1135 NCERT Biology Booster
CHAPTER 34
BIOTECHNOLOGY
AND ITS APPLICATIONS
NCERT BIOLOGICS ©
APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology deals with industrial scale production of
biopharmaceuticals and biologicals using genetically
modified microbes, fungi, plants and animals.
The applications of biotechnology include therapeutics,
diagnostics, genetically modified crops for agriculture,
processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy
production.
Three critical and important research areas of
biotechnology are:
1. Providing the best catalyst in the form of improved
organism usually a microbe or pure enzyme.
2. Creating optimal conditions through engineering for a
catalyst to act.
3. Downstream processing technologies to purify the
protein/organic compound.
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN
AGRICULTURE
1. Agro-chemical based agriculture : The green
revolution successfully trippled the food supply.
Increased yields have partly been due to the use of
improved crop varieties, but mainly due to the use of
better management practices and use of agrochemicals
(fertilisers and pesticides).
2. Organic farming/agriculture : It utilizes
biofertilizers, manure, biopesticides (bioinsecticides
and bioherbicides) and biocontrol methods to increase
the crop yield. Artificial fertilizers and artificial
pesticides are not used in organic agriculture.
3. Genetically engineered crop-based
agriculture : Increased crop yield have been partly
due to the use of improved crop varieties, but mainly
due to the use of better management practices and use
of agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides).
However, for farmers in the developing world,
agrochemicals are often too expensive, and further
increase in yield with existing varieties are not possible
using conventional breeding. Fertilisers and chemicals
also have harmful effects on the environment. The use
of genetically modified crops is a possible strategy for
the drawbacks mentioned.
Plants, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have
been altered by manipulation are called Genetically
Modified Organisms (GMO). A more specifically
defined type of GMO is transgenic organism. This is an
organism whose genetic make up has been altered by
the addition of genetic material from an unrelated
organism.
Genetically modified plants have been useful in many
ways:
1. Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold,
drought, salt, heat).
2. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant
crops).
3. Helped to reduce post harvest losses.
4. Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (which
prevents exhaustion of soil fertility).
5. Enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., Golden rice
i. e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice.

