Blue Workbook: Biology, Biotechnology & Health

RAU'S IAS
STUDY CIRCLE
BLUE WORKBOOK
BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH

by Dr. Sanjay Pandey
GENERAL STUDIES
PRELIMS PAPER - I
MAINS PAPER-III
WORK BOOK - 2
1. Biotechnology
2. Practice Questions
INDEX
BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY
& HEALTH
WORK BOOK-2
CHAPTER PAGE
CHAPTER NAME
NO. NO.
1. Biotechnology 01 – 35
2. Practice Questions 36 – 48
1
CHAPTER Biotechnology
CONTENT
1. Biotechnology, Reproductive Technologies
2. Human Genome, Transgenic Organisms
3. Health Risks, Environmental Risks
4. Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT), Terminator Technology
5. Gene Therapy, DNA Fingerprinting, Cloning, Recent Development, Human Cloning, Stem Cells, Patent,
Neem & Its Potentialities, Plant Tissue Culture
6. Biomass, Biofilter, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Bioremediation, Probiotics and Prebiotics,
7. Antioxidants, Hydroponics
8. Low Calorie Sweeteners
9. Botox, Steroids
10. Bio-Pesticides, Bio-Fertilizers, Bio-Piracy
11. Interferon, Meor, Traitor DNA, Sweet Bugs, Btisnet, Biosensors
12. Enzyme Engineering
13. Bioinsecticides Vs Biopesticides, Biotransformation, Bioreactors
BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Biological technology is technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science,
and medicine. The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity has come up with one of many
definitions of biotechnology: “Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological
systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific
use.”
 It includes various laboratory techniques which enhance the usefulness of various biological organisms or
products to mankind.
Applications
 Biotechnology has applications in four major industrial areas, including health care, crop production and
agriculture, nonfood uses of crops (e.g. biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil, biofuels), and environmental
uses.
1. Red biotechnology is applied to medical processes. Some examples are the designing of organisms to
produce antibiotics, and the engineering of genetic cures through genomic manipulation.
2. White biotechnology also known as grey biotechnology is biotechnology applied to industrial
processes. An example is the designing of an organism to produce a useful chemical. Another
example is the using of enzymes as industrial catalysts to either produce valuable chemicals or
destroy hazardous/polluting chemicals.
3. Green biotechnology is biotechnology applied to agricultural processes. An example is the designing
of transgenic plants to grow under specific environmental conditions or in the presence (or absence)
of certain agricultural chemicals.
4. Blue biotechnology has also been used to describe the marine and aquatic applications of
biotechnology, but its use is relatively rare.
RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 1

BIOTECHNOLOGY
5. The investments and economic output of all of these types of applied biotechnologies form what has
been described as the bio economy.
6. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field which addresses biological problems using computational
techniques, and makes the rapid organization and analysis of biological data possible. Bioinformatics
plays a key role in various areas, such as functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics,
and forms a key component in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.
7. In medicine, modern biotechnology finds promising applications in all the areas
o pharmacogenomics;
o drug production;
o genetic testing; and

o gene therapy.
Biotech in India
 The Department of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1986 has promoted
and accelerated the pace of development of biotechnology in the country.
 Through more than 10000 R&D projects, demonstrations and creation of infrastructural facilities, the
impact of the biotechnology related developments in agriculture, health care, environment and industry,
has already been visible and the efforts are now culminating into products and processes.
Infrastructure Facilities
 The National Facility for Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) an Institute of Microbial Technology at
Chandigarh conserves more than 10,000 industrial microbes;
 National Facility for Blue Green Algae (BGA) Collection at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
possesses about 700 blue green algae;
 National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria at Bharatidasan University, Trichurapalli stores more than 250
strains of marine cyanobacteria collected from Indian sea shores;
 National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository at NBPGR, Pusa, New Delhi has 800 in vitro
conserved crop species;
 Laboratory Animal House Facilities at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow and National
Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad have supplied 80,000 and 55,000 experimental animals;
 Centre for Genetic Engineering and strain manipulation at Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai works on
streptomycin group of antibiotics;
 The Biochemical engineering Research and Process Development Centre at IMTECH, Chandigarh
helps in testing and standardization of high value metabolites in large bioreactors for commercial
feasibility studies.
 The new Repositories namely Repository on Cryopreservation of blood cells at Indian Institute of
Hematology, Mumbai, Repository on Medicinal and Aromatic Plant materials at Central Institute of
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow and Repository on Filaria sand reagents, MGIMS,
Sevagram have started functioning since last year on similar lines
 The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, a major programme support in the high priority areas of
modern biology was launched for a period of five years involving 55 faculty members to carry out
research on three sub-programs : infectious diseases, drug and molecular design as well as genome
diversity and genetic disorders.
Major programs undertaken by DBT
1. Development of vaccine &immunization of especially vulnerable section.
2. Increase oil seed production by tissue culture of coconut, oil palms etc.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
3. Cattle heard improvement by embryo-transfer tech.
4. Development of bio-diagnostic kits for early detection of various diseases.

5. Fertility control.
6. In agriculture-Development of crops having high nutritional content, drought resistant, pest resistant etc.
The network of National Infrastructural facilities include
 Blue-green Algae at IARI – NDRI-Karnal.
 Animal – husbandry facilities at Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, National Institute of Nutrition
Hyderabad, IIS Bangalore.
 Bio-chemical engineering and pilot plant at Institute of Microbial Technology Chandigarh.
 Facilities for Oligo-Nucleotide Synthesis at IIS Bangalore, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
Hyderabad.
 Tissue culture at Pune University, IARI.
India gets DNA research centre
 A $5m (£2.6m) research center has been set up recently in India to identify patterns of genetic disorders
among Indians by placing the country’s health data on to computer.
 The center, to be located in Hyderabad, will be called the Sun Centre of Excellence.
 It will make the data easily available for scientists, which should speed up medical research in the country.
 It is partly funded by the US computer company Sun Microsystems.
Genetic Engineering
 Deliberate Human Manipulation by which foreign genes are inserted into the DNA of an unrelated
organism.
 Construction of a DNA molecule which contains genes from 2 different sources is the essence of genetic
engineering.
 Recombinant DNA is broken at desired places to isolate a specific DNA segment. It is then inserted in
another DNA molecule at a desired place or position. This new DNA is r-DNA. Technique.
 Recombination of DNA
 In sexually reproducing organisms, genes of 2 parents are transferred to the progeny.
 In the Zygote, recombination / re-pairing of genes take place.
 For this, first breakage of DNA segments take place, then recombination takes place between different
DNA segments
 In nature Recombination can takes place only between closely related organisms and not between
unrelated ones.
Hazards of Genetic Engineering
 If a wrong DNA segment is inserted and if it gets expressed, it can cause new diseases in human beings.
 Aid in biological warfare
 Genetic modification of existing species/ recreation of extinct species -can create havoc
 Scientists are prone to make mistakes – new strains of bacteria, fauna, can be hostile to human being.
Biotechnology for the 21st Century

Experts in United States anticipate in world’s population in 2050 to be approximately 9.7 billion. The world’s
population is growing, but its surface area is not. Compounding the effects of population growth is the fact
that most of the earth’s ideal farming land is already being utilized. To avoid damaging environmentally
sensitive areas, such as rain forests, we need to increase crop yields for land currently in use. By increasing
crop yields, through the use of biotechnology the constant need to clear more land for growing food is
reduced.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Countries in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere are grappling with how to continue feeding a growing population.
They are also trying to benefit more from their existing resources. Biotechnology holds the key to increasing
the yield to staple crops by allowing farms to reap bigger harvests from currently cultivated land, while
preserving the land’s ability to support continued farming.
Malnutrition in underdeveloped countries is also being combated with biotechnology. The Rockefeller
foundation is sponsoring research on “golden rice”, a crop designed to improve nutrition in the developing
world. Rice breeders are using biotechnology to build Vitamin A into the rice Vitamin A deficiency is a common
problem in poor countries. A second phase of the project will increase the iron content in rice to combat
anemia, which is widespread problem among women and children in underdeveloped countries. Golden rice,
expected to be for sale in Asia in less than five years, will offer dramatic improvements in nutrition and health
for millions of people, with little additional costs to consumers.
Similar initiatives using genetic manipulation are aimed at making crops more productive by reducing their
dependence on pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation, or by increasing their resistance to plant diseases.
Increased crop yield, greater flexibility in growing environments, less use of chemical pesticides and improved
nutritional content make agriculture biotechnology, quite literally, the future of the world’s food supply.
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Reproductive technologies have undergone a rapid evolution from simple procedures like the first
insemination of fresh donor semen to a point where we now have the ability to collect epididymis sperm for
microinjection into oocytes; freeze, thaw, and transfer donor gametes and embryos; create pregnancies in
menopausal women, and in the near future and in the near future may be able to harvest and store eggs from
ovarian biopsies.
Major Reproductive Technologies
1. In vitro fertilization (IVF): in Vitro Fertilization involves collection of healthy ovum and sperms from healthy
mother and father respectively and their fusion under appropriate conditions in vitro. If fertilization
occurs, the resulting embryo is transferred in to the woman’s uterus, where it will implant in the lining of
the uterus and develop.
Basic Technique in IVF

• First of all ovaries are stimulated by using fertility drugs to produce several mature eggs rather than a
single egg.
• Then ultrasound probe is inserted through vagina and mature follicles are identified.
• Then a needle is guided through the vagina into the follicles.

• The eggs are removed from the follicles through the needle by a suction device.
• Al last, in the laboratory, the sperms are separated from the seminal plasma, and the motile sperms
are placed together with each retrieved egg in a separate dish containing IVF culture medium, where
fertilization occurs.
• The embryos are drawn into a tube and deposited in the uterine cavity.
2. Embryo Transfer Technology: Embryo transfer is a procedure by which fertilized egg or young embryo is
transferred from donor mother to recipient mother of from test tube (IVF) to the recipient mother. The
best stage for transfer is 2-4 cell stage. Embryo transfer technology is used for repaid multiplication of
genetically superior genotype.
3. Cloning: Cloning is the production of identical animals, plants or microorganisms from a single individual.
A clone means exact copy or copies of a single parent. Clones, owing to their identical genetic makeup
exhibit little, if any genetic variation. Monozygotic identical twins are clones. “Dolly”, the sheep, was a

BIOTECHNOLOGY
clone. Dolly was produced from a single cell from her mother. She had exactly the same genetic
characteristics as her mother, the single parent.
Cloning of animals has been based on a technique known as “somatic cell nuclear transfer”. The nucleus
of the egg cell (containing the DNA) is removed in a test tube, and the nucleus from the organism to be
“cloned” is inserted in its place (nuclear transfer). It is then implanted in the uterus to grown like other
embryos.
The used of cloning are wide, such as infertile couples may choose this method to reproduce and
embryonic stem cells can be grown to produce organs or tissues to repair or replace damaged ones.
4. Artificial Wombs: Artificial wombs technique could be used to help premature or “sick” human babies to
survive and help fetuses in the final stages of multiple pregnancies when the womb becomes so cramped.
In this technique a fetus of about 17 weeks is place in a tank filled with liquid to stimulate amniotic fluid.
The temperature is kept at constant. A machine pumps nutrients and oxygen into the baby’s blood.
5. Artificial Insemination: Artificial insemination is the artificial introduction of semen into the reproductive
tract of a female. Semen collected from a male with desirable hereditary characters can be frozen and
transported through long distances to fertilize females.
The method is used for those females who wish to conceive when normal conception is not possible.
6. Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) GIFT begins with ovulation induction as in IVF followed by egg
retrieval, insemination and gamete transfer.
Sperms and eggs are mixed and injected into the fallopian tubes. The fertilization takes place there as it
does naturally.
Applications of New Reproductive Technologies in Humans
1. Enhanced Fertility: New reproductive technologies are used to correct both male and female hormonal
disorders leading to infertility. For example, pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone administered by a
computerized pump may be used to correct hypothalamic, hypogonadism and infertility, both in males
and females. Exogenous gonadotropins are used both to induce ovulation in an ovulatory woman and to
enhance the number of ovulated eggs in women undergoing superovulation.
2. Superior Genotype: Embryo transfer technology is used for rapid multiplication of genetically superior
genotype.
3. To maintain future fertility: The availability of this technology has allowed men to bank sperms prior to
undergoing chemo or radiotherapy that might affect gametogenesis. The recent ability to harvest
immature eggs from ovarian biopsies suggests that similar procedures may be possible for women who
must undergo radiation or chemotherapy.
4. Restore fertility by involvement of couple: Procedures that involve the infertile couples include
reconstructive tubal surgery, IVF, GIFT, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). All these procedures
rely on ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration and assisted reproductive technologies for placement of
gametes or embryos.
5. Restore fertility by involvement of a Third Party: Donor sperms, eggs and embryos are all being offered
when one partner of the affected couple is unable to provide healthy gametes.
6. In premature loss of ovarian function: The ability to do hormonal priming of a recipient uterus in a woman
who has undergone premature ovarian failure, and to transfer and embryo resulting from in vitro
fertilization of a donor egg, has been a major breakthrough for couples in whom there has been
premature loss of ovarian function.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
7. Minimize serious maternal and fetal risks: Donor sperms, eggs, and embryos have been employed to
avoid transmission of serious genetic disorders. Sex pre-selection may be useful to avoid certain types of
sex linked genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy and hemophilia
The past two decades have seen a dramatic evolution and revolution in availability, access to and utilization of
new reproductive technologies. Physicians, the public, and society are now faced with difficult decisions about
what ethical boundaries should apply to the available technologies. Ethical principles are not static rather
evolve as society evolves. According, continuing evaluation and re-evaluation of the individual and social
benefits of new and emerging technologies will be essential, coupled with vigilance to monitor and avoid
potential abuses of these new reproductive technologies.
HUMAN GENOME
 It refers to entire genetic makeup of human beings,

