A study was carried out to see which of the three species
of lepidopteran pests was most susceptible to Bt genes
4. Assertion: Transgenic models are available these days and its product.
for many human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, The lepidopteran pests were allowed to feed on the
etc. same Bt-maize crops grown on 5 fields (A-E).
Reason: Transgenic animals are designed to increase The graph below shows the leaf area damaged by these
our understanding of how genes contribute to the three pests after feeding on maize leaves for five days.
development of diseases. Insect gut pH was recorded as 10, 8 and 6 respectively
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is for Species I, II and III respectively.
the correct explanation of assertion. (a) Which of the three species is least susceptible to Bt
(b) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is toxin?
not the correct explanation of assertion. (b) Name the gene used to make Bt-maize and its
source organism.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false. (c) Why is the effect of Bt toxin on lepidopteran
(d) Assertion is False but reason is true. species not similar in the three species?
Or
5. (a) Why are certain cotton plants called Bt-cotton
(c) How does the Bt toxin kill the insect, but not the
plants?
bacterium?
(b) Write the two specific ‘cry’ genes that encode the
8. (a) Name the source from which insulin was extracted
proteins, which control cotton bollworm.
earlier. Why is this insulin no more in use by
6. How are somaclones cultured from explants in in vitro
diabetic people?
conditions? Why are somaclones so called?
7. Insects in the Lepidopteran group lay eggs on maize (b) Explain the process of synthesis of insulin by Eli
crops. The larvae on hatching feed on maize leaf and Lilly company. Name the technique used by the
tender cob. In order to arrest the spread of three such company.
Lepidopteran pests, Bt maize crops were introduced in (c) How is the insulin produced by human body
an experimental field. different from the insulin produced by the above
mentioned company?

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