Note: Golden rice : It is a transgenic variety of rice, i. e.,
Oryza sativa which has a good amount of b-carotene
(provitamin-A). Vitamin-A is synthesised from
b-carotene, i. e., b-carotene is the precursor of
vitamin-A. ‘Golden rice’ derives its name as the rice
grains are yellow coloured due to the presence of
b-carotene. b-carotene is converted into vitamin-A,
which is required by all the individuals as it is found
in retina of eyes. The deficiency of vitamin-A causes
night blindness and skin disorder. Golden rice was
developed by Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer.
Bt-toxin: It is produced the bacterium called Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt). Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the
bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to
insects without the need for insecticides; in effect created a
bio-pesticide. Examples are Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato,
potato, brinjal and soyabean etc.
1. Bt Cotton: Few strains of Bacillus thuringiensis
produce proteins that kill certain insects such as
lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm),
coleopterans (beetles) and dipterans (flies,
mosquitoes).
2. Bacillus thuringiensis forms protein crystals during a
particular phase of their growth. These crystals contain
a toxic insecticidal protein (Bt-toxin protein).
3. Bt-toxin protein exist as inactive protoxins but once
an insect ingest the inactive toxin, it is converted into
an active form of toxin due to the alkaline pH of the gut
which solubilise the crystals.
4. The activated toxin binds to the surface of midgut
epithelial cells and create pores that cause cell swelling
and lysis and eventually cause death of the insect.
5. Specific Bt toxin genes were isolated from Bacillus
thuringiensis and incorporated into the several crop
plants such as cotton. The choice of genes depend upon
the crop and the targeted pest, as most Bt toxins are
insect-group specific. The toxin is coded by a gene
called cry. There are a number of them, for example,
the proteins encoded by the genes cryIAc and cryIIAb
control the cotton bollworms, that of cryIAb controls
corn borer.
Pest Resistant Plants
1. Several nematodes parasitise a wide variety of plants
and animals including human beings.
2. A nematode Meloidegyne incognitia infects the roots of
tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield. A
novel strategy was adopted to prevent this infestation
which was based on the process of RNA interference
(RNAi). RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as
a method of cellular defense. This method involves
silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary
Biotechnology and Its Applications 1136
dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation
of the mRNA (silencing). The source of this
complementary RNA could be from an infection by
viruses having RNA genomes or mobile genetic
elements (transposons) that replicate via an RNA
intermediate.
3. Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific genes
were introduced into the host plant. The introduction
of DNA was such that it produced both sense and
anti-sense RNA in the host cells. These two RNA’s being
complementary to each other formed a double
stranded (dsRNA) that initiates RNAi and thus,
silenced the specific mRNA of the nematode. The
consequence is that the parasite cannot survive in a
transgenic host expressing specific interfering RNA.
The transgenic plant therefore get itself protected from
the parasite.
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN
MEDICINE
1. The recombinant DNA technological processes have
made immense impact in the area of healthcare by
enabling mass production of safe and more effective
therapeutic drugs.
2. The recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted
immunological responses as in common in case of
similar products isolated from non-human sources.
3. At present, about 30 recombinant therapeutics have
been approved for human-use the world over. In India,
12 of these are presently being marketed.
Genetically Engineered Insulin
1. Insulin used for diabetes was earlier extracted from
pancreas of slaughtered cattle and pigs. Insulin from an
animal source, caused some patients to develop allergy
or other types of reactions to the foreign protein.
2. Insulin consists of two short polypeptide
chains: chain A and chain B, that are linked
together by disulphide bridges.
3. In mammals, including humans, insulin is synthesised
as a pro-hormone (like a pro-enzyme, the pro-hormone
also needs to be processed before it becomes fully
mature and functional hormone) which contains an
extra stretch called the C peptide. This C peptide is not
present in the mature insulin and is removed during
maturation into insulin.
4. The main challenge for production of insulin using
rDNA techniques was getting insulin assembled into a
mature form. In 1983, Eli Lilly an American
company prepared two DNA sequences
corresponding to chain A and B, of human insulin and
introduced them in plasmids of E. coli to produce
insulin chains. Chains A and B were produced
 1137 NCERT Biology Booster
separately, extracted and combined by creating
disulfide bonds to form human insulin (Humulin).
Gene Therapy
1. Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows
correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed in a
child/embryo. Here genes are inserted into a person’s
cells and tissues to treat a disease. Correction of a
genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into
the individual or embryo to take over the function of
and compensate for the non-functional gene.
2. The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a
4-year old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA)
deficiency. This enzyme is crucial for the immune
system to function. The disorder is caused due to the
deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase.
In some children ADA deficiency can be cured by bone
marrow transplantation; in others it can be treated by
enzyme replacement therapy, in which functional ADA
is given to the patient by injection. But the problem
with both of these approaches is that they are not
completely curative.
As a first step towards gene therapy, lymphocytes from
the blood of the patient are grown in a culture outside
the body. A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral
vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes,
which are subsequently returned to the patient.
However, as these cells are not immortal, the patient
requires periodic infusion of such genetically
engineered lymphocytes. However, if the gene isolated
from marrow cells producing ADA is introduced into
cells at early embryonic stages, it could be a permanent
cure.
Molecular Diagnosis
1. For effective treatment of a disease, early diagnosis and
understanding its pathophysiology is very
important. Using conventional methods of diagnosis
(serum and urine analysis, etc.) early detection is
not possible.
2. Recombinant DNA technology, Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent
Assay (ELISA) are some of the techniques that serve the
purpose of early diagnosis.
3. Presence of a pathogen (bacteria, viruses, etc.) is
normally suspected only when the pathogen has
produced a disease symptom. By this time the
concentration of pathogen is already very high in the
body.
4. Very low concentration of a bacteria or virus (at a time
when the symptoms of the disease are not yet visible)
can be detected by amplification of their nucleic acid by
PCR. PCR is now routinely used to detect HIV in
suspected AIDS patients. It is being used to detect
mutations in genes in suspected cancer patients too. It
is a powerful techqnique to identify many other genetic
disorders.
5. A single stranded DNA or RNA, tagged with a
radioactive molecule (probe) is allowed to hybridise to
its complementary DNA in a clone of cells followed by
detection using autoradiography. The clone having the
mutated gene will hence not appear on the
photographic film, because the probe will not have
complementarity with the mutated gene.
6. ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody
interaction. Infection by pathogen can be detected by
the presence of antigens (proteins, glycoproteins, etc.)
or by detecting the antibodies synthesised against the
pathogen.
TRANSGENIC ANIMALS
Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess
and express an extra (foreign) gene are known as
transgenic animals. Transgenic rats, rabbits, pigs, sheep,
cows and fish have been produced, although over 95% of
all existing transgenic animals are mice.
Benefits and Uses of Transgenic Animals
1. Normal physiology and development:
Transgenic animals can be specifically designed to
allow the study of how genes are regulated, and how
they affect the normal functions of the body and its
development, e.g., study of complex factors involved in
growth such as insulin-like growth factor. By
introducing genes from other species that alter the
formation of this factor and studying the biological
effects that result, information is obtained about the
biological role of the factor in the body.
2. Study of disease: Many transgenic animals are
designed to increase our understanding of how genes
contribute to the development of disease. These are
specially made to serve as models for human diseases
so that investigation of new treatments for diseases is
made possible. Today transgenic models exist for many
human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis,
rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Biological products: Medicines required to treat
certain human diseases can contain biological
products, but such products are often expensive to
make. Transgenic animals that produce useful
biological products can be created by the introduction
of the portion of DNA (or genes) which codes for a
particular product such as human protein
(a-1-antitrypsin) used to treat emphysema. Similar
attempts are being made for treatment of
phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis. In 1997, the
first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced human
protein-enriched milk (2.4 grams per litre). The milk

