CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications
Here, we have provided CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12. Students can view these CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications before exams for better understanding of the chapter.
Ananya Gupta1 Oct, 2024
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CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12: These notes are very important for students preparing for their CBSE Class 12 board exams in Biology. Chapter 12 focuses on biotechnology and its applications, showing how living things and biological systems can help solve real-world problems.
The information is presented in a simple way making it easier for students to understand complex ideas. By studying this chapter, students will learn about the many uses of biotechnology in areas like healthcare, farming, industry and environmental protection.CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications Overview
These notes have been prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah for CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter 12 which focuses on biotechnology and its applications. The notes break down complex topics into simpler concepts making it easier for students to grasp important ideas and understand their real-world implications. By using these notes students can enhance their understanding of biotechnology and its significance, preparing them effectively for their board exams and future studies in this dynamic field.CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 PDF
The PDF link for the CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes on Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications is available below. These notes are an essential study help for students preparing for their board exams, ensuring they have a solid grasp of the material and its practical implications.CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications PDF
CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications
Here we have provided CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 Biotechnology and its Applications-Biotechnology and its Applications
Biotechnology focuses on the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biological products using genetically modified microorganisms, fungi, plants, and animals. Its applications are diverse, encompassing therapeutics, diagnostics, genetically modified crops for agriculture, processed foods, bioremediation, waste treatment and energy production. The three critical research areas in biotechnology include providing effective catalysts through improved organisms like microbes or pure enzymes; engineering optimal conditions to enhance the activity of these catalysts; and developing downstream processing technologies to purify proteins or organic compounds. These areas are important for advancing the field and ensuring that biotechnological processes are efficient and effective.Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture
Biotechnological applications in agriculture can significantly enhance food production through various approaches:- Agrochemical-Based Agriculture : This traditional method utilizes chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop yields.
- Organic Agriculture : Focused on sustainable practices, organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals and emphasizes natural growth processes.
- Genetically Engineered Crop-Based Agriculture : This modern approach involves the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have been altered through genetic engineering.
- Increased tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.
- Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, lowering environmental impact.
- Decreased post-harvest losses due to improved shelf life and resistance to spoilage.
- Enhanced efficiency of mineral usage, allowing plants to better absorb nutrients.
- Improved nutritional value of food, exemplified by Vitamin A-enriched rice, which addresses micronutrient deficiencies in populations reliant on rice as a staple.
Application of Biotechnology in the Production of Pest-Resistant Plants
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in developing pest-resistant plants, significantly reducing the need for chemical pesticides. One of the most notable examples is the use of Bt toxin , derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis . This bacterium produces proteins toxic to certain insects, which have been genetically cloned and expressed in various plants, creating a natural bio-pesticide. Examples of pest-resistant crops include Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomatoes, potatoes and soybeans .Bt Cotton is a prominent case, where Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that target specific insects such as lepidopterans (e.g., moths) and coleopterans (e.g., beetles). The bacterium forms crystals containing inactive protoxins. When an insect ingests these protoxins, the alkaline pH of its gut activates the toxins, which then bind to the midgut epithelial cells, creating pores that lead to cell swelling, lysis, and ultimately, the insect's death.