 The human genome is the genome of Homo sapiens, which is composed of 24 distinct chromosomes (22
autosomal + X + Y) with a total of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs containing an estimated 20,000–
25,000 genes.
 Human genome project- an international effort to identify and locate all the genes and their variants,
understand their functioning and write down the sequence of nucleotides that comprise the genes.
 There are estimated 20,000–25,000 human protein-coding genes. The estimate of the number of human
genes has been repeatedly revised down from initial predictions of 100,000 or more as genome sequence
quality and gene finding methods have improved, and could continue to drop further.
Uses
1. Better understanding of genome might help in diagnosing many diseases at an early stage or even before
birth, gene functions, their metabolism etc.
2. Knowledge may help in replacing defective genes.
The Human Genome Project
What is the Human Genome Project?
The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international research program designed to construct detailed
genetic and physical maps of the human genome, to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of human
DNA, to localize the estimated 50,000-100,000 genes within the human genome, and to perform similar
analyses on the genomes of several other organisms used extensively in research laboratories as model
systems. The scientific products of the HGP will comprise a resource of detailed information about the
structure, organization and function of human DNA, information that constitutes the basic set of inherited
“instructions” for the development and functioning of a human being. Successfully accomplishing these
ambitious goals will demand the development of a variety of new technologies. It will also necessitate
advanced means of making the information widely available to scientists, physicians, and others in order that
the results may be rapidly used for the public good. Improved technology for biomedical research will thus be
another important product of the HGP. From the inception of the HGP, it was clearly recognized that
acquisition and use of such genetic knowledge would have momentous implications for both individuals and
society and would pose a number of policy choices for public and professional deliberation. Analysis of the
ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic knowledge and the development of policy options for public
consideration are therefore yet another major component of the human genome research effort.
When did the HGP begin?
The HGP was conceived in the mid-1980’s and was widely discussed within the scientific community and
public press through the last half of that decade.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) initially, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) soon
thereafter, were the main research agencies within the U.S. government responsible for developing and
planning the project. By 1988, the two agencies were working together, a relationship that was formalized by
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to “coordinate research and technical activities related to the
human genome.” The initial planning process culminated in 1990 with the publication of a joint research plan,
“Understanding Our Genetic Inheritance: The U.S. Human Genome Project. The First Five Years FY 1991-1995.”
What are the goals of the HGP?
The initial research plan set out specific goals for the first five years (1990-1995) of what was projected to be a
fifteen-year research project and focused the efforts of the research community on the most important initial
objectives. Because progress was more rapid than anticipated, the 1990 plan was updated in 1993 by
extending the initial goals and scope of genome research. The new goals were publicly presented in an article
in Science. These goals were also a joint NIH-DOE effort and covered Fiscal Years 1994-1998.
In 1998 another NIH-DOE 5-year plan was developed to cover completion of the original objectives of
sequencing the human genome and to expand the HGP to the study of genetic variation and functional
analysis of the genome. This plan was also published in Science.
How is the HGP managed at NIH?
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) supports research projects aimed at accomplishing
the goals of the HGP at universities and research institutions across the U.S. The development and
management of these projects is carried out by the NHGRI’s Division of Extramural Research (DER). The DER,
with advice from the extramural research community and the National Advisory Council for Human Genome
Research, sets the scientific priorities for HGP research and supports and manages the peer reviewed
research projects that address these priorities.
What is ELSI?
The planners of the U.S. Human Genome Project (HGP) recognized that the information gained from mapping
and sequencing the human genome would have profound implications for individuals, families, and society.
While this information would have the potential to dramatically improve human health, they realized that it
would also raise a number of complex ethical, legal and social issues. How should this new genetic
information be interpreted and used? Who should have access to it? How can people be protected from the
harm that might result from its improper disclosure or use?
To address these issues, the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Program was established as an
integral part of the HGP. The ELSI Program was designed to provide a new approach to scientific research by
identifying, analyzing and addressing the ethical, legal and social implications of human genetics research at
the same time that the basic scientific issues are being studied. In this way, problem areas can be identified
and solutions developed before the scientific information gained is integrated into health care practice.
The ELSI Program is viewed as essential to the success of the genome project in the United States and is
supported with federal HGP funds. The National Institutes of Health’s National Human Genome Research
Institute (NHGRI) has committed 5 percent of its annual research budget to study ELSI issues. The U.S.
Department of Energy Office of Energy Research, NHGRI’s partner in the U.S. Human Genome Project, also
reserves a portion of its funding for ELSI research and education.
When Was ELSI Established?
At its January 1989 meeting, the Program Advisory Committee on the Human Genome established a working
group on ethics to develop a plan for the ELSI component of the human genome program. This working
group, later named the National Institutes of Health-Department of Energy Joint Working Group on Ethical,
Legal, and Social Implications of Human Genome Research (ELSI Working Group), held its first meeting in
September 1989.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
In January, 1990, the Working Group issued its first report. In it, the Working Group agreed that the purpose of
the ELSI program should be:
 to anticipate and address the implications for individuals and society of mapping and sequencing the
human genome;
 to examine the ethical, legal, and social consequences of mapping and sequencing the human genome;
 to stimulate public discussion of the issues; and
 develop policy options that would assure that the information is used for the benefit of individuals and
society.
The Working Group envisioned a program that would anticipate potential problems before they actually
occurred and identify possible solutions to the problems. It suggested a number of means for accomplishing
these goals. Specifically, it encouraged the research community to explore and gather data on a wide range of
issues pertinent to the human genome program that could be used to develop educational programs, policy
recommendations or possible legislative solutions. A number of areas for focus were identified, including:
fairness in the use of genetic information; the impact of knowledge of genetic variation on individuals; and
privacy and confidentiality of genetic information, to name a few.
In 1990, in response to the Working Group’s report, the NHGRI established the ELSI Branch (later renamed the
ELSI Research Program) in its Division of Extramural Research and the DOE established an ELSI program in
their Office of Energy Research. Since the beginning, these two programs have collaborated closely, including
the joint support of the ELSI Working Group, the development of complementary research priority areas, and
the co-funding of ELSI activities of mutual interest.
What Issues Does ELSI Address?
The ELSI Program is organized around four program areas.
1. Privacy and Fairness in the Use and Interpretation of Genetic Information. Activities in this area examine
the meaning of genetic information and how to prevent its misinterpretation or misuse.
2. Clinical Integration of New Genetic Technologies. These activities examine the impact of genetic testing on
individuals, families and society and inform clinical policies related to genetic testing and counseling.
3. Issues Surrounding Genetics Research. Activities in this area focus on informed consent and other
research ethics review issues related to the design, conduct, participation in and reporting of genetics
research.
4. Public and Professional Education. This area includes activities that provide education on genetics and
related ELSI issues to health professionals, policy makers and the general public.
• The international human genome project too has adopted the ‘clone-by-clone’ sequencing method
• The BGI and Syngenta’s method was pioneered in the sequencing of the fruit-fly Drosophila
melanogaster and was later adopted for the sequencing of the human genome in 2001 by Celera
Genomics.
• The international human genome project too has adopted the ‘clone-by-clone’ sequencing method.
TRANSGENIC ORGANISMS
It is a plant or an animal whose cells contain, foreign genes that have been deliberately introduced through
genetic engineering. Thus these organisms have ability to produce special protein molecules of choice.
Advantage
Transgenic animals like cows, sheep can be used to produce specific human proteins in their blood or milk.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
With advancement in biotechnology and sequencing of genes, scientists may be able to develop transgenic
plants possessing all positive qualities like.
 Disease, pest and drought resistant

 High yielding which matures early
 Meeting its own fertilizer demand.
 Contains higher percentage age of proteins etc.
Significance of Biodiversity
 For development of transgenic organisms biodiversity is very crucial.
What is biodiversity?
It indicates the genetic variability and abundance of species and their habitat. Sum total of all species – plants,
animals microbe etc. It is the most precious gift of nature to us.
Conservation
Conservation of BD is very significant
 Once a species is extinct it is lost forever.
 Each genetic species has certain specific characters of its own.
 Diverse genetic materials can be exploited for the benefit of mankind in the form of seeds, drugs etc.
India a key GM crop cultivator
India has made it to the list of top ten transgenic crop-growing nations, doubling its Bt cotton area within a
year of permitting the insect-resistant variety in 2002, according to an international organisation committed to
‘sharing crop biotechnology applications’.
The global acreage of transgenic crops rose from 58.7 million hectares in 2002 to 67.7 million hectares in
2003, says the International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA) in a new report,
which also claims that six countries are now responsible for 99 per cent of the global biotech area.
According to ISAAA, China increased transgenic crop acreage by 33 per cent, largely because of Bt cotton, and
the Philippines grew Asia’s first transgenic crop with 20,000 hectares of Bt maize.
Risks posed by GMOs

The main types of risks posed by GMOs can be classified as health risks and environmental risks. Although a
few risks associated with the use of genetically modified crops have been observed, no long-term studies have
been done yet. What is the evidence so far?
HEALTH RISKS
Allergies: There is a worry that the introduction of novel gene products with new proteins will cause allergic
responses. The expression of Brazil nut protein in soybean confirmed that genetic engineering can lead to the
expression of allergenic proteins.
Toxicity: The possible introduction or increase of toxic compounds might increase toxicity. As novel proteins
produced in plants have the potential to cause human toxicity, further test and scrutiny are needed.
Pleiotropic effects: Previously unknown protein combinations may have unforeseen secondary effects in food
plants. While further monitoring is needed, no significant secondary effects have been found from
commercially available transgenic plants or products.
Antibiotic resistance: Concern has been expressed about antibiotic markers such as kanamycin that are
used in plant transformation. These are still used to treat infections in humans and increased exposure to
them might cause infections to become resistant to antibiotics, rendering these medicines ineffective. While