contained the human alpha-lactalbumin and was
nutritionally a more balanced product for human
babies than natural cow-milk.
4. Vaccine safety: Transgenic mice are being
developed for use in testing the safety of vaccines
before they are used on humans. Transgenic mice are
being used to test the safety of the polio vaccine. If
successful and found to be reliable, they could replace
the use of monkeys to test the safety of batches of the
vaccine.
5. Chemical safety testing: This is known as
toxicity/safety testing. The procedure is the same as
that used for testing toxicity of drugs. Transgenic
animals are made that carry genes which make them
more sensitive to toxic substances than non-transgenic
animals. They are then exposed to the toxic substances
and the effects studied. Toxicity testing in such animals
will allow us to obtain results in less time.
Note:
1. Dolly (1996-2003) was a female domestic sheep,
and the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic
cell, using the process of nuclear transfer. During
nuclear transfer, genetic modification was not
performed. Dolly was cloned is Rosalin Institute,
Edinburgh (Scotland).
2. Polly and Molly (1997) are female sheep, were
the first mammals to have been cloned from an
adult somatic cell and to be transgenic at the same
time. Polly and Molly were also cloned in Rosalin
Institute Edinburgh (Scotland).
3. ANDi was the first genetically modified monkey.
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was inserted
into the monkey’s chromosome.
ETHICAL ISSUES
1. The manipulation of living organisms by the human
race cannot go on any further, without regulation.
Some ethical standards are required to evaluate the
morality of all human activities that might help or harm
living organisms.
2. The Indian Government has set up organisations such
as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee), which will make decisions regarding
the validity of GM research and the safety of
introducing GM-organisms for public
services. The modification/usage of living organisms
for public services (as food and medicine sources, for
example) has also created problems with patents
granted for the same.
3. There is growing public anger that certain companies
are being granted patents for products and
technologies that make use of the genetic materials,
Biotechnology and Its Applications 1138
plants and other biological resources that have long
been identified, developed and used by farmers and
indigenous people of a specific region/country.
4. Rice is an important food grain, the presence of which
goes back thousands of years in Asia’s agricultural
history. There are an estimated 200,000
varieties of rice in India alone. The diversity
of rice in India is one of the richest in the
world. Basmati rice is distinct for its unique
aroma and flavour and 27 documented
varieties of Basmati are grown in India. There is
reference to Basmati in ancient texts, folklore and
poetry, as it has been grown for centuries. In 1997,
an American company got patent rights on
Basmati rice through the US Patent and
Trademark office. This allowed the company to sell
a ‘new’ variety of Basmati, in the US and abroad. This
‘new’ variety of Basmati had actually been derived from
Indian farmer’s varieties. Indian Basmati was crossed
with semi-dwarf varieties and claimed as an invention
or a novelty. The patent extends to functional
equivalents, implying that other people selling Basmati
rice could be restricted by the patent. Several
attempts have also been made to patent uses,
products and processes based on Indian
traditional herbal medicines, e.g., turmeric
and neem. If we are not vigilant and we do not
immediately counter these patent applications, other
countries/individuals may encash on our rich legacy
and we may not be able to do anything about it.
5. Biopiracy is the term used to refer to the use of
bio-resources by multinational companies and other
organisations without proper authorisation from the
countries and people concerned without compensatory
payment.
6. Most of the industrialised nations are rich financially
but poor in biodiversity and traditional knowledge. In
contrast the developing and the underdeveloped world
is rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge related
to bio-resources. Traditional knowledge related to
bio-resources can be exploited to develop modern
applications and can also be used to save time, effort
and expenditure during their commercialisation.
7. There has been growing realisation of the injustice,
inadequate compensation and benefit sharing between
developed and developing countries. Therefore, some
nations are developing laws to prevent such
unauthorised exploitation of their bio-resources and
traditional knowledge.
8. The Indian Parliament has recently cleared the second
amendment of the Indian Patents Bill, that takes such
issues into consideration, including patent terms,
emergency provisions and research and development
initiative.
1139 NCERT Biology Booster
Section-A : Questions Based on NCERT Textbook
Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture
1. Transgenic plants are the ones :
(a) Grown in artificial medium after hybridization in
the field
(b) Produced by a somatic embryo in artificial medium
(c) Generated by introducing foreign DNA into a cell
and regenerating a plant from that cell
(d) Produced after protoplast fusion in artificial
medium
2. What is true about Bt toxin?
(a) The concerned Bacillus has antitoxins
(b) Inactive protoxin gets converted into active form in
the insect gut
(c) Bt protein exists as active toxin in the Bacillus
(d) The activated toxin enters the ovaries of the pest to
sterilise it and thus prevent its multiplication
3. Which gene isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis has
been known to control the insect population of corn
borer?
(a) HLA-gene (b) Cry I Ab-gene
(c) Cry I Ac-gene (d) Cry II Ab-gene
4. For Bt-cotton, ‘Bt’ stands for :
(a) Biotechnology
(b) Bacterial toxin
(c) Betless toxin
(d) Bacillus thuringiensis
5. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains have been used for
designing novel:
(a) Biofertilizers
(b) Bio-metallurgical techniques
(c) Bio-mineralization processes
(d) Bioinsecticidal plants
6. A genetically engineered micro-organism used
successfully in bioremediation of oil spills is a species
of:
(a) Trichoderma (b) Xanthomonas
(c) Bacillus (d) Pseudomonas
7. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is widely used as:
(a) Source of industrial enzyme
(b) Indicator of water pollution
(c) lnsecticide
(d) Agent for production of dairy products
8. Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do not
kill the bacteria themselves because :
(a) Bacteria are resistant to the toxin
(b) Toxin is immature
(c) Toxin is inactive
(d) Bacteria encloses toxin in a special sac
9. The monoclonal antibodies are prepared from:
(a) Different parents and for one antigen
(b) One parent and for one antigen
(c) One parent and for many antigens
(d) Many parents and for many antigens
10. Which of the following cry gene codes for protein
which can control the cotton bollworms?
(a) Cry I Ac (b) Cry II Ab
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Cry I Ab
11. ‘Flavr Savr’ tomato lack which of the enzyme ?
(a) Catalase (b) Hydrolases
(c) Polygalacturonase (d) RuBisCo
12. Bt toxin kills the insect by:
(a) Blocking the nerve conduction
(b) Damaging the surface of trachea
(c) By creating pores in the tracheal system
(d) By creating pores in the mid gut
13. Which of the following cry gene codes for the protein
which can control the cotton bollworms effectively ?
(a) Cry I Ac only (b) Cry II Ab only
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
14. A transgenic food crop which may help in solving the
problem of night blindness in developing countries is:
(a) Golden rice
(b) Flavr Savr tomatoes
(c) Starlink maize
(d) Bt Soybean
15. Main objective of production/use of herbicide resistant
GM crops is to:
(a) Reduce herbicide accumulation in food articles for
health safety
(b) Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of
manual labour
(c) Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of
herbicides
(d) Encourage eco-friendly herbicides
16. Which of the following is correct ?
(a) The Green Revolution succeeded in tripling the
food supply
(b) The increased yield of crops have partly been due to
the use of improved crop varieties, but mainly due
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1140