The relevant genes in B. thuringiensis responsible for producing these toxins are known as the cry genes . For example, cryIAb and cryIIAb specifically control cotton bollworms, while cryIAb targets corn borers. Another significant advancement in pest resistance is the application of RNA interference (RNAi) technology, particularly for controlling nematodes like Meloidogyne incognita , which damage tobacco plant roots and reduce yield. RNAi is a natural cellular defense mechanism present in all eukaryotic organisms, allowing for the silencing of specific mRNA to prevent protein translation. By introducing nematode-specific genes into host plants using Agrobacterium vectors, scientists can create transgenic plants that express interfering RNA. This results in the inability of nematodes to survive in these genetically modified plants, thus protecting crops and enhancing yields. Through these innovative applications, biotechnology significantly contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by producing pest-resistant plants that help reduce pesticide usage while ensuring higher crop yields.Biotechnological Applications in Medicine
Biotechnology, particularly through recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, has profoundly transformed the healthcare sector by enabling the mass production of safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Currently, around 30 recombinant therapeutics have been approved for human use globally, with 12 of these available in India. This advancement has made significant strides in treating various diseases, including diabetes and genetic disorders.Genetically Engineered Insulin
For individuals with adult-onset diabetes, regular insulin administration is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Historically, insulin was derived from the pancreases of slaughtered cattle and pigs. However, this method often led to allergic reactions due to the foreign proteins present in animal-derived insulin. Modern biotechnology has revolutionized this process by allowing insulin to be produced from bacteria, specifically E. coli . In this process, the insulin hormone consists of two polypeptide chains Chain A and Chain B linked by disulfide bridges. In humans, insulin is initially synthesized as a prohormone, which includes an additional segment called the C peptide that is absent in mature insulin. The key challenge in producing insulin via rDNA technology was to ensure it assembled into its mature form. In 1983, the American company Eli Lilly successfully synthesized two DNA sequences corresponding to the A and B chains of human insulin. These sequences were introduced into plasmids of E. coli , allowing the bacteria to produce the respective chains. After extraction, Chains A and B were combined through the formation of disulfide bonds to yield functional human insulin.Gene Therapy
Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to correcting genetic defects in individuals with hereditary diseases. This technique involves delivering a normal gene into a person's cells and tissues to compensate for a non-functional gene. The first successful clinical gene therapy was conducted in 1990 on a 4-year-old girl suffering from adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency , a condition caused by the absence of the ADA gene crucial for immune system function. In gene therapy, lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are extracted from the patient’s blood and cultured outside the body. A functional ADA complementary DNA (cDNA) is introduced into these lymphocytes before they are reintroduced into the patient. Although this method requires periodic infusions of genetically engineered lymphocytes, a more permanent solution involves introducing the functional ADA gene into bone marrow cells at early embryonic stages. This could provide a lasting cure for ADA deficiency, demonstrating the potential of gene therapy in treating genetic disorders.Molecular Diagnosis
Molecular diagnosis has revolutionized the way diseases are detected, especially when compared to conventional methods like serum or urine analysis. Traditional diagnostic techniques often fail to detect pathogens or viruses early enough, leading to delayed treatment. To overcome these limitations, several advanced methods have been developed for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases and genetic disorders.Key Techniques in Molecular Diagnosis
- Recombinant DNA Technology : This technique allows for the manipulation and analysis of DNA, facilitating the identification of specific genetic sequences associated with diseases. It enables the production of DNA probes that can hybridize with complementary sequences in samples, aiding in the detection of pathogens or mutations.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) : PCR is a powerful method that amplifies small quantities of nucleic acids, allowing for the detection of low concentrations of bacteria and viruses. This technique is particularly valuable for identifying pathogens before symptoms manifest, as it can amplify specific DNA or RNA sequences even when they are present in minute amounts. PCR is routinely used in oncology to detect mutations in cancer-related genes and is crucial for diagnosing HIV in suspected AIDS patients.
- Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) : ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody interactions. It can detect the presence of pathogens by identifying antigens (such as proteins or glycoproteins) or antibodies generated in response to infections. This method is highly sensitive and widely used for screening various infections, including HIV, hepatitis, and other viral diseases.
Applications and Advantages
The use of PCR allows for the early detection of pathogens, often before clinical symptoms become evident, which is crucial for effective treatment. Furthermore, genetic disorders can be diagnosed at an early stage, enabling timely interventions.CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 12 FAQs
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a field of science that involves the use of living organisms, cells and biological systems to develop products and technologies that improve the quality of life.
What are the main areas of biotechnology?
The main areas of biotechnology include medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and environmental biotechnology.
How is biotechnology applied in medicine?
Biotechnology is used in medicine for the production of therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. It includes the development of genetically engineered insulin, monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy techniques.
How does biotechnology benefit agriculture?
Biotechnology improves agricultural productivity by creating genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases and extreme weather conditions. This leads to increased crop yields and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.
What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy is a technique that involves inserting, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. It aims to correct genetic disorders by providing a functional copy of a defective gene.
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