BIOTECHNOLOGY
no definitive evidence has been found to support the theory that the use of antibiotic markers harms humans,
alternatives are becoming available rapidly and are increasingly useful for food crop development.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Unintended effects on non-target species: Although laboratory studies have reported damage to the larvae
of monarch butterfly feeding on the pollen from Bt plants, no studies have shown an actual negative effect on
butterfly densities in the wild. Further research is needed.
Effects of gene flow to close relatives: Pollen dispersal can lead to gene flow, but only trace amounts are
dispersed more than a few hundred feet. The transfer of conventionally bred or transgenic resistance traits to
weedy relatives could worsen weed problems, but such problems have not been observed or adequately
studied.
Increased weediness: Some new traits introduced into crops - such as pest or pathogen resistance - could
cause transgenic crops to become problem weeds. This could result in serious economic and ecological harm
to farm or wildlife habitats.
Pests developing resistance to pest-protected plants: Insects, weeds and microbes have the potential to
overcome most of the control options available to farmers, with significant environmental impacts. But
management approaches can be used to delay pest adaptations.
Concerns about virus-resistant crops: Engineered plants containing virus resistance may facilitate the
creation of new viral strains, introduce new transmission characteristics or cause changes in susceptibility to
other, but related, viruses. Engineered plants are unlikely to present problems that are different from those
associated with traditional breeding for virus resistance.
Threats to biodiversity: Gene exchange could spread to wild relatives that are rare or endangered, especially if
the exchange happens in centres of crop diversity. Scientists must increase their awareness of these and
other problems arising from potential gene flow from genetically modified crops.
Source: Human Development Report, UNDP, 2001.
EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY (ETT)
 Transplanting an embryo produced in one animal, normally a superior to inferior, of the same species.
 Normally – in farm animals to increase milk production.
TERMINATOR TECHNOLOGY
 The latest Biotechnology nightmare, in which seeds are genetically altered in such a way that, they fail to
germinate after the first generation.
 Latest bid by seed industry to control the world’s food supply by forcing the farmers to buy seeds each
time.
 Patent holders – US department of Agriculture and Delta & Pine Land Company, a large US Corporation.
GENE THERAPY
 Genes, which are carried on chromosomes, are the basic physical and functional units of heredity.
 Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes
get a lot of attention, it’s the proteins that perform most life functions and even make up the majority of
cellular structures.
 When genes are altered so that the encoded proteins are unable to carry out their normal functions,
genetic disorders can result.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development.
Researchers may use one of several approaches for correcting faulty genes:
1. A normal gene may be inserted into a nonspecific location within the genome to replace a non-functional
gene. This approach is most common.
2. An abnormal gene could be swapped for a normal gene through homologous recombination.
3. The abnormal gene could be repaired through selective reverse mutation, which returns the gene to its
normal function.
4. The regulation (the degree to which a gene is turned on or off) of a particular gene could be altered.
How does gene therapy work?
 In most gene therapy studies, a “normal” gene is inserted into the genome to replace an “abnormal,”
disease-causing gene.
 A carrier molecule called a vector must be used to deliver the therapeutic gene to the patient’s target cells.
 Currently, the most common vector is a virus that has been genetically altered to carry normal human
DNA. Viruses have evolved a way of encapsulating and delivering their genes to human cells in a
pathogenic manner.
 Scientists have tried to take advantage of this capability and manipulate the virus genome to remove
disease-causing genes and insert therapeutic genes.
 Target cells such as the patient’s liver or lung cells are infected with the viral vector. The vector then
unloads its genetic material containing the therapeutic human gene into the target cell. The generation of
a functional protein product from the therapeutic gene restores the target cell to a normal state.
 Besides virus-mediated gene-delivery systems, there are several nonviral options for gene delivery. The
simplest method is the direct introduction of therapeutic DNA into target cells. This approach is limited in
its application because it can be used only with certain tissues and requires large amounts of DNA.
What is the current status of gene therapy research?
 Current gene therapy is experimental and has not proven very successful in clinical trials. Little progress
has been made since the first gene therapy clinical trial began in 1990.
 In 1999, gene therapy suffered a major setback with the death of 18-year-old Jesse Gelsinger. Jesse was
participating in a gene therapy trial for ornithine transcarboxylase deficiency (OTCD). He died from
multiple organ failures 4 days after starting the treatment. His death is believed to have been triggered by
a severe immune response to the adenovirus carrier.
 Another major blow came in January 2003, when the FDA placed a temporary halt on all gene therapy
trials using retroviral vectors in blood stem cells. FDA took this action after it learned that a second child
treated in a French gene therapy trial had developed a leukemia-like condition.
DNA FINGERPRINTING
 The chemical structure of everyone’s DNA is the same. The only difference between people (or any
animal) is the order of the base pairs. There are so many millions of base pairs in each person’s DNA that
every person has a different sequence.
 Using these sequences, every person could be identified solely by the sequence of their base pairs.
 However, because there are so many millions of base pairs, the task would be very time-consuming.
Instead, scientists are able to use a shorter method, because of repeating patterns in DNA.
 These patterns do not, however, give an individual “fingerprint,” but they are able to determine whether
two DNA samples are from the same person, related people, or non-related people. Scientists use a small

BIOTECHNOLOGY
number of sequences of DNA that are known to vary among individuals a great deal, and analyze those to
get a certain probability of a match
Practical Applications of DNA Fingerprinting

1. Paternity and Maternity
Because a person inherits his or her VNTRs (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats: Tandem repeats are
frequent in the human genome. The number of repeats is variable between individuals) from his or her
parents, VNTR patterns can be used to establish paternity and maternity. Parent-child VNTR pattern
analysis has been used to solve standard father-identification cases as well as more complicated cases of
confirming legal nationality and, in instances of adoption, biological parenthood.
2. Criminal Identification and Forensics
DNA isolated from blood, hair, skin cells, or other genetic evidence left at the scene of a crime can be
compared, through VNTR patterns, with the DNA of a criminal suspect to determine guilt or innocence.
VNTR patterns are also useful in establishing the identity of a homicide victim, either from DNA found as
evidence or from the body itself.
3. Personal Identification
The notion of using DNA fingerprints as a sort of genetic bar code to identify individuals has been
discussed, but this is not likely to happen anytime in the foreseeable future. The technology required to
isolate, keep on file, and then analyze millions of very specified VNTR patterns is both expensive and
impractical. Social security numbers, picture ID, and other more mundane methods are much more likely
to remain the prevalent ways to establish personal identification.
Problems with DNA Fingerprinting
Like nearly everything else in the scientific world, nothing about DNA fingerprinting is 100% assured. The term
DNA fingerprint is, in one sense, a misnomer: it implies that, like a fingerprint, the VNTR pattern for a given
person is utterly and completely unique to that person. Actually, all that a VNTR pattern can do is present a
probability that the person in question is indeed the person to whom the VNTR pattern (of the child, the
criminal evidence, or whatever else) belongs.
In India
 Centre for Cell and Molecular Biology – Hyderabad (CCMB).
 DNA- Deoxy Ribose Nucleic Acid is a complicated chemical, which is the basic carrier of heredity in the
form of genes.
CLONING
What is it?
 Means making an identical copy physically as well as genetically.
 Clones are exact replica of plants or animals replicated asexually.
 Clones derive genetic matter from single parents.

Normally
 Clones are not found in animals because offspring are sexually produced having genetic material from
both parents.
 With advent of genetic engineering an entire organism from a single somatic cell can be created.
Earlier Attempts
 Splitting of Embryos in Cambridge – Scientists took 8-16 cell embryos and separated all the cells.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Then they took unfertilized eggs and enucleated it and fused these cells into it.
 All started growing with identical genetic makeup.

 But cloning of embryos cannot be called a perfect cloning. Here also, like in naturally conceived offsprings
we are unsure of the genetic make up of the clones.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT
Dr Ian Wilmut of Roslin Institute UK.

 He used nuclear transfer technology.
 He arrested the cell-cycle by starving it of a vital nutrient – calf-serum.
 In this state-cell was alive but no multiplication.

Process
1. An egg was taken from a Scottish – Black Face Ewe and enucleated it.
2. An udder cell was taken from a 1year old Finn-Dorset Ewe and was grown in a calf-serum-less culture
medium.
3. Udder cell was fused into enucleated egg.
4. 277 embryos were created like that.
5. Only 29 developed into a 32 –cell stage in a cultured medium.
6. These embryos were implanted into the womb of surrogate mothers.
7. Only Dolly was born. The rest died or aborted due to development of abnormality.
Repercussions
 Opened the possibility of Human Cloning.

 Same hue & cry raised after the invention of Nuclear Bomb.
Advantages
1. To clone animals that can produce pharmacologically useful proteins such as clotting factors.
2. To make animals with human disease and then test therapies.
3. To make superior animals of uniform quality in large numbers. Eg: diary industry
4. Childless couple – baby.

5. Organ transplant – no question of rejection.
6. Xenotransplantation.
Disadvantages
1. Propagation of few species-less genetic diversity – a single disease may eliminate the entire spectrum.
2. Dolly-what’s the relation with Black face ewe?
3. In Human Cloning even if same genetic characteristics – Social factor- man is a social animal.
4. Man-woman relationship may change – a female can have her own clone, but for a man.........
5. Dictators LikeHitler etc.
Cloning milestones since Dolly, the sheep

The claim by Dr. Panos Zavos that he has implanted a cloned embryo into a woman’s womb is just the latest in
a series of developments in research into human cloning