to the use of better management practices and use (c) Administering adenosine deaminase activators
of agrochemicals (d) Introducing bone marrow cells producing ADA
(c) Both (a) and (b) into cells at early embryonic stages
(d) Conventional breeding techniques results in more 23. Why is usually insulin not administered orally to a
crop yield than the modern techniques diabetic patient?
17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) have which of (a) Insulin is bitter in taste
the following advantage(s) ? (b) Insulin is a peptide
(a) Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides (c) Insulin will lead to a sudden decrease in blood
(b) Tolerant to abiotic stresses sugar if given orally
(c) Nutrition value enhancement (d) Insulin leads to peptic ulcer if taken orally
(d) More than one option is correct 24. The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a
18. Read the following statements : 4-year old girl with which of the following enzyme
(i) Some Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that deficiency?
kill certain insects such as lepidopterans, (a) Adenosine deaminase
coleopterans and dipterans (b) Tyrosine oxidase
(ii) Bacillus thuringiensis does not itself gets killed by (c) Monamine oxidase
Bt-toxin as it exists as inactive Protoxins (d) Glutamate dehydrogenase
(iii) Once bollworms ingest the inactive Bt-toxin 25. A principal problem with inserting an unmodified
(protoxin), it is converted to an active form due to mammalian gene into BAC and then getting that gene
the acidic pH of the gut of insect expressed in bacteria, is that :
(iv) The active Bt-toxin in insect binds to the surface (a) Prokaryotes use different genetic code from that of
of midgut epithelial cells eukaryotes
(v) The active Bt-toxin creates pore in insect gut and (b) Bacteria cannot remove eukaryotic introns
cause swelling lysis and finally causes death of (c) Bacteria removes eukaryotic exons
insect (d) Bacterial RNA polymerase cannot transcribe
How many of the above statements are correct ? eukaryotic DNA
(a) Four (b) Three 26. In which of the following genetic disorder mucus clogs
(c) Two (d) One lungs, liver and pancreas?
19. Bt-toxin becomes activated at a pH of : (a) Tay-sach disease
(a) 2.3 (b) 8.6 (b) Hypercholesterolemia
(c) 6.6 (d) 7.0 (c) Cystic Fibrosis
20. In the ‘Flavr Savr’ tomato, the expression of a gene has (d) Haemophilia
been blocked to : 27. In the structure of insulin which of the following
(a) Stop the degradation of pectin in cell wall statements is invalid?
(b) Allow the degradation of pectin in cell wall (a) 2 polypeptide chains are present
(c) Stop hemicellulose degradation (b) The chains are linked by disulphide bonds
(d) Allow cellulose degradation (c) It is secreted in an inactive proinsulin form
21. The transgenic Brassica napus has been used for the (d) C-peptide is added to the active insulin
synthesis of : 28. Maximum application of animal cell culture technology
(a) Hirudin (b) Heparin today is in the production of:
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Galacturonases (a) Insulin (b) Interferons
Biotechnological Applications in Medicine (c) Vaccines (d) Edible proteins
29. Which enzyme deficiency will lead to a disease called
22. The genetic defect-adenosine deaminase (ADA)
SCID?
deficiency may be cured permanently by:
(a) Adenosine deaminase
(a) Enzyme replacement therapy
(b) Alcohol dehydrogenase
(b) Periodic infusion of genetically engineered
lymphocytes having functional ADA cDNA (c) Creatine kinase
(d) Myosin ATPase
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30. The functional ADA cDNA can be introduced into the (b) A cell displaying a foreign antigen used for
cells of the patient receiving gene therapy by using a synthesis of antigens
vector constituted by : (c) Production of somaclonal variants in tissue
(a) E.coli (b) Reovirus cultures
(c) Retrovirus (d) Agrobacterium (d) When a piece of RNA that is complementary in
31. You suspect your patient to be suffering from a sequence is used to stop expression of a specific
bacterial disease, however the number of bacteria in gene
the patient’s body is very less. Which method can help 39. What does the diagram depicts ?
you detect these pathogens in the laboratory?
(a) Hybridoma technology
(b) PCR
(c) Somatic hybridization
(d) DNA fingerprinting
32. Which of the following is not a recombinant protein
used in medical practice?
(a) TPA (tissue plasminogen activator)
(b) Interferon ( a, b and g)
(c) Vaccine (for hepatitis B)
(d) Heparin
33. Which of the following peptide chain is removed
(a) Degradation of insulin
during maturation of pro-insulin into insulin?
(b) Formation of proinsulin
(a) A peptide (b) B peptide
(c) Maturation of pro-insulin into insulin
(c) C peptide (d) A and C peptide
(d) Addition of C-peptide to proinsulin
34. What is the disadvantage of using porcine insulin (from
40. Arrange in sequence the steps of prevention of
pig pancreas) in diabetic patients?
nematode infection in transgenic host plant :
(a) It leads to hypercalcemia
I. The two RNAs being complementary to each
(b) It may cause allergic reactions
other forms a dsRNA that initiates RNAi which
(c) It is expensive silences the specific mRNA of nematode
(d) It can lead to mutations in human recipients II. The transgenic plant gets protected from the
35. Why is repeated transfusions of genetically engineered nematode
cells required in SCID patients? III. The consequence is that the nematode cannot
(a) The transfused cells have a limited life span survive in the transgenic host plant which
(b) The introduced gene is mutated expresses specific interfering RNA
(c) The enzyme required is degraded after 20 days of IV. Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode specific
transfusion genes were introduced into the host plant. The
(d) Both (b) and (c) introduction of DNA is such, that it produces both
36. Which of the following transgenic protein product has sense and antisense RNA in the host cells
been used to treat emphysema? (a) IV ® III ® I ® II
(a) a-1-antitrypsin (b) a-Lactalbumin (b) IV ® I ® II ® III
(c) Cry protein (d) C-peptide (c) IV ® III ® II ® I
37. Human insulin is being commercially produced from a (d) IV ® I ® III ® II
transgenic species of: 41. Arrange the steps of ADA-deficiency treatment in
(a) Saccharomyces (b) Escherichia sequence :
(c) Mycobacterium (d) Rhizobium I. The lymphocytes with ADA cDNA is returned to
38. What is antisense technology? the patient
(a) RNA polymerase producing DNA II. The lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are
grown in culture outside the body
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1142

