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Chapter 10 – Biotechnology and Its Applications
10.1

Ans: The apical and axillary meristems of plants are best suited for making virus-free plants.
10.2

Ans: The major advantage of producing plants by micropropagation is that a large number of genetically identical plants (clones) can be produced rapidly from a single parent plant, in a short time and limited space.
10.3

Ans: The various components of the medium used for in vitro propagation of an explant include:
- Water – Distilled water is used as the solvent and medium base.
- Inorganic salts – Provide essential macronutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (like iron, manganese, zinc).
- Carbon source – Usually sucrose to provide energy.
- Vitamins – Such as thiamine, nicotinic acid, and pyridoxine, required for growth.
- Amino acids – Optional, but may enhance growth and development.
- Growth regulators – Such as auxins (e.g., IAA, NAA) and cytokinins (e.g., BAP, kinetin) to control organ development.
- Gelling agent – Like agar, to solidify the medium (if required).
10.4

Ans: Toxin is inactive.
Explanation: Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria have an inactive form of Bt toxin, known as prototoxin. When it penetrates the insect’s gut, it becomes active in the presence of stomach acid.
10.5

Ans: The term transgenic bacteria comprises bacteria that have one or more genetic materials, typically obtained from an unrelated living thing, inserted within the genome of the organism. A transgene or altered bacterium is created, for instance, when the insulin gene from human beings is inserted into a separate plasmid of the E. coli bacteria, and then the recombinant DNA fragment is subsequently transformed into a new microbe.
10.6

Ans: Differences between advantages and downsides of genetically modified crops include:
| Advantages of Genetically Modified Crops | Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Crops |
| i. Restoration of soil | i. The risk of creating super weeds |
| ii. Stress tolerance | ii. Introduction of an undesirable variety with a harmful combination. |
| iii. Exceptional productivity | iii. Significant risk of non-reproduction or lack of viability |
| iv. Reduced dependence on pesticides. | iv. The chemical produced may lead to rejection in human insecticide |
10.7

Ans: A frequently encountered soil organism called Bacillus thuringiensis creates a protein poison that destroys certain kinds of bugs. A kind of protein known as crystal (Cry) constitutes the toxin. Cry proteins come in a variety of forms and are poisonous to certain insect species. The cry genome is the component of the genome that codes for the Cry protein. In order to create genetically modified crops that are immune to creatures such as insects, Bt cotton (which is immune to bollworms) & GM tobacco products (which are immune to hornworms), biotechnologists have successfully isolated the DNA sequence that produces the toxic substance & inserted the gene into a variety of organisms.
10.8

Ans: The treatment of genes is the process of fixing or injecting the right version to fix a gene that is defective gene. Adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA) is an extremely uncommon genetic condition caused by a mutation in the adenosine deaminase gene. Because the body’s defenses work, a particular enzyme is essential. Therapy with genes may be employed to cure it. For extended periods of time, the corresponding gene gets translated into skeletal marrow’s initial cells during development.
10.9

Ans:

10.10

Ans: It is necessary to identify the gene sequences that allow the plant’s seeds to produce petroleum products. Restriction endonucleases need to be employed to eliminate the relevant genes. DNA ligases must subsequently be used to repair the damaged terminals that contain this DNA. Once cultured meticulously on nutritional media, these stem cells can transform into an entirely novel plant with oil-free seeds of their own.
10.11

Ans: The transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) known as “golden rice” has high levels of β-carotene, or provitamin A, which acts as the primary supplier of vitamin A. Golden rice gets its name from the fact that β-carotene gives the rice’s kernels their yellow hue. It was created at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology with Peter Beyer & Lecturer Ingo Potrykus.
10.12

Ans: To put it simply, human blood does not include enzymes like nucleases and proteases, at least not while functional. The blood’s proteins and the nucleic acids in its cells would be broken down by these enzymes if they were present.
10.13

Ans: Historically produced oral functional protein products include vaccinations for avoiding viral illnesses like influenza, herpes, and hepatitis B. Antigen-producing genes are extracted from microorganisms, then cultivated in an antimicrobial environment alongside chopped potato leaves as substrate. Callus forms, and recombinant or genetically modified potatoes containing vaccine-producing genes are produced.
Related Study Resources of Chapter 10 – Biotechnology and Its Applications
Students can use the links below to get extra study materials for Class 12 Biology Chapter 10: Biotechnology and Its Applications.
| Sl No. | Related Links |
|---|---|
| 1 | Class 12 Biology Chapter 10 Biotechnology and Its Applications- Important Questions |
| 2 | Class 12 Biology Chapter 10 NCERT Textbook |
Download Biotechnology and Its Applications NCERT Solutions PDF
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Class 12 Biotechnology and Its Applications Overview
This chapter talks about how biotechnology is employed in medical, farming, and industry to tackle real-world problems. Every topic, from genetically modified organisms to gene therapy and biopesticides, has something to do with our existence. Our Biotechnology and Its Applications NCERT Solutions will help you learn not just how biotech works, but also why it is important.
Example problems and new vocabulary, such as Bt crops, RNA interference, and bioreactors, might be difficult for students to grasp. We use charts, drawings, and real-life case studies to simplify each idea. This will allow you to review material more quickly and retain more information for your applications.
The NCERT syllabus modification for 2025 now puts more emphasis on real-world uses of biotechnology. Now, instead of theory-heavy descriptions, the focus is on GM crops, illness detection, insulin production, and ethical. Our new Biotechnology and Its Applications NCERT Solutions are in keeping with this change, so your study time is focused on the exam.
This chapter helps you understand how biotech connects science and society. Our Biotechnology and Its Applications NCERT Solutions give you the clarity and accuracy you need to do well on this high-weightage unit, whether you’re studying for NEET, CBSE examinations, or just creating a strong foundation.
FAQs – Biotechnology and Its Applications Class 12 Chapter 10 NCERT
Genetic engineering makes Bt crops resistant to pests. We use illustrations and real-life examples to show how they work and what their benefits are.
It’s a way to turn off some genes. We make this easier using flowcharts that demonstrate how RNAi keeps plants safe from viruses.
By using recombinant DNA in bacteria. We explain the whole procedure, from adding genes to getting insulin.
The most important thing is to practice. Our NCERT Solutions have MCQ tips and concept-based summaries that are all about NEET-related subjects.
The goal is to fix bad genes so that they don’t cause hereditary illnesses. We use a real-life example, like SCID treatment, to help you understand the core idea.