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 1997: Dolly, the sheep, and the big breakthrough - the first successful mammal clone from an ordinary
adult cell.
 April 2001: Dr.Antinori reportedly said that a woman he was treating was pregnant with a cloned embryo.
It was later denied.
 February 2003: Dolly the sheep is put down after a veterinary examination showed she had a progressive
lung disease.
 September 2003: Dr.PanosZavos claims to have created the world’s first cloned human embryo. He
announced plans to implant the human embryo in a surrogate mother later in the year.
 October 2003: scientists in China claimed they had created twins which effectively had two “genetic
mothers” and one father, but the experiment did not create any live babies. One expert called the
experiment “proof of principle” for human cloning, but others disagreed. The work was not aimed at
producing genetic copies of humans.
 January 2004: Dr.Zavos announces a 35-year-old woman is hoping to give birth to the world’s first cloned
baby.
 February 2004: Korean and US scientists claim human cloning breakthrough - Woo Suk Hwany of Soeul
National University in Korea announced in February 2004 that he had successfully cloned healthy human
embryos, removed embryonic stem cells and grown them in mice. Just a couple of weeks earlier,
DrPanosZavos made another of his frequent cloning announcements about attempts he and others are
making to produce healthy cloned babies. The Korean and US teams are using human cloning technology
to try to create stem cell lines which can be used to study disease.
HUMAN CLONING
Controversial doctor Panos Zavos has claimed he has implanted a cloned embryo into a woman’s womb.
Dr. Zavos’s claim
 Dr. Zavos says he has not only created a cloned human embryo, but he has implanted it into the womb of
a 35-year-old woman.
 He says he got the embryo by using the nuclear transfer process - using the woman’s own immature egg,
and DNA from a skin cell from her husband.
 He then implanted it into the woman’s womb.
 This claim proved to be wrong later on.
Why cloning?
 Dr. Zavos and others say reproductive human cloning gives infertile couples the chance of having a baby.
 Other scientists have been looking at animal and plant cloning for a variety of different reasons - such as
recreating an animal with a resistance to disease that natural breeding may not produce.
 Therapeutic cloning - which creates cells, not entire beings - can create perfect-match tissue which could
be used to treat patients with diseases such as leukaemia.
Objections
 They say that the quest to create a human clone will cause a trail of failures and human suffering.
 The vast majority of experiments in animal clones have gone very badly.
 In most of them, the clone has died and in almost all of them the lives of the mother and clone have been
put at risk.
 Dolly the sheep, the first mammal clone, was the one success in 247 pregnancies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 The problem has often been that the clone grows abnormally large, often threatening to tear the womb
that can also become swollen with fluid. Almost all clone pregnancies spontaneously abort.
 Of the small number (a matter of just a few percent) of animal clones that make it to term, most have
severe abnormalities: malfunctioning livers, abnormal blood vessels and heart problems, underdeveloped
lungs, diabetes, immune system deficiencies and possibly hidden genetic defects. Several cow clones had
head deformities - none survived very long.
 Recent attempts in America to clone monkeys failed, leading some scientists to suggest that the biological
make-up of primates, including humans, makes cloning them almost impossible.
 We know very little about the long-term health of clones. There is some evidence that they may not live as
long as conventional humans and may have health problems. Studies are ongoing.
STEM CELLS
Stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells. First, they are
unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division. The second is that under
certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become cells with special functions
such as the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
Scientists primarily work with two kinds of stem cells from animals and humans: embryonic stem cells and
adult stem cells, which have different functions and characteristics. Scientists discovered ways to obtain or
derive stem cells from early mouse embryos more than 20 years ago. Many years of detailed study of the
biology of mouse stem cells led to the discovery, in 1998, of how to isolate stem cells from human embryos
and grow the cells in the laboratory. These are called human embryonic stem cells. The embryos used in these
studies were created for infertility purposes through in vitro fertilization procedures and when they were no
longer needed for that purpose, they were donated for research with the informed consent of the donor.
Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. In the 3- to 5-day-old embryo, called a
blastocyst, stem cells in developing tissues give rise to the multiple specialized cell types that make up the
heart, lung, skin, and other tissues. In some adult tissues, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, discrete
populations of adult stem cells generate replacements for cells that are lost through normal wear and tear,
injury, or disease.
It has been hypothesized by scientists that stem cells may, at some point in the future, become the basis for
treating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?
Human embryonic and adult stem cells each have advantages and disadvantages regarding potential use for
cell-based regenerative therapies. Of course, adult and embryonic stem cells differ in the number and type of
differentiated cells types they can become. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body
because they are pluripotent. Adult stem cells are generally limited to differentiating into different cell types
of their tissue of origin. However, some evidence suggests that adult stem cell plasticity may exist, increasing
the number of cell types a given adult stem cell can become.
Large numbers of embryonic stem cells can be relatively easily grown in culture, while adult stem cells are
rare in mature tissues and methods for expanding their numbers in cell culture have not yet been worked out.
This is an important distinction, as large numbers of cells are needed for stem cell replacement therapies.
A potential advantage of using stem cells from an adult is that the patient’s own cells could be expanded in
culture and then reintroduced into the patient. The use of the patient’s own adult stem cells would mean that
the cells would not be rejected by the immune system. This represents a significant advantage as immune
rejection is a difficult problem that can only be circumvented with immunosuppressive drugs.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Embryonic stem cells from a donor introduced into a patient could cause transplant rejection. However,
whether the recipient would reject donor embryonic stem cells has not been determined in human
experiments.
What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these
potential uses will be realized?
There are many ways in which human stem cells can be used in basic research and in clinical research.
However, there are many technical hurdles between the promise of stem cells and the realization of these
uses, which will only be overcome by continued intensive stem cell research.
Studies of human embryonic stem cells may yield information about the complex events that occur during
human development. A primary goal of this work is to identify how undifferentiated stem cells become
differentiated. Scientists know that turning genes on and off is central to this process. Some of the most
serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are due to abnormal cell division and
differentiation. A better understanding of the genetic and molecular controls of these processes may yield
information about how such diseases arise and suggest new strategies for therapy. A significant hurdle to this
use and most uses of stem cells is that scientists do not yet fully understand the signals that turn specific
genes on and off to influence the differentiation of the stem cell.
Human stem cells could also be used to test new drugs. For example, new medications could be tested for
safety on differentiated cells generated from human pluripotent cell lines.
Perhaps the most important potential application of human stem cells is the generation of cells and tissues
that could be used for cell-based therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace
ailing or destroyed tissue, but the need for transplantable tissues and organs far outweighs the available
supply. Stem cells, directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the possibility of a renewable source
of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, spinal cord
injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Stem Cells research in India
In India, Reliance Life Sciences (RLS), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, is not far behind NIH
identified portfolio. Last August the NIH identified RLS as one of the 14 institutes in the world whose stem cell
lines met with US criteria to avail US federal funding. While it is currently stabilising the embryonic stem cells it
has developed, it hopes to enter human clinical trials in 2-3 years. RLS is also setting up India’s first stem cell
enriched chord blood repository to harness stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The repository will work like
a vote bank, where anybody can buy the stem cells based on needs and specifications.
Incidentally, RLS is not the only institute in India to have reached this far. With a tally of three approved stem
cell lines, Bangalore based National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), has also been identified by NIH as
promising and eligible for funds. Research and application is also in progress at the LV Prasad Eye Institute.
Here stem cells have been transplanted in the eyes of 70 patients in extreme cases of severe burns and
exposure to industrial chemicals. The institute has been able to restore the vision in 70% of the cases. It is
good to see, for a change, India is keeping pace with the international progress made in the stem cell
research.
PATENT
 A Patent is an exclusive monopoly granted by the Government to an inventor over his invention for
limited period of time.
Who can obtain a Patent?
 An inventor or any other person/company assigned by the inventor can obtain the patent over his
invention.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
How a patent is obtained/filed?

 A patent is obtained by the inventor or his assignee by filing an application with the patent office in the
stipulated forms as required by the Patent act of that country.
Why one should go for a patent?
 To enjoy the exclusive rights over the invention. If the inventor does not get the patent rights over his
invention and introduce his product/process based on his invention in the market, anybody can copy his
invention and exploits it commercially. To debar others from using, selling or working out his invention,
the inventor must go for getting a patent.
Why does the Government encourage filing of patents?
 To encourage innovation and investment in the research and development activities so that there is
economic, industrial and technological development in the country.
How does a patent document help in R&D?
 Study of a Patent document may stop re-inventing the wheel. A scientist, who has not consulted the
patent literature, may start working on a problem for which the solution might have already been found
by someone else and it is available in the patent literature.
Which invention qualifies for the grant of a patent?

 A patent is granted only on that invention, which is new, non-obvious and has industrial applicability.
Upto what extent the inventor has to disclose his invention to get a patent?
 An inventor has to disclose his invention in such a manner that any person, other than the inventor,
skilled in the art should be able to work out the invention.
How does a patent get expire?
A patent can expire in the following ways:
1. The patent has lived its full term i.e. the term specified by the patent act of the country. Generally it is 20
years from the date of filing.
2. The patentee has failed to pay the renewal fee. A patent once granted by the Government has to be
maintained by paying annual renewal fee.
3. The validity of the patent has been successfully challenged by an opponent by filing an opposition either
with the patent office or with the courts.
What is the different between a US patent and an Indian Patent?
 A US patent is granted by the United State Patent Office to an inventor, who has filed his application with
it, whereas an Indian Patent is granted by the Indian Patent Office to an inventor, who has filed his
application with Indian Patent office.
 A patent granted by a patent office is applicable within the geographical boundaries of that country only.
 A US Patent is applicable within USA only and has no effect in India, if the same inventor of the US patent
has not filed his application in India for the patent grant.
 Is there an International/Global patent?

 No. There is no International or Global Patent. An inventor has to file an application in each country,
where he seeks to protect his invention.
 There are regional and/or International treaties to facilitate the procedure to seek protection like Patent
co-operation Treaty (PCT) or European Patent Convention (EPC).
Who checks the novelty features of the invention?
 A patent examiner checks the novelty features of the patent application with the state of the art available.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Can a scientist get a patent on the invention, which he has already published in the form a paper in a
national/International journal?
 No. A patent is not granted to an invention if it is already available with the public either in the form of
published literature of common knowledge.
Who is responsible to ensure that the patent has not been infringed?
 It is the sole duty/responsibility of the patentee to see that his patent is not being infringed upon by
someone else. It is the patentee’s duty to file a suit of infringement against the ingringer.
Does a Patentee get money once a patent has been granted to him?
 No. A patentee does not get any kind of money over the grant of the patent.
 However, when a patentee sells his patented invention to a third party, he gets money. The patentee has
all the rights to sell his invention exclusively and/or non-exclusively to any person/party or he may choose
to sell his invention for a royality.
 The granting authority will not give any money to the patentee.
 Rather the inventor has to spend lot of money to get the patent rights over his invention and also to
spend lot of money to maintain his patent.
What does a patent application contain?
A patent application has the following information:
1. Bibliographic: It is in structure format. It contains the title of the invention, date of filing, country of filing,
inventor’s name etc.
2. Background of the invention or State of the art: In this the inventor lists the state of the art available on
the date of filing his invention.
Here the inventor lists the shortcomings/drawbacks found in the state of the art and defines his problem.
3. Description of the invention: In this the inventor describes his invention duly supported by a series of
workable examples alongwith diagrams/charts, if needed. The invention has to be described in complete
details, so that any person, who is skilled in the art can work out the invention.
4. Claims:In the last, the inventor has to bring out a series of claims establishing his rights over the state of
the art. It is this portion, upon which the protection is granted and not on the description of the invention.
This has to be carefully drafted.
Who should draft the patent application?
 Though the inventor himself can draft the application, it is desirable that a patent attorney should be
hired to do this job. A look on the closely related patent applications already filed/granted, will render
help to a great extent.
Intellectual Property Rights Biosafety and Bioproducts

1. The Department has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting scientists to file patents for
protecting inventions in biotechnology.
2. Biosafety guidelines in r-DNA research are strictly followed through Institutional Biosafety Committee,
RCGM and GEAC mechanisms.
3. During the year, nine patent applications were filed in India and two applications were filed for patent
protection in foreign counties, and two US patents and one Indian Patent were granted on the inventions
made by Indian investigators.
4. Besides, the National Institute of Immunology has been granted two foreign patents and has applied for
five foreign and four Indian patents.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
5. A separate “Patent Facilitating Cell” has been established. On National Technology Day - 11 May 1999 - the
technologies were formally announced for LEPROVAC and HIV kits.
NEEM & ITS POTENTIALITIES
Azadirachta indica
Uses
 Its leaves act as counteracts in many disease of bladder, kidneys, night blindness and purifies blood
impurities.
 Neem oil remarkably effective in controlling ring worm itches, destroys parasites and makes skin healthy.
 It serves as antifertility drug.
Neem as insecticides
 Storage period of wheat, sorghum, maize, peas etc can be increased to one year with 1-2% addition of
neem powder by acting against storage pests.
 Chopped leaves – reduce root knot of tomato.
 Neem cakes: protection to tobacco transplants from ground beetle damage.

 Bioactivity of Neem products can control more than 300-insect species.
 Neem pesticides are systemic– enter tissues and destroy therefore they don’t induce resurgence in the
next generation.
Manure
 300 kg of N2 (Urea) + 140 kg of neem cake / hectare
 yield increase by 2.2 tonnes in Sugarcane
 neem contains N2 , Phosphorous, Potash etc.
 can be used as Animal Feed – especially for sheep & poultry feed.
 Can be used in Tanneries.
Neem Research in India
 Done by IIS Bangalore, IARI – New Delhi, Central Tobacco Research Institute Rajmundari.
Controversy Regarding Neem Patenting
 Ms WG Grace and Company was awarded patent for the process, developed to stabilize the active
ingredient ‘azadorichtin’, as Neem was not patented.
PLANT TISSUE CULTURE
It is a technique of growing tissues or cells of multicellular organisms in an artificial environment.

Tissue culture is the process whereby small pieces of living plant tissues, (Explants) are isolated from a plant
and grown on a semi defined or defined nutrient medium in controlled environmental conditions. Explants
can include from large seedlings to small single cells and protoplasts.
Benefits
It has vast potential in
1. Clonal propagation in a mass scale especially ornamental and horticulture plant.
2. Obtaining disease free plant material.
3. Producing biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical industry.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
4. Genetic engineering in which foreign genetic materials are introduced to make tailor-made individuals.
5. Producing crops which can withstand high salinity aridity and other inhospitable conditions.
6. Conservation of endangered plant species and preserving by cryopreservation (freeze dry method)
Clonal propagation
Multiplying trees /crops of a hybrid variety or an endangered species on a mass scale with in a short span of
time using tissue culture.
Freeze-dry preservation
In India – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource (NBPGR)- ICAR is the prime organisation.
Scientists develop oxalic acid-free tomatoes
After creating protein-rich potato, Indian scientists have succeeded in producing tomatoes which are free of
oxalic acid, a compound that causes kidney stones. The tomato was produced by incorporating a gene from
an edible mushroom into the plant by scientist of the Delhi’s National Centre for Plant Genome Research
(NCPGR), Dr Shubra Chakrabarty, who led the research.
The center has patented the mushroom gene and also plans to use the same technology to create ‘kesari’ dal
which will be free of neurotoxin that causes nervous system disease in people who consume this dal.
The team isolated a gene ‘Oxalate Decarboxylase’ from edible mushroom and transferred it to tomatoes,
leading to production of oxalic acid free plants.
Rice variety growing in saline conditions developed
In a breakthrough, scientists at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation created a new rice variety, which
could be grown in saline conditions. The development assumes significance in the context of assessments by
international agencies such as the United Nations Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change that because
of global warming, sea water level could rise and inundate low lying areas along coastal areas.
The new rice variety had been created by incorporating genes isolated from some plant species obtained from
a mangrove in Tamil Nadu into an existing rice strain.
The Foundation had launched a programme to develop crops tolerant to saline conditions so that India would
be ready with alternatives when the predictions of climate change experts came true.
Bio indicators or Ecological Indicators
Microbes, plants, animals, cell-organelles, organs, individual populations and biotic communities and
ecosystems show different levels of sensitivity and can be successfully used to assess and predict
environmental change in a timely manner are called as Bio indicator or Ecological indicators. e.g.
1. Indicators of potential productivity of land:
Forest are good indicators of land productivity. Quercus is comparatively poor on lowland or sterile sandy
soil than the normal soil.
2. Indicators of agriculture:
Native vegetation of a particular region is the safe criterion of agricultural possibilities.
Thus, plants growing under natural conditions provide information on capabilities of land for crop growth
than those obtained through meteorological data or soil analysis.
3. Indicators of climate
Plant communities characteristic of a particular area/region provide information on the climate of that
area.
For instance – evergreen forest indicate high rainfall in winter as well as in summer.
Sclerophyllous vegetation indicate heavy rainfall in winter and low during summer.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Grasslands indicate heavy rains during summer and low during winter.
4. Indicators of soil type