III. A functional ADA cDNA (using retroviral vector) 48. The first transgenic cow called ___________ produced
is introduced into the lymphocytes human protein enriched milk. The milk contained the
(a) I ® III ® II (b) I ® II ® III human protein called __________ .
(c) II ® I ® III (d) III ® II ® I (a) Meagen, tissue plasminogen activator
42. Which of the following can be the permanent cure to (b) Rosie, alphalactalbumin
ADA- deficiency ? (c) Polly clotting factor VIII
(a) The genes isolated from marrow cells producing (d) Morgan, growth hormone
ADA is introduced into cells at early embryonic 49. First cloned animal is :
stages (a) Dolly sheep (b) Polly sheep
(b) Introducing functional ADA in adult cells (c) Molly sheep (d) Dog
(c) Either (a) or (b) 50. The first genetically modified non-human primate is:
(d) By using immunosupressive medicines (a) Frosty (b) ANDi
Transgenic Animals (c) Prometea (d) Dolly
43. Eli Lilly, an American company prepared two DNA 51. What is not true amongst the following w.r.t. first
sequences corresponding to A and B, chains of human transgenic cow?
insulin and introduced them in plasmids of E. coli to (a) The milk had a protein called human
produce insulin chains. Chains A and B were produced a-lactalbumin
separately, extracted and combined by creating: (b) The lst transgenic cow was called Rosie
(a) Peptide bonds (b) Ionic bonds (c) The milk produced was more balanced for humans
(c) H-bonds (d) Disulphide bonds than ordinary cow’s milk
44. What is the fate of a piece of DNA, which is somehow (d) The human protein content was 30-40 gm/litre of
transferred into an alien organism? the milk
(a) This piece of DNA would not be able to multiply Ethical Issues
itself in the progeny cells of the organism if not
52. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
integrated into the genome of the organism
matched?
(b) If the alien piece of DNA had become a part if the
(a) Streptomyces — Antibiotic
chromosome, it will replicate
(b) Serratia — Drug addiction
(c) If the alien piece of DNA is linked with origin of
(c) Spirulina — Single cell protein
replication in chromosome it will replicate
(d) Rhizobium — Biofertilizer
(d) All of the above
53. Which step of Government of India has taken to cater to
45. Noble prize winner (2006) for the work on RNAi in the
the requirement of patent terms and other emergency
nematode is/are :
provisions in this regard?
(a) Andrew Fire (b) Craig C. Mello
(a) Biopiracy act
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Kary Mullis
(b) Indian patents bill
46. RNA interference (RNAi) :
(c) RTI act
(a) Takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a
method of cellular defense (d) Negotiable instruments act
(b) Involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a 54. Plant, bacteria, fungi and animals whose genes have
complementary dsRNA molecule that binds and been altered by manipulation are called genetically
prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing) modified organisms (GMO). Which of the following
statement is not applicable to GM plants?
(c) Involves RISC (RNA induced silencing complex)
(a) Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides
(d) All of the above
(b) Prevent early exhaustion of fertility of soil
47. The RNAi process, found only in eukaryotes, is initiated
by : (c) Crops less tolerant to abiotic stress (cold, drought,
salt, heat)
(a) ds RNA fragments
(d) Enhanced nutritional value of food
(b) ds DNA fragments
(c) ss DNA fragments 55. ‘Brazzein’ which is approximately 2000 times as sweet
as sugar is a :
(d) ss RNA fragments
 1143 NCERT Biology Booster

(b) Nematode infection can be prevented in tobacco

(a) Carbohydrate plants by RNAi technology
(b) Lipid (c) RNA interference takes place in all eukaryotic
(c) Protein organisms as a method of cellular defense
(d) An artificial sweetener (d) All of the above
56. Which Indian plants have been either patented or 62. Find the true (T)/false (F) statements and choose the
attempts have been made to patent them by western correct option :
nations for their commercial use? I. The RNAi method involves silencing of a specific
(a) Basmati rice mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule
(b) Turmeric that binds to and prevents translation of the
(c) Neem mRNA (silencing)
(d) All of the above have been targetted II. The source of complementary RNA used in RNAi
57. GEAC makes decisions : could be from an infection by viruses having RNA
genomes or mobile genetic elements
(a) Of the safety of introducing GMOs for public
(transposons) that replicate via an RNA
services
intermediate
(b) Regarding the validity of GM research
III. RNAi takes place in few eukaryotes only
(c) For creating GM foods
IV. The RNAi method involves silencing of a
(d) For more than one option mentioned above
non-specific mRNA, i. e., any mRNA
58. Biopiracy :
(a) Refers to the use of bio-resources by multinational Opti
I II III IV
companies and other organisations without proper ons
authorisation from the countries and people (a) T T T T
concerned without compensatory payment
(b) F F F F
(b) Is the legal exploitation of bio-resources
(c) Refers to the use of biotechnology (c) T F T F
(d) Refers to the use of bio-resources for mutual (d) T T F F
benefits among different countries
Miscellaneous 63. Read the following statements :
(i) Very low concentration of bacteria or virus (at a
59. In 1980, was granted a patent on the first living form of
time when the symptoms of the disease are not
a micro-organism ‘superbug’ that had bean modified
yet visible) can be detected by amplification of
by:
their nucleic acid by PCR
(a) Dr. Ananda Chakrabarty to clear oil spills
(ii) PCR is now routinely used to detect HIV in
(b) Dr. Newman for prevention of frost damages
suspected AIDS patients
(c) Dr. H. Khorana to produce endotoxins used for
(iii) PCR is being used to detect mutations is genes in
insect control
suspected cancer patients
(d) Dr. Lalji Singh to produce chitinases enzymes
(iv) For many diseases, using conventional method of
60. Which of the following technique is based upon the
diagnosis (serum and urine analysis), early
principle of antigen-antibody interaction? detection is not possible
(a) PCR (v) ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is
(b) ELISA based on the principle of antigen-antibody
(c) Recombinant DNA technology interaction.
(d) RNA interference How many of the above statements are correct ?
61. Which of the following is correct ? (a) Five (b) Four
(a) A nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects the roots (c) Three (d) Two
of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in
yield
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1144

Answers (Section-A)

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (c) 17. (d) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (b) 32. (d) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (a) 36. (a) 37. (b) 38. (d) 39. (c) 40. (d)
41. (d) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (d) 45. (c) 46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (a) 50. (b)
51. (d) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (c) 55. (c) 56. (d) 57. (d) 58. (a) 59. (a) 60. (b)
61. (d) 62. (d) 63. (a)
1145 NCERT Biology Booster

Section-B : Questions from NCERT Exemplar

1. Bt cotton is not : (c) Toxin produced by protozoa

(a) A GM plant (d) Inactive toxin
(b) Insect resistant 9. Pathophysiology is the :
(c) A bacterial gene expressing system (a) Study of physiology of pathogen
(d) Resistant to all pesticides (b) Study of normal physiology of host
2. C-peptide of human insulin is : (c) Study of altered physiology of host
(a) A part of mature insulin molecule (d) None of the above
(b) Responsible for formation of disulphide bridges 10. The trigger for activation of toxin of Bacillus
(c) Removed during maturation of pro-insulin to thuringiensis is :
insulin (a) Acidic pH of stomach
(d) Responsible for its biological activity (b) High temperature
3. GEAC stands for : (c) Alkaline pH of gut
(a) Genome Engineering Action Committee (d) Mechanical action in the insect gut
(b) Ground Environment Action Committee 11. Golden rice is :
(c) Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (a) A variety of rice grown along the Yellow river in
(d) Genetic and Environment Approval Committee China
4. a-1 antitrypsin is : (b) Long stored rice having yellow colour tint
(a) An antacid (c) A transgenic rice having gene for b-carotene
(b) An enzyme (d) Wild variety of rice with yellow coloured grains
(c) Used to treat arthritis 12. In RNAi, genes are silenced using :
(d) Used to treat emphysema (a) ss DNA (b) ds DNA
5. A probe which is a molecule used to locate specific (c) ds RNA (d) ss RNA
sequences in a mixture of DNA or RNA molecules could 13. The first clinical gene therapy was done for the
be : treatment of :
(a) A single stranded RNA (a) AIDS
(b) A single stranded DNA (b) Cancer
(c) Either RNA or DNA (c) Cystic fibrosis
(d) Can be ss DNA but not ss RNA (d) SCID (Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency
6. Choose the correct option regarding retrovirus : resulting from deficiency of ADA).
(a) An RNA virus that can synthesise DNA during 14. ADA is an enzyme which is deficient in a genetic
infection disorder SCID. What is the full form of ADA ?
(b) A DNA virus that can synthesise RNA during (a) Adenosine deoxy aminase
infection (b) Adenosine deaminase
(c) A ssDNA virus (c) Aspartate deaminase
(d) A dsRNA virus (d) Arginine deaminase
7. The site of production of ADA in the body is : 15. Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use
(a) Erythrocytes (b) Lymphocytes of :
(c) Blood plasma (d) Osteocytes (a) RNAi only
8. A protoxin is : (b) Antisense RNA only
(a) A primitive toxin (c) Both RNAi and antisense RNA
(b) A denature toxin (d) None of the above
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1146

Answers (Section-B)
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a, b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (b) 15. (c)
 1147 NCERT Biology Booster
Section-C : Assertion-Reason Type Questions
Instructions :
1. If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion then mark (a).
2. If both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark (b).
3. If assertion is true but reason is false, then mark (c).
4. If both assertion and reason are false statements then mark (d).
1. A: A gene from Bacillus thuringiensis is incorporated in
plant genome to increase their yield.
R: Bacillus thuringiensis has Bt toxin producing gene,
which kills the larva of insects.
2. A: The restriction endonucleases can recognize
palindromic sequences.
R: These sequences read the same in both directions of
the two complementary DNA strands.
3. A: Plantbody is an antibody.
R: It is an antibody produced by plants that have been
genetically engineered with animal DNA.
4. A: The patenting of ‘brazzein’ by USA is a case of
biopiracy.
R: ‘Brazzein’ is actually a protein sweetener derived
from West African plant — Pentadiplandra
brazzeana and then its corresponding gene has been
patented by USA.
5. A: The biofortified crops like golden rice is useful to
overcome the problem of nightblindness in
developing nation.
R: Golden rice has higher nutritional content of
vitamin-A.
6. A: Removal of C-chain results in the maturation of
insulin to proinsulin.
R: Insulin is now-a-days obtained from pig’s blood.
7. A: ‘Hirudin’ can be extracted from transgenic Brassica
napus.
R: Hirudin is a naturally occurring peptide in the
salivary glands of medicinal leeches that has a
blood anticoagulant property.
8. A: There are 27 documented varieties of Basmati rice
grown in India.
R: In 1997, an American company got patent rights on
Basmati rice through the US patent and Trademark
office.
9. A: The Indian herbal medicines based on turmeric and
neem has been attempted for patenting by Western
countries.
R: Turmeric and neem are not native to India.
10. A: The choice of genes depends upon the crop and
targeted pest, as most Bt-toxins are insect-group
specific.
R: The Bt-toxin is coded by gene called ‘cry’.
11. A: The recombinant DNA technology have made
immense impact in the area of healthcare by
enabling mass production of safe and more effective
therapeutic drugs.
R: The recombinant therapeutics do not induce
unwanted immunological responses as is common
in case of similar products isolated from
non-human sources.
12. A: At present, about 30 recombinant therapeutics have
been approved for human use world-wide.
R: In India, 12 of these are presently being marketed.
13. A: ADA-deficiency causes immunodeficiency.
R: ADA is crucial for immune system to function.
14. A: Very low concentration of a bacteria or viruses, at
the time when the symptoms of the disease are not
yet visible, can be detected by PCR.
R: PCR causes amplification of the nucleic acids.
15. A: 95% of the existing transgenic animals are mice.
R: They are important live tools for researching
human disease, being used to understand gene
function in context of disease susceptibility,
progression and to determine responses to a
therapeutic intervention.
16. A: Transgenic animals can be specifically designed to
allow the study of how genes are regulated.
R: Gene regulation can be studied only in the
transgenic animals.
17. A: The transgenic cow, Rosie, could produce human
alpha-lactalbumin.
R: This milk is nutritionally more balanced product for
human babies than the baby’s mother.
18. A: Transgenic mice are being developed for use in
testing the safety of vaccines before they are used
on humans.
R: Transgenic mice are being used to test the safety of
polio vaccine.
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1148

19. A: For toxicity testing, transgenic animals are exposed
to the toxic substances and the effect is studied.
R: Transgenic animals are made to carry genes which
make them more sensitive to toxic substances than
non transgenic animals.
20. A: Most of the industrialised nations are rich
financially but poor in biodiversity and traditional
knowledge whereas it is opposite in case of
developing and underdeveloped countries.
R: Traditional knowledge related to bio-resources can
be exploited to develop modern applications and
can also be used to save time, effort and
expenditure during their commercialisation.