Psoralea – indicate sandy loam type soil
Andropogon – indicate sandy soil
Rumex acetosella – indicates an acid grassland soil
Spermacocestricta – indicates iron rich soil

5. Indicators of fires
Epibolium spicatum
Pinumcontorta
Populustermuloides
Agrostishiemalis
6. Indicators of petroleum deposits

Fusilinds (a protozoan) indicate petroleum deposits.
7. Indicators of pollution
Utricularia, Chara, Wolfiaetc plants prefer to grow in polluted water and are good indicators.
E. coli (Colon bacteria) also indicate polluted water (measured as colilitre).
Diatoms – indicate pollution by sewage.
Movement of fishes – CatlaCatla, Labeogoniu, L. bata, L. rohita and Natopterusnatopterus away from
water indicates industrial pollution of water.
BIOFUELS
Biologically produced fuels are called biofuels.

Often biologically generated.
Fuels Called
Hydrogen Biohydrogen
Methane Biomethane (mixture of CH4 + CO2)

Ethanol Bioethanol
Butanol Biobutanol
Diesel Biodiesel
BIOMASS
 It is total cellular dry weight or organic material produced by an organism (from CO2 and sunlight).
BIOFILTER
 Devices consist of either a solid support or a two phase (gas/liquid) system and appropriate micro-
organisms to convert gaseous wastes into non-hazardous compounds.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
 Production of spare parts for man, implants, artificial limbs, machines for artificial respiration (lung),
circulation (heart), etc.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOINFORMATICS
What is it?
It means the use of computer technology to solve biological problems on the molecular level. It involves
creation and advancement of algorithms. Computational and statistical technique theory to solve problems
related to analysis and management of huge biological data.
Why is it needed?
The greatest challenge molecular biology community is facing today is to make sense of the wealth of data
that has been produced by the genome sequencing projects for e.g. Human Genome Project has determined
the sequence of entire human genome i.e. approximate 3 billion base pairs. Thus, sequence generation and
its subsequent storage, interpretation and analysis are entirely computer dependent tasks.
How is it done?
Bioinformatics tools are software programmes that are designed to extract the meaningful information from
the mass of data e.g. BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) is an algorithm for computing biological
sequences.
Research applications
Application of BI
Real world applications
Research application
1. Genome sequence analysis
2. To trace evolution of organisms by meaning DNA changes
3. Measuring biodiversity
4. Analysis of gene expression and regulation
5. Analysis of protein expression
6. Analysis of mutations in cancers
BIOREMEDIATION
What is it?
‘Remediate’ means to solve a problem and ‘bio-remediate’ means to use biological organisms to solve an
environmental problem such as contaminated soil or ground water. These biological organisms can be
bacteria, fungi and green plants e.g. clean-up of oil spills by addition of bacteria.
How does it work?
In a non-polluted environment, microorganisms are constantly at work breaking down organic matter. When
an organic pollutant such as oil contaminates this environment, some of the microorganisms would die. While
others capable of eating the organic pollution would survive. Bioremediation works by providing these
pollution-eating organisms with fertilizer, oxygen and other conditions that encourage their rapid growth.
These organisms would then be able to break down the organic pollutant at a correspondingly faster rate.
Bioremediation of a contaminated site-
1. Enhance growth of indigenous pollution eating bacteria by addition of fertilizers
2. Addition of specialized exogenous microbe

BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOSENSORS
What is it?
Sensor means a device to detect a chemical in a system. A biosensor is a device in which a biological element
is used to sense chemicals in a system. This biological element can be enzyme, antibody, tissue, micro-
organism, organelles, nucleic acid etc. This biological element of biosensor is connected to a physical
transducer. When biological element of biosensor reacts with the chemical to be detected, the transducers
converts this reaction into an electrical signal. This signal is proportional to the amount of chemical being
sensed and detected by the detector element. Thus, biosensor combines the sensitivity and specificity of
biological systems with the computational abilities of microprocessors. The chemical which is to be detected is
known as analyte.
The most widespread example of a commercial biosensor is the blood glucose biosensor, which uses an
enzyme to breakdown glucose. In doing so it transfers an electron to an electrode and this helps to measure
the blood glucose concentration.
Types of biosensors
Biosensors may be of different types, depending upon the type of transducer, biological component or
immobilization techniques used.
Applications
1. Medical uses
 Diagnosis of medical disorders e.g. diabetics, kidney disorders, and liver disorders
 Detection of genetic disorders
 Detection of pathogens in body
2. Environmental monitoring
 To detect pesticides and pollutants in air water
 To detect toxic materials in industrial effluents
 Remote sensing of airborne bacteria e.g. in counter bioterrorist activities
 Determining levels of toxic substances before after bioremediation
3. Food analysis
 Detection of infections agents in food
 Lactose estimation in milk and milk products
PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS
Traditionally we view bacteria as being ‘bad’ but in reality there are only a few bacteria which cause diseases
and most are harmless and contribute to well-being. A large number of ‘good’ bacteria live naturally in our
intestines known as gut microflora and help our digestive system to work efficiently e.g. Bifidobacterium,
Lactobacillus acidephilus. (It is the bacteria responsible for curd formation). These ‘good’ bacteria fight with
the ‘bad’ disease-causing bacteria and do not let them establish in our digestive system.
What are Probiotics?
It is defined as a preparation of product containing living ‘friendly bacteria’ in sufficient numbers which when
taken exerts a positive effect on our health. They are opposite to antibiotics. It may be in the form of yoghurt,
powders, pills or drinks e.g. bacteria, lactiflora and PROB-P sachets and capsules are available in the market.
Research has shown that these preparations strengthen our immune system and increase our ability to fight
diseases.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
What are Prebiotis?

Prebiotics can be defined as nutrients and food constituents, upon which our gut flora feed on thus increasing
their numbers. It includes fructo-oligosaccharides which are naturally found in many fruits, pulses and some
cereals. The effect of a probiotic may be enhanced by having a prebiotic as the support medium therefore
they have also been incorporated into food supplements e.g. PROB-P capsules/sachets contain both
probiotics and prebiotics.
Why are they needed?
With food processing, pollution and antibiotic therapy, the number of bacteria naturally living in our gut are
reduced and harmful bacteria take their place causing various digestive disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics
help to increase the population of normal gut microflora and thus to decrease the number of disease causing
bacteria.
ANTIOXIDANTS
What are these?

These are the substances that reduce, neutralize and prevent the damage done to the body by free radicals.
Free radicals are simply electrons that are no longer attached to atoms. Instead of circling the nucleus of an
atom, (much like the earth circles the sun) free radicals are both free and radical enough to keep wandering
through our cells, inflicting damage as they go.
What causes free radicals to be formed?
A process called oxidation creates free radicals and this process occurs during normal metabolic processes
and our everyday exposure to our environment. In other words, eating, breathing and going out in the sun all
contribute to free radical formation and the resulting damage that is caused to our bodies e.g. deterioration
of bone, joints and connective tissue, the wearing out of organs, decline of the immune system and the visible
effects of ageing.
What is the importance of antioxidants?
By minimizing and neutralizing the activity of free radicals, antioxidants allow us to live longer and healthier
lives, look and feel better and reduce the risk of certain diseases e.g. heart diseases, cancer and other age
related diseases. Recently, research has shown that boosting the body’s level of natural antioxidants could be
the key to a long life.
Examples of antioxidants
Various substances belonging to different nutrient categories act as antioxidants.
1. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E(Tocopherol)
2. Mineral – Selenium
3. Amino acid – Methionine
4. Hormone - Melatonin
5. Vegetable – Garlic
6. Green Tea
HYDROPONICS
What is it?
It can be defined as ‘cultivation of plants without soil’. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants indoors
without using soil. Instead of soil, plants are grown in chemical nutrient solution and supported by porous

BIOTECHNOLOGY
materials e.g. peat moss (eg. growing money plants in a water bottle in our homes). Most commonly grown
hydroponics products are tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, cucumber and pepper.
What is its importance?

Hydroponics has been recognized as the best method for producing highest amount of food in the smallest
space. A commercial hydroponics operator uses about 5% of water and a fraction of land needed to produce
an equivalent amount of produce in the traditional agriculture. Thus it can help the farmers who lack good
water supply or fertile farmland. In addition, home growers have used hydroponics to grow plants in smaller
spaces such as over traditional agriculture.
Advantages:
1. Properly grown hydroponics plants are healthier and more vigorous because all of the necessary growth
elements are readily available. Therefore they mature faster, leading to an earlier and better harvest of
crops.
2. Since a sterile nutrient medium is used there are no weeds to remove and soil-borne pests and diseases
are almost eliminated thus fewer pesticides are needed.
3. Cultivating plants without soil eliminates the need for vast farmland and allows crops to be produced in
greenhouse or even in desert sands.
4. Water is reused in hydroponics and less is lost through evaporation and run-off. All this leads to very less
water demand.
Disadvantages:
1. Greater technical knowledge is required.
2. Expensive equipments are required as most hydroponics crops are grown in greenhouses.
More frequent maintenance of crops is required in hydroponics.
LOW CALORIE SWEETENERS
What are low-calorie Sweeteners?

Low-calorie sweeteners provide a sweet taste without calories, or with very few calories. These are also called
‘non-nutritive sweeteners’, ‘high intensity sweeteners’ or ‘alternative sweeteners’. Most low-calorie sweeteners
are not digested/metabolized by the body therefore provide no calories. An exception is aspartame, which is
metabolized naturally. But since aspartame is around 200 time sweeter than sucrose, only a tiny amount of
aspartame is needed to equal the sweetness of a teaspoon of sugar.
Examples of low-calorie sweeteners
The first low-calorie sweetener, saccharin, was discovered in 1878. And since then, a number of other low-
calorie sweeteners including aspartame, acesultame-K, sucralose, aspartame-acesultame salt have been
produced and used around the world. Aspartame is available in Indian markets under the brand name ‘Sugar
Free Natura”. But all these are artificial products that may have severe long term side effects which are not
known today.
Naturally occurring sweet proteins and taste-modifying proteins are being seen as potential replacements for
currently available artificial low calorie sweetener. Stevia is an example of natural zero calorie sweetener.
Stevia is a plant that originated in the rainforests of Paraguay. It is upto 300 times sweeter than sugar, does
not impact blood sugar and has zero calories. This plant has been used for over 1,500 years by the Guarini
Indians of Paraguay. Now, its production has started catching up in India.
BOTOX

BIOTECHNOLOGY
What is Botox?
1. Botox is the brand name for cosmetic form of Botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium
botulinum.
2. Botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in the world. Though it is
highly toxic, it is used in minute doses as a cosmetic treatment and to treat painful muscle spasms.
3. In India and worldwide. Botox is a registered product by pharmaceutical company Allergen.
4. Botox is the first product of its type to be approved by US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in1989,
to be used for therapeutic purposes (i.e. for treatment of painful muscle spasms) and in 2002 to be used
for cosmetic purpose.
How does Botox work?