Answers (Section-C)
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (b)
 1149 NCERT Biology Booster

Section-D : Brainstormer
1. Read the following statements : 4. What is antisense technology?
(i) Hybridoma is a cell produced by the fusion of (a) Production of somaclone variants in tissue culture
two cells of different origin (b) A cell displaying a foreign antigen used for
(ii) ADA deficiency can be cured by bone marrow synthesis of antibodies
transplantation which is a permanent cure
(c) RNA polymerase performing reverse transcription
(iii) All genetically modified organisms (GMO) are
transgenic organisms (d) When an RNA piece, complementary in sequence is
(iv) IFN belong to a group of glycoprotein called used to stop expression of aspecific gene
cytokines 5. Some steps involved in the production of humulin are
(v) Pseudomonas putida can degrade toluene, given below. Choose the correct sequence :
camphor, octane and xylene (i) Synthesis of gene (DNA) for human insulin
artificially
How many of the above statements are correct ?
(ii) Culturing recombinant E.coli in bioreactors
(a) Three (b) Four
(iii) Purification of humulin
(c) Two (d) One
(iv) Insertion of human insulin gene into plasmid
2. Find out the correct statements :
(v) Introduction of recombinant plasmid into E.coli
(a) The nematode Meloidogyne mainly infects leaves of (vi) Extraction of recombinant gene product from
a plant (e. g ., tobacco) E.coli
(b) Flavr Savr is a GMO but not a transgenic plant (a) (ii) ® (i) ® (iv) ® (iii) ® (v) ® (vi)
(c) Polly and Molly are transgenic sheeps with human (b) (i) ® (iii) ® (v) ® (vi) ® (ii) ® (iv)
gene for blood clotting factor IX (c) (i) ® (iv) ® (v) ® (ii) ® (vi) ® (iii)
(d) All of the above (d) (iii) ® (v) ® (ii) ® (i) ® (vi) ® (iv)
3. Dr. Wilmut and his colleagues at Rosalin Institute, 6. The first transgenic plant was :
Edinburg (Scotland) developed Dolly (first successful (a) Tomato (b) Potato
mammalian clone). The sequence of development of
(c) Maize (d) Tobacco
Dolly is given below. Identify A, B and C.
7. Identify A, B and C in the steps of RNA interference
Sheep-I Sheep-II shown :
(Nucleus is taken (A)
from its udder cell) dsRNA
A
siRNA
Cell behaves as zygote
B
Early embryo
siRNA
Transferred to uterus unwinding
of sheep-III (B)

Birth of Dolly
(C)
C
Opti
A B C
ons
Opti
A B C
(a) Fertilized ovum Surrogate mother Clone of sheep-I ons

(b) Unfertilized ovum Surrogate mother Clone of sheep-I (a) RISC Dicer Target mRNA cleaved
without cytoplasm
(b) Dicer RISC Target mRNA cleaved
(c) Unfertilized Surrogate mother Clone of
enucleated ovum sheep-II (c) Dicer RISC Target ssDNA cleaved
(d) Unfertilized Surrogate mother Clone of sheep-I RISC Dicer Target ssDNA cleaved
(d)
enucleated ovum
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1150

8. Select the incorrect match : III. Interferons can cure AIDS

(a) Bioweapon — Bacillus anthracis IV. Antibodies derived from a single clone of cells
(b) HIV detection — PCR which recognize only one kind of antigen, are
called monoclonal antibodies
(c) DNA fingerprint — Foetal sex determination
(d) ANDi — First transgenic monkey Opti
I II III IV
9. Pseudomonas putida : ons
(a) Was genetically engineered by Dr. Ananda Mohan (a) T T F T
Chakrabarty
(b) T T T T
(b) Is a type of oil degrading bacteria
(c) Is Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria (c) F T T T
(d) Is related to more than one option (d) T F F T
10. Find the true (T)/false (F) statements and choose the
correct option.
I. GMO may lead to health risk in humans
II. Interferons were discovered by Issacs and
Lindenmann

Answers (Section-D)
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (a)
1151 NCERT Biology Booster