Botox is infected into the skin with the help of an injection by a trained doctor. The toxin blocks the nerve
impulse temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for causing wrinkle therefore giving the skin a
smoother and younger look. It is usually used to eliminate frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the
eyes and thick bands in the neck. But it is a temporary procedure effect lasts for around 3-4 months.
Botox injections are the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the industry. It is regarded by some as the
ultimate fountain of youth.
STEROIDS
What are Steroids?

Steroids are the synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone not only
brings out male sexual traits, but also causes muscles to grow. The scientific name for this class of drugs is
anabolic androgenic steroids. Anabolic refers to muscle-building. Androgenic refers to increased male
characteristics. Most commonly used anabolic steroids are anadrol, oxandrin, dianabol, winstrol, and deca-
durabolin.
What are its uses?
Steroids are available legally only by prescription, to treat condition that result from low amounts of
testosterone such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence.
Today, steroid are used illegally (without prescription by doctor) by athletes and teenagers to enhance
performance and also to improve physical appearance.The abuse of steroids can lead to serious health
problems, some irreversible. In sports use of performance enhancing drugs such as steroids is known as
doping.
A few recent doping incidences-

1. Less than a week after 2006 Tour de France, it was revealed that the winner Floyd Landis has tested
positive for steroids. Decision to strip him of the title is currently pending.
2. Recently ShoaibAkhtar and Mohammad Asif, two Pakistani cricketers were found guilty of illegal use of
steroid nandrolene in Jaipur. This drug has been officially banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)
since 1999.
BIO-PESTICIDES
These are cultured micro-organisms or organic products that biologically control or destroy the pests that
cause damage to plants.
Advantage
 Non-chemical method

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Rely on natural enemies of pests
 Kills or cripple only targeted pests

 No harm to non-targeted organism and the environment.
Disadvantages of Chemical Pesticides
Indiscriminate use can lead to several environment and health problems eg: Cotton farmers of AP.
1. Development of resistance by insects to insecticides.

2. Elimination of a host of friendly insects honey bees, pollinators, Nitrogen fixing bacteria etc.
3. Accumulation of pesticide residue in the food, fodder & feed cause health hazards.
4. In the absence of natural enemies certain pests grow with renewed vigor eg: Snakes killed by pesticides
but rodents will increase.
Examples of Bio Pesticides
1. Bacillus spaerecus – Kills Mosquito vectors
2. Bacillus popilline – Japanese Beetle
3. Granulosis virus – Control hornivorms in Cassava plants.
Steps by GoI
 Department of Biotech established a network of 7 centres throughout the country eg: Bangalore,
Coimbatore, Hissar etc.
Objectives
 Developing bio-control agents for large scale application in farmers field with special emphasis on cotton,
rice, vegetables.
Achievements
 Technology for mass production of biocontrol agents like baculovirus, parasites, fungi, bacteria etc, for
economically important crops have been transferred to industries.
 55,000 hectares, under various crops have been covered already.
BIO-FERTILIZERS
 Cultured micro-organisms which enrich the soil with nutrients.

 It can be certain strains of bacteria, algae or fungi.
Various Types
 Rhizobium, blue-green Algae – help fixing atmospheric nitrogen into soil.
 Bacillus Spaerecus helps providing phosphates into plants.
 Thiobacillus – for sulphates.

Advantages of Bio-Fertilizers
 Don’t cause any pollution in environment
 Don’t destroy other micro-organisms in soil

 Don’t turn soil acidic or alkaline
 Don’t contribute to soil erosion by breaking of soil structure
 These are renewable and cost effective in long run.
Limitations

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Biofertilizers are not developed to a stage, where it can be mass produced.
 Can be an alternative to chemical fertilizers not replacement.

 Is limited to certain crops under specific soil conditions.
Suitability
 Rhizobium suitable in legume oil seeds such as groundnuts etc
 Blue-Green Algae- in wetland rice cultivation

Step ByGoI
 A national project for development and use of BF with HQ at Ghaziabad UP.
 It has regional centres at Hissar, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal etc.

Achievements
 Several strains of Blue Green Algae have already been identified.
 Field trials revealed that paddy yield increased by 3 to 27 percentage when BFs used along with chemical
Fertilizers.
 Rhizobium strains specific for chick-pea, rajmah, mungbean, soyabeanetc are under production.
 National facility for Blue Green Algae at IARI has developed an inexpensive algae biofertilizer technology
for rice.
 Biotech Consortiums India Ltd. New Delhi is marketing the technology for B-G Algae and Rhizobium for
commercial utilization.
Bioprospecting
 It implies using the genetic diversity in the Ecosystems of the earth for producing new drugs and new
crops.
 But of late this has become reckless, unscrupulous hunt for plant and animal genes in developing
countries for new products and steal that out of the country.
Bioprospecting in India
1. India is a mega diversity centre and has enormous biological wealth with two hot spots in the north-east
Himalayas and south-western Ghats.
2. Accordingly, a multi-institutional collaborative programme has been evolved for characterisation,
inventorisation and conservation of the bio-diversity of different eco-geographical regions and
prospecting of genes and bio-molecules.
3. The programme initiated in October 1997 involves nine major and four collaborating institutions.
4. The Department of Space has been very closely associated to help in the remote sensing and satellite
imaging of the identified areas.
Medicinal and aromatic species
1. The efforts have been devoted in two directions: conservation of the genetic wealth and improvement of
medicinal plants/products through the intervention of biotechnology.
2. Three National Gene Banks (NGBs) have been established at Tropical Botanical Garden and Research
Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, and CIMAP,
Lucknow for the conservation of our rich germplasm wealth in respect of medicinal and aromatic species.
3. These are equipped with field banks, seed banks and in vitro/cryo-preservation facilities.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
4. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is the nodal agency for the establishment of a network of gene
banks among G-15 countries; it is also co-ordinating the work of Asian Region and is the over all co-
oridnator for the programme.
5. A study of the immunomodulatory agents from certain plants reputed in Ayurveda has resulted in the
isolation and purification of biologically active compounds from Piper longum and Curcuma longa with
distinct anti-bacterial activity.
BIO-PIRACY
 Though bioprospecting has the potential of putting earth’s bio-assets to human use, this can lead to
exploitation of poorer nations, who are rich in bio-assets but poor in resources and expertise to use them.
 Bioprospecting is being equated with a new form of imperialism practiced by multinational companies.
Why this happens?
 Rapid advances in biotechnology; hence gene manipulation has become easy.
 Most of the biodiversity is found in third world countries.

Implications
 There are instances when germplasms having been stolen from bio-rich countries and subsequent
patenting of products based on these genes for commercial gains.
CBD Vs Trips
The main battle is between 2 aspects
1. the right of communities over their bio assets as mentioned in convention of bio-diversity.
2. Safeguarding intellectual property based on achievements of S & T as mentioned in trade related
intellectual properties.
INTERFERON
What is it?
 It is a powerful anti-viral proteins made by cells against viral infection.

Functions
 It interferes with the ability of a virus to infect healthy cells.
 It affects the cellular membrane of the virus-so that it cannot spread to other cells.
 It control virus multiplication, by inhibiting their protein synthesis.
 Now interferon is produced outside the body with the help of genetic engineering.
MEOR
 Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery.

 Latest and most effective method of extraction of crude oil from oil wells.
 The viscosity of crude oil makes it sticky to rocks.
 Nearly 2/3rd oil is left in the well as unrecovered.
Genetically engineered bacteria which acts as surfactants (surface acting substances) to remove the viscosity
of oil.
 Thus oil recovery increases to 60%.
 Action of bacteria similar to detergents.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
TRAITOR DNA
It is an unstable DNA that may be present in Human Genome which has a property of enlarging itself.
 It can result in diseases like Huntington’s Disease, Fragile-X- Syndrome etc.
 Cure- Gene Therapy.
SWEET BUGS
 It is a bacterium that turns coconut water into delicious confectionery and also produces vinegar from it.
 Bacteria – acetobactorspoxylinum.
 Confectionery–Name–Nata–de-Coco–exported by Philippines and Malaysia.
Process
 Bacteria are used to turn coconut water into gel by a process somewhat similar to curd making. These
confectionery – known as Bio-Sweets can be produced from other fruits like orange, pineapple, mango,
banana etc.
BTISNET
 Biotechnology Information System Network.

 It provides bioinformatics, and biocomputing services to the Researchers engaged in biology and bio
technology R&D and manufacturing activities.
 Consists of 10 Distributed Information Centre and 38 Distributed Information Subcentres spread across
the country at various University R & D Centres.
BIOSENSORS
 It is an analytical device which employs a biological material to specifically interact with an analyte; this
interaction produces some detectable physical change, which is measured and converted into an
electrical signal by a transducer.
 Finally the electrical signal is amplified, interpreted and displayed as analyte concentration in the solution
or preparation.
Types of Biosensors
1. Catalytic Biosensors
2. Affinity Biosensors
ENZYME ENGINEERING
 Improvement in the activity and usefulness of an existing enzyme or creation of new enzyme activity by
making suitable changes in its amino acid sequence is called Enzyme Engineering.
 When this is done for non-enzymatic proteins including enzymatic proteins it is called as Protein
Engineering.
Enzyme Reactors
 A vessel employed to carry out the desired conversion using an enzyme is called as Enzyme Reactors.
Abzymes
 Ab – (Antibodies) + Zymes – (Enzymes)
 Abzymes are antibodies that catalyze specific chemical reactions i.e. functions as enzymes.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Called- “Catalytic Antibodies”.
Bioherbicides
Organism which are used as a “biocontrol” agent to check to growth of weeds are called as Bioherbicides.
Fungal pathogens are potential biocontrol agents for weed control in view of their host specificity.
BIOINSECTICIDES VS BIOPESTICIDES
Micro-organisms used for “Insect Control” are often called Bioinsecticides, while the term biopesticides is used
for all “Biocontrol agents”.
BIOTRANSFORMATION
When an organic compound is modified by simple chemically defined reactions, catalyzed by enzymes present
in cells, into a product that is recoverable, it is called Biotransformation.
BIOREACTORS
A bioreactor is a device in which a substrate (substance on which enzyme acts) of low value is utilized by living
cells or enzymes to generate a product of higher value.
Glossary
 Gene: smallest hereditary unit found in DNA molecule. Genes give coded information/instructions to the
cells on how to manufacture proteins that are necessary for the cell for its functioning, repair, defense,
division and multiplication. The making of proteins by the cell from this code is called gene expression.
 Gene Cloning: Isolation of gene and replication of a single copy of gene or DNA segment into on infinite
number of copies, all identical, is known as gene cloning.
 Genome: It may be defined as the complete genetic information carried by an individual or the range of
genes found in a given species. In human beings this corresponds to twenty-three pairs of chromosomes.
 Codon: Triplet of bases that codes for one of the amino acids used for protein synthesis in a living cell.
 Interferon: It is a powerful anti-viral protein made by cells against viral infection. Now, interferon’s are
produced outside the body with the help of genetic engineering.
 RNA Interference: a novel strategy adopted to prevent infestation of nematode Meloidegyneincognitia
roots of tobacco plants by a process called RNA interference.
 ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbant Assay
 ADA: Adenosine Deaminase is an enzyme which is crucial for the immune system to function.
 Translation is the third stage of protein biosynthesis. In translation, messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by
transcription is decoded by the ribosome to produce a specific amino acid chain, or polypeptide, that will
later fold into an active protein.
 Translation is the process of creating a complementary RNA copy of a sequence of DNA
 DNA replication is a biological process that occurs in all living organisms and copies their DNA; it is the
basis for biological inheritance. The process starts with one double-stranded DNA molecule and produces
two identical copies of the molecule. Each strand of the original double-stranded DNA molecule serves as
template for the production of the complementary strand, a process referred to as semi-conservative
replication.
 Reverse transcriptase, also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, is a DNA polymerase enzyme that
transcribes single-stranded RNA into single-stranded DNA it also is a DNA-depended DNA polymerase
which synthesizes a second strand of DNA complementary to the reverse-transcribed single-stranded
cDNA after degrading the original mRNA with its RNaseH activity.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 Intro: An Intron is any nucleotide sequence within a gene that is removed by RNA splicing while the final
mature RNA product of a gene is being generated. The term intron refers to both the DNA sequence
within a gene, and the corresponding sequence in RNA transcripts. Sequences that are joined together in
the final mature RNA after RNA splicing are exons. introns are found in the genes of most organisms and
many viruses, and can be located in a wide range of genes, including those that generate proteins,
ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA). When proteins are generated from intron-containing
genes, RNA splicing takes place as part of the RNA processing pathway that follows transcription and
precedes translation.
 Exon: An Exon is a nucleic acid sequence that is represented in the mature form of an RNA molecule
either after portions of a precursor RNA (introns) have been removed by cis-splicing or when two or more
precursor RNA molecules have been ligated by trans-splicing. The mature RNA molecule can be a mRNA
or a functional form of a non-coding RNA such as rRNA or tRNA. Depending on the context, exon can refer
to the sequence in the DNA or its RNA transcript.
 Splicing: In molecular biology and genetics, splicing is a modification of an RNA after trqnscription, in
which introns are removed and exons are joined. This is needed for the typical eukaryotic mRNA before it
can be used to produce a correct protein through translation.
 Pseudogenes: These are DNA sequences, related to known genes, that have lost their protein-coding
ability or are otherwise no longer expressed in the cell. Pseudogenes arise from retrotransposition or
genomic duplication of functional genes, and become “genomic fossils” that are nonfunctional due to
mutations that prevent the transcription of the gene, such as within the gene promoter region, or fatally
alter the translation of the gene, such as premature stop codons or frameshifts. Pseudogene resulting
from the retrotransposition of an RNA intermediate are known as processed pseudogenes; pseudogenes
that arise from the genomic remains of duplicated genes or residues of inactivated genes are
nonprocessedpseudogenes.
 Telomeres: These are regions of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome, which provide protection
from chromosomal deterioration during DNA replication.
 Noncoding DNA: in genetics, noncoding DNA describes components of an organism’s DNA sequences
that do not encode for protein sequences. In many eukaryotes, a large percentage of a organism’s total
genome size is noncoding DNA. Much of this DNA has no known biological function and is sometimes
referred to as “junk DNA”. However many types of noncoding DNA sequences do have known biological
function, including the transcriptional and translational regulation or protein-coding sequences.
 Selfish DNA: It refers to those sequences of DNA which in their purest form have two distinct properties:
(1) the DNA sequence spreads by forming additional copies of itself with the genome; and (2) it makes no
specific contribution to the reproductive success of its host organism.
 Non-coding RNA (ncRNA): It is a functional RNA molecule that is not translated into a protein. Non-
doding RNA genes include highly abundant and functionally important RNAs such as transfer RNA (tRNA)
and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), as well as RNAs such as snoRNAs, microRNAs, and the long ncRNAs. The
number of ncRNAs encoded within the human genome is unknown, however recent transcriptomic and
bioinformatic studies suggest the existence of thousands of ncRNAs. It is also known as non-protein-
coding RNA (npcRNA) or non-messenger RNA (nmRNA) or functional RNA (fRNA). The term small RNA
(sRNA) is often used for short bacterial ncRNAs. The DNA sequence from which a non-coding RNA is
transcribed is often called an RNA gene.
 DNA microarray: It is also known as gene chip, DNA chip or biochip. It is a collection of microscopic DNA
spots attached to a solid surface. Scientists use DNA microarrays to measure the expression levels of
large numbers of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome. Each DNA spot
contains picomoles (10–12 moles) of a specific DNA sequence, known as probes (or reporters). These can
be a short section of a gene or other DNA element that are used to hybridize a cDNA or cRNA sample
(called target) under high-stringency conditions.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
 DNA sequencing: It includes several methods and technologies that are used for determining the order
of the nucleotide bases-adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine-in a moiecule of DNA knowledge of DNA
sequences has become indispensable for basic biological research and discovery. The rapid speed of
sequencing attained with modern DNA sequencing technology has been instrumental in the sequencing
of the human genome, in the Human Genome Project.
 Gene Therapy: Altering DNA within cells in a living organism to treat or cure a disease. It is one of the
most promising areas of biotechnology research. New genetic therapies are being developed to treat
diseases such as cystic fibrosis, AIDS and cancer.
 Molecular biology: A branch of biology concerned with studying the chemical structures and processes
of biological phenomena at the molecular level.
 Plant Breeding: It is the technique involving crossing paints to produce varieties with particular
characterizes (traits) which are carried in the genes of the plants and passed on to future generations.
 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a scientific technique in molecular biology to amplify a single of a few
copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies
of a particular DNA sequence.
 Gene mapping, also called genome mapping, is the creation of a genetic map assigning DNA fragments to
chromosomes.
 Plasmid: is a DNA molecule that is separate from, and can replicate independently of, the chromosomal
DNA. They are double-stranded and, in many cases, circular. Plasmids usually occur naturally in bacteria,
but are sometimes found in eukaryotic organisms.
 Biogenerics or Biosimilarsare terms used to describe officially-approved subsequent versions of innovator
biopharmaceutical products made by a different sponsor following patent and exclusivity expiry on the
innovator product.Biosimilars are also referred to as subsequent entry biologics (SEBs) in Canada.
 Proteome: the proteome is the entire set of proteins expressed by a genome, cell, tissue of organism. The
word “proteome” is a blend of “protein” and “genome”, and was coined by Marc Wilkins in 1994.
Proteomics, the study of the proteome, has largely been practiced through the separation of proteins by
two dimensional gel electrophoresis.
 Materiomics: It is defined as the holistic study of material systems Materiomics examines links between
physiochemical material properties and material characteristics and function. The focus of materiomics is
system functionality and behavior, rather than a piecewise collection of properties. While typically applied
to complex biological systems and biomaterials, materiomics is equally applicable to non-biological
systems.
 Materiomics includes the study of a broad range of materials, which includes metals, ceramics and
polymers as well as biological materials and tissues and their interaction with synthetic materials.
Materiomics finds applications in elucidation the biological role of materials in biology, for instance in the
progression and diagnosis or the treatment of diseases.
 Parthenogenesis: It is a form of asexual reproduction where growth and development of embryos occur
without fertilization. In plants, parthenogenesis means development of an embryo from an unfertilized
egg cell, and is a component process of apomixis. The word parthenogenesis comes from the Greek
parthenos, meaning “virgin” and genesis, meaning “birth”. The term is sometimes used inaccurately to
describe reproduction modes in hermaphroditic species that can reproduce by themselves because they
contain reproductive organs of both sexes in a single individual’s body.
 Pharmacogenomics: is the study of how the genetic inheritance of an individual affects his/her body’s
response to drugs. The vision of pharmacogenomics is to be able to design and produce drugs that are
adapted to each person’s genetic makeup.
 Osmosis: It is net movement of solvent molecules through a partially permeable membrance into a
region of higher solute concentration, in order to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides. It

BIOTECHNOLOGY
may also be used to describe a physical process in which any solvent moves without input of energy,
across a semipermeable membrane (permeable to the solvent, but not the solute) separating two
solutions of different concentration. Although osmosis does not require input of energy, it does use
kinetic energy and can be made to work.
 Net movement of solvent is from the less concentrated (hypotonic) to the more concentrated (hypotonic)
solution, which tends to reduce the difference in concentrations. This effect can be countered by
increasing the pressure of the hypertonic solution, with respect to the hypotonic. The osmotic pressure is
defined to be the pressure required to maintain an equilibrium, with not net movement of solvent.
 Osmosis is essential in biological system, as biological membranes are semipermeable. In genereal these
membranes are imprermeable to large and polar molecules, such as ions, proteins, and polysaccharides,
while being permeable to non-polar and/or hydrophobic molecules like lipids as well as to small
molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitric oxide, etc. permeability depends on solubility,
charge, or chemistry, as well as solute size. Water molecules travel through the plasma membrane,
tonoplast membrane (vacuole) or protoplast by diffusing across the phospholipid bilayer via aquaporins
(small transmembrane proteins similar to those in facilitated diffusion and in creating ion channels).
Osmosis provides the primary means by which water is transported into and out of cells. The turgor
pressure of a cell is largely maintained by osmosis, across the cell membrane, between the cell interior
and its relatively hypotonic environment.
 Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis is a separation process that used pressure to force a solvent through
a semi-permeable membrane that retains the solute on one side and allows the pure solvent to pass to
the other side. More formally, it is the process of forcing a solvent from a region of high solute
concentration through a membrane to a region of low solute concentration by applying a pressure in
excess of the osmotic pressure.
 Diffusion: If refers to the process by which molecules intermingle as a result of their kinetic energy of
random motion. Consider two containers of gas A and B separated by a partition. The molecules of both
gases are in constant motion and make numerous collisions wit6h the partition. If the partition is
removed as in the lower illustration, the gases will mix because of the random velocities of their
molecules. In time a uniform mixture of A and B molecules will be produced in the container. The
tendency toward diffusion is very strong even at room temperature because of the high molecular
velocities associated with the thermal energy of the particles.
 Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a protein composed of 238 amino acid residues that exhibits bright
green fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet blue light. Although many other marine organisms have
similar green fluorescent proteins, GFP traditionally refers to the protein firs isolated from the jellyfish
Aequorea Victoria. The GFP from A. Victoria has a major excitation peak at a wavelength of 395 nm and a
minor one at 475 nm. In cell and molecular biology, the GFP gene is frequently used as a reported of
expression. In modified forms it has been used to make biosensors, and many animals have been created
that express GFP as a proof-of-concept that a gene can be expressed throughout a given organism.
 Martin Chalfie, Osamu Shimomura, and Roger Y. Tsien were awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
on 10 October 2008 for their discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein.
 The pGLO plasmid is an engineered plasmid used in biotechnology as a vector for creating genetically
modified organism. The plasmid contains several reporter genes, most notably for the green fluorescent
protein (GFP) and the ampicillin resistance gene. GFP was isolated from the jelly fish Aequorea Victoria
Because it shares a bidirectional promoter with a gene for metabolizing arabinose, the GFP gene is
expressed in the presence of arabinose, which makes the transgenic organism fluoresce under UV light.
GFP can be induced in bacteria containing the pGLO plasmid by growing them on arabinose plates.

BIOTECHNOLOGY
pGLO is made up of three genes that are joined together using recombinant DNA technology. They are as
follows:
 -Bla, which codes for the enzyme beta-lactamase giving the transformed bacteria resistance to the beta-
lactam family of antibiotics (such as of a penicillin family) –araC, a promoter region that regulates the
expression of GFP (specifically, the GFP gene will be expressed only in the presence of arabinose) -GFP,
the green fluorescent protein
 Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) is a genetic mutant of green fluorescent protein, derived from Aequorea
Victoria. Its excitation peak is 514 nm and its emission peak is 527 nm. Like green fluorescent protein
(GFP) it is a useful tool in cell and molecular biology, usually explored using fluorescence microscopy.
 Omega-3 fatty acids (popularly referred to as–3 fatty acids or n-3 fatty acids) are fats commonly found in
marine and plant oils. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids with a double bond (C=C) starting after the
third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain. The fatty acids have two ends-the acid (COOH) end
and the methyl (CH3) end. The location of the first double fond is counted from the methyl end, which is
also known as the omega () end or the n end N-3 fatty acids have many health benefits and are
considered essential fatty acids, meaning that they cannot be synthesized by the human body but are vital
for normal metabolism.
 An unsaturated fat is a fat or fatty acid in which there is at least one double bond within the fatty acid
china. A fat molecule is monounsaturated if it contains one double bond, and polyunsaturated if it
contains more than one double bond. Where double bonds are formed, hydrogen atoms are eliminated.
Thus, a saturated fat has no double bonds, has the maximum number of hydrogen’s bonded to the
carbons, and therefore is “saturated” with hydrogen atoms.
 Saturated fat is fat that consists of triglycerides containing only saturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids
have no double bounds between the individual carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain. That is, the chain of
carbon atoms is “saturated” with hydrogen atmos.
 Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat

infections in humans it is also called multidurng resistant staphylococcus aureus and oxacillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus(ORSA). MRSA is any strain of Staphylococcus aureus that has evolved resistance to
beta-lactam antibiotics, which include the penicillins (methicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, etc.) and the
cephalosporins. The development of such resistance does not cause the organism to be more intrinsically
virulent than strains of Staphylococcus aureus that have no antibiotic resistance, but resistance does
make MRSA infection more difficult to treat with standard types of antibiotics and thus more dangerous.
MRSA is a especially troublesome in hospitals and nursing homes, where patients with open wounds, invasive
devices, and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of infection than the general public.
 ACTN3: Alpha-actinin-3, also known as alpha-actinin skeletal muscle isoform 3 or F-actin cross-linking
protein, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ACTN3 gene. Alpha-actinin is an actin-binding
protein with multiple roles in different cell types. This gene expression is limited to skeletal muscle. It is
localized to the Z-disc and analogous dense bodies, where it helps to anchor the myofibrillar actin
filaments.
 Cisgenesis, sometimes also called Intragenesis, is a product designation for a category of genetically
engineered plants. Cisgenic plants contain genes that have been isolated either directly from the host
species or from sexually compatible special. The new genes are introduced using recombinant DNA
methods and gene transfer.

2
CHAPTER Practice Questions
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
Q1. When one gene controls two or more Q3. In the context of genetic disorders,
different characters simultaneously, the consider the following: (2009)
phenomenon is called (2002) A woman suffers from colour blindness

while her husband does not suffer from it.
(a) Apomixis
They have a son and a daughter. In this
(b) Pleiotropy
context, which one of the following
(c) Polyploidy statements is most probably correct?
(d) Polyteny (a) Both children suffer from colour
blindness.
Q2. Match List-I (Scientists) with List-II (b) Daughter suffers from colour blindness
while son does not suffer from it.
(Achievements) and select the correct
answer: (2002) (c) Both children do not suffer from colour
blindness.
List-I (Indian List-II
(d) Son suffers from colour blindness while
wildlife (Scientific
daughter does not suffer from it.
species) name)
A. Areber and 1. Developed Q4. A genetically engineered form of brinjal,

transgenic transgenic known as the Bt-brinjal, has been
plants with developed. The objective of this is (2011)
Agrobacterium (a) To make it pest-resistant
T-DNA (b) To improve its taste and nutritive
B. Feldman 2. Discovered qualities
endonucleases (c) To make it drought-resistant

(d) To make its shelf-life longer
C. Mullis 3. Discovered
reverse
Q5. A married couple adopted a male child, A
transcriptase
few years later; twin boys were born to
D. Temin and 4. Discovered them. The blood group of the couple is AB
Baltimore polymerase positive and O negative. The blood group
chain reaction of the three sons is A positive, B positive,
and O positive. The blood group of the
Codes:
adopted son is (2011)
A B C D
(a) O positive
(a) 2 1 4 3
(b) A positive
(b) 1 2 4 3
(c) B positive
(c) 2 1 3 4 (d) Cannot be determined on the basis of
(d) 1 2 3 4 the given data

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q6. At present, scientists can determine the Select the correct answer using the codes
arrangement or relative positions of given below:
genes or DNA sequences on a (a) 1 and 2 only
chromosome. How does this knowledge (b) 2 and 3 only
benefit us? (2011)
(c) 3 only
1. It is possible to know the pedigree of
(d) 1, 2 and 3
livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the causes of
Q9. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic
all human diseases.
Engineering) allows genes to be
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant
transferred (2013)
animal breeds.
1. Across different species of plants.
Which of the statements given above is/are
2. From animals to plants.
correct?
3. From microorganisms to higher
(a) 1 and 2 only
organisms.
(b) 2 only
Select the correct Solution using the codes
(c) 1 and 3 only
given below.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
Q7. Other than resistance to pests, what are
(c) 1 and 3 only
the prospects for which genetically
(d) 1, 2 and 3
engineered plants have been created?
(2012)
Q10. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used
1. To enable them to withstand drought
in rehabilitating degraded sites because
2. To increase the nutritive value of the
mycorrhiza enables the plants to (2013)
produce
1. Resist drought and increase absorptive
3. To enable them to grow and do
area
photosynthesis in spaceships and space
2. Tolerate extremes of PH
stations
3. Resist disease infestation
4. To increase their shelf life.
Select the correct Solution using the codes
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
given below:
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q11. In addition to fingerprint scanning, which

Q8. With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently
of the following can be used in the
in the news, which of the following
biometric identification of a person?
statements is/are correct? (2012)
(2014)
1. Stem cells can be derived from
1. Iris scanning
mammals only.
2. Retinal scanning
2. Stem cells can be used for screening
new drugs. 3. Voice recognition
3. Stem cells can be used for medical Select the correct answer using the code
therapies. given below.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
(a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the code

(b) 2 and 3 only given below:
(c) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
Q12. With reference to the use of (d) 1, 2 and 3
nano-technology in health sector, which
of the following statements is/are
Q15. RNA interference (RNAi) technology has
correct? (2015)
gained popularity in the last few years.
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible
Why? (2018)
by nanotechnology.
1. It is used in developing gene silencing
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute
therapies.
to gene therapy.
2. It can be used in developing therapies
Select the correct answer using the code
for-the treatment of cancer.
given below.
3. It can be used to develop hormone
(a) 1 only
replacement therapies.
(b) 2 only
4. It can be used to produce crop plants
(c) Both 1 and 2
that are resistant to viral pathogens.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Select the correct answer using the code
given below.
Q13. In the context of the developments in
(a) 1, 2 and 4
Bioinformatics, the term transcriptome’,
sometimes seen in the news, refers to (b) 2 and 3
(2016) (c) 1 and 3
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome (d) 1 and 4 only
editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules Q16. With reference to the Genetically
expressed by an organism Modified mustard (GM mustar(d)
(c) the description of the mechanism of developed in India, consider the following
gene expression statements : (2018)
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil
taking place in cells
bacterium that give the plant the
property of pest-resistance to a wide
Q14. With reference to agriculture in India, variety of pests.
how can the technique of ‘genome
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow
sequencing’, often seen in the news, be
the plant cross-pollination and
used in the immediate future? (2017)
hybridization.
1. Genome sequencing can be used to
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly
identify genetic markers for disease
by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural
resistance and drought tolerance in
University.
various crop plants.
Which of the statements given above is/are
2. This technique helps in reducing the
time required to develop new varieties correct?
of crop plants. (a) 1 and 3 only
3. It can be used to decipher the host- (b) 2 only
pathogen relationships in crops. (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q17. With reference to the recent (d) Cells taken out from plants and animals
developments in science, which one of can be made to undergo cell division in
the following statements is not correct? laboratory petri dishes.
(2019)
(a) Functional chromosomes can be created Q18. What is Cas9 protein that is often
by joining segments of DNA taken from mentioned in the news? (2019)
cells of different species. (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted
(b) Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be gene editing
created in Laboratories. (b) A biosensor used in the accurate
(c) A piece of DNA taken out from an animal detection of pathogens in patients
cell can be made to replicate outside a (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
living cell in a laboratory.
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in
genetically modified crops
ANSWER KEYS
1 b Pleiotropy
2 b 1 2 4 3
3 d Son suffers from colour blindness while daughter does not suffer from it.
4 a To make it pest-resistant
5 a O positive
6 d 1, 2 and 3
7 c 1, 2 and 4 only
8 b 2 and 3 only
9 c 1 and 3 only
10 d 1, 2 and 3
11 d 1, 2 and 3
12 c Both 1 and 2
13 b the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
14 d 1, 2 and 3
15 a 1, 2 and 4
16 b 2 only
17 a Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of
different species.
18 a A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE OF MAIN EXAMINATION
Q1. How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q2. Sikkim is the first "Organic State" in India. What are the ecological and economical
benefits of Organic State? (2018)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q3. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this
activity benefited the field of biopharma? (2018)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q4. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical
conditions including leukaemia, thallessemia, damaged cornea and several burns.
Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other
treatments? (2015)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
5. In what way 'Medical Biotechnology' and 'Bioengineering' are useful for technological
development of India?
6. The human population is slated to grow to 9 billion by 2050. In this context, many scientists
predict that plant genomics would play a critical role in keeping out hunger and preserving
the environment. Explain. (2015)
7. Discuss the elements of frozen semen technology. What are embryo transfer technology,
transgenic animals, recombinent DNA technique? (2003)

RAU'S IAS
STUDY CIRCLE
Biology, Biotechnology & Health General Studies (Integrated)

[Pre - Main Examination] Foundation Program / Course
Blue Workbook BLUE WORKBOOKS FOCUS

focus
CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
Primary study material MAGAZINE RA U ’ S H O U S E J O U RN A L
This module contains the following (for foundation studies) Monthly current
for syllabus of Pre and affairs notes/ compilation made
workbooks:
Mains. Thrust area is Clarity of from newspapers, magazines,
ü WORK BOOK - 1 Concepts.
Government sources, Yojana,
Kurukshetra, etc.
ü WORK BOOK - 2
PRELIMS MAINS COMPASS
ü WORK BOOK - 3 P M
COMPASS (C3) (C3)

ü WORK BOOK - 4 Annual compilations of
Annual revision study PRELIMSCOMPASS MAINSCOMPASS
all themes important for

material for Prelims
the upcoming Mains exam with
based on C3 (Core – Current - & probable questions and model
related Concepts) approach. answer structures.
WEEKLY GSI MONTHLY

(FOUNDATION) CURRENT
TESTS AFFAIRS TESTS
for both Pre and Mains. For course
revision and progress tracking from the focus magazine
PRELIMS TEST QIP PRELIMS

Revision classes for
SERIES
current affairs and
UPSC level Thematic contemporary issues important
after GSI Foundation Tests for Prelims
QIP + TEST SERIES DAILY NEWS

(MAINS) SIMPLIFIED
l Issues and theme Daily video lessons
based answer writing classes,
on current affairs from The Hindu
including
l Tests, Test discussions and Newspaper
evaluation
NEW DELHI CAMPUS BENGALURU CAMPUS JAIPUR CAMPUS

309, Kanchenjunga Building, Barakhamba 2nd Floor, AKS Plaza, 10 Industrial Layout, 3rd Floor, UDB Corporate Tower
Jyoti Niwas College (JNC) Road, 5th Block (Nawal Tower), A-1. J.L.N. Marg,
Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi -
Koramangala, Near Fortis Hospital,
110001
Bengaluru – 560095 Jaipur – 302017
Tel: 011 – 4078 6050, 23317293, Tel: 080 – 255 35536/ 37/ 38/ 39, Tel: 0141 – 410 6050 / 57,
23318135/36, 23738906/07 9916035536 2722050

Blue Workbook: Biology, Biotechnology & Health

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Blue Workbook: Biology, Biotechnology & Health

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RAU'S IAS

BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 1

o genetic testing; and

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 2

3. Cattle heard improvement by embryo-transfer tech.

4. Development of bio-diagnostic kits for early detection of various diseases.

Biotechnology for the 21st Century

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 3

Basic Technique in IVF

• Then a needle is guided through the vagina into the follicles.

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 4

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 5

 It refers to entire genetic makeup of human beings,

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 6

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 7

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 8

 Disease, pest and drought resistant

Risks posed by GMOs

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 9

EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY (ETT)

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 10

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 11

Practical Applications of DNA Fingerprinting

 Clones derive genetic matter from single parents.

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 12

 All started growing with identical genetic makeup.

Dr Ian Wilmut of Roslin Institute UK.

 In this state-cell was alive but no multiplication.

 Opened the possibility of Human Cloning.

4. Childless couple – baby.

Cloning milestones since Dolly, the sheep

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 13

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 14

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 15

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 16

How a patent is obtained/filed?

Which invention qualifies for the grant of a patent?

 Is there an International/Global patent?

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 17

Intellectual Property Rights Biosafety and Bioproducts

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 18

NEEM & ITS POTENTIALITIES

 Neem cakes: protection to tobacco transplants from ground beetle damage.

PLANT TISSUE CULTURE

It is a technique of growing tissues or cells of multicellular organisms in an artificial environment.

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 19

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 20

4. Indicators of soil type

Spermacocestricta – indicates iron rich soil

6. Indicators of petroleum deposits

Biologically produced fuels are called biofuels.

Methane Biomethane (mixture of CH4 + CO2)

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 21

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 22

PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 23

What are Prebiotis?

What are these?

RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE | BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH | WORKBOOK-2 24

What is its importance?

LOW CALORIE SWEETENERS

What are low-calorie Sweeteners?