Section-E : Latest Previous Years Questions

1. The Genetically Modified (GM) brinjal in India has 6. First genetically modified plant commercially released
been developed for: in India is:
(a) Insect resistance (a) Golden rice
(b) Enhancing self life (b) Slow ripening tomato
(c) Enhancing mineral content (c) Bt-brinjal
(d) Drought resistance (d) Bt-cotton
2. Some of the characteristics of Bt-cotton are: 7. Single cell protein refers to:
(a) Long fibre and resistance to aphids (a) A specific protein extracted from pure culture of
single type of cells
(b) Maximum yield, long fibre and resistance to beetle
(b) Sources of mixed proteins extracted from pure or
pests
mixed culture of organisms or cells
(c) High yield and production of toxin protein crystals
(c) Proteins extracted from a single cell
which kill dipteran pests
(d) A specific protein extracted from a single cell
(d) High yield and resistance to boll worms
8. Probiotics are:
3. Some of the steps involved in the production of
(a) Cancer inducing microbes
humulin are given below. Choose the correct sequence:
(b) Safe antibiotics
(i) Synthesis of gene for human insulin artificially
(c) Food allergens
(ii) Culturing recombinant E.coli in bioreactors (d) Live microbial food supplements
(iii) Purification of humulin 9. Plants in comparison to animals are more rapidly
(iv) Insertion of human insulin gene into plasmid manipulated by genetic engineering. Select out the
(v) Introduction of recombinant plasmid into E.coli most probable reason for this:
(vi) Extraction of recombinant gene product from (a) Totipotency shown by plant cells
E.coli (b) Single somatic cell can regenerate a whole plant
body
(a) (ii), (i), (iv), (iii), (v), (vi)
(c) Genetic engineering is supplemented with plant
(b) (i), (iii), (v), (vi), (ii), (iv)
tissue culture techniques
(c) (i), (iv), (v), (ii), (vi), (iii)
(d) All of the above
(d) (iii), (v), (ii), (i), (vi), (iv) 10. Which one of the following is now being commercially
4. Study the following lists: produced by biotechnological procedures?
List I List II (a) Nicotine (b) Morphine
(c) Quinine (d)Insulin
A B-vitamins rich SCP I. Dunaliella salina
11. Which of the following type of microorganisms is
B Fox fire II. Amanita muscaria
mostly used in industries?
C Methionine deficient III. Candida lipolytica
SCP (a) Bacteria
D Lysine rich SCP IV. Armillaria mellea (b) Bacteria and fungi
V. Methylophilus (c) Bacteria and algae
Methylotrophus (d) Bacteria, microalgae and fungi
12. Immobilised enzymes are generally used for
The correct match is: bioreactors in:
(A) (B) (C) (D) (a) Batch process (b) Digestive process
(a) III IV I V (c) Activation process (d) Continuous process
(b) III II I IV 13. Invertase converts:
(c) III V I IV (a) Sucrose ® Glucose + fructose
(d) I IV II III (b) Glucose ® Ethyl alcohol + CO2
5. Cry II Ab and Cry I Ab produce toxins that control:
(c) Sucrose ® Glucose + galactose
(a) Cotton boll worms and corn borer respectively
(d) None of the above
(b) Corn borer and cotton boll worms respectively
14. What is true for monoclonal antibodies?
(c) Tobacco bud worms and nematodes respectively
(d) Nematodes and tobacco bud worms respectively (a) These antibodies obtained from one parent and for
one antigen
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1152

(b) These obtained from different parents and for one 23. A technology which has found immense use is solving
antigen cases of disputed parentage, is:
(c) These obtained from one parent and for many (a) Polymerase chain reaction
antigens (b) DNA finger-printing
(d) These obtained from many parents and for many (c) Monoclonal antibody production
antigens (d) Recombinant DNA technology
15. Curdling of milk in small intestine occurs due to action 24. Bt cotton is resistant to:
of: (a) Insects
(a) Rennin (b) Trypsin (b) Herbicides
(c) Eryptine (d) Chymotrypsin (c) Salt resistant
16. Which bacteria are utilized in gobar gas plant? (d) Drought resistant
(a) Methanogens 25. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains have been used for
(b) Nitrifying bacteria designing novel:
(c) Ammonifying bacteria (a) Bioinsecticidal plants
(d) Denitrifying bacteria (b) Bio-mineralization processes
17. In olden days cheese was prepared by: (c) Biofertilizers
(a) Rennet enzyme (d) Bio-metallurgical techniques
(b) Clostridium bacteria 26. Who discovered the superbugs?
(c) Aspergillus (a) H.G. Khorana
(d) None of these (b) Dilip Shah
18. Introduction of foreign genes for improving genotype is (c) Anand Mohan Chakrabarty
called: (d) Robert
(a) Vernalization 27. Cultivation of Bt cotton has been much in the news. The
(b) Tissue culture prefix Bt means:
(c) Biotechnology (a) ‘Barium treated’ cotton seeds
(d) Genetic engineering (b) ‘Bigger thread’ variety of cotton with better tensile
19. Use of biology in industrial process and for improving strength
quality of life is called: (c) Produced by ‘biotechnology’ using restriction
(a) Genetic engineering (b) Eugenics enzymes and ligases
(c) Microbiology (d) Biotechnology (d) Carrying an exdotoxin gene from Bacillus
20. Restriction enzymes: thuringiensis
(a) Are endonucleases which cleave DNA at specific 28. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) method is used for:
sites (a) Energy production from sewage
(b) Make DNA complementary to an existing DNA or (b) Gene transfer without a vector
RNA (c) Biodiesel production
(c) Cut or join DNA fragments (d) Seedless fruit formation
(d) Are required in vector less direct gene transfer 29. What is true about Bt-toxin?
21. Main objective of production/use of herbicide resistant (a) The concerned Bacillus has antitoxins
GM crops is to: (b) The inactive protoxin gets converted into active
(a) Encourage eco-friendly herbicides form in insect gut
(b) Reduce herbicide accumulation in food articles for (c) Bt-protein exists as active toxin in the Bacillus
health safety (d) The activated toxin enters the ovary of pest to
(c) Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of sterilize it and thus prevent its multiplication
manual labour 30. The Bt-toxin is not toxic to human beings because :
(d) Eliminate weeds from the field without the use of (a) The pro Bt-toxin activation requires temperature
herbicides above human body temperature
22. Which of the following is false for Bt transgenic plant? (b) The Bt-toxin recognizes only insect-specific targets
(a) Disease resistance (c) The Bt-toxin formation from pre Bt-toxin requires
(b) Prepared by Bacillus thuringiensis pH lower than that present in human stomach
(c) It is recombinant type (d) Conversion of pro Bt-toxin to Bt-toxin takes place
(d) No such plant is known only in highly alkaline conditions
 1153 NCERT Biology Booster

31. ‘Golden rice’ or ‘Miracle rice’ is transgenic rice rich in: 38. The first human hormone produced by recombinant
(a) Vitamin B and iron DNA technology is :
(b) Vitamin A and iron (a) Progesterone (b) Insulin
(c) Vitamin A and Vitamin B (c) Estrogen (d) Thyroxin
(d) Iron 39. The crops engineered for glyphosate are
32. In hybridoma technology : resistant/tolerant to :
(a) B-cells are fused with myeloma cells (a) Herbicides (b) Fungi
(b) T-cells are fused with myeloma cells (c) Bacteria (d) Insects
(c) B-cells are fused with T-cells 40. In Bt-cotton, the Bt-toxin present in plant tissue as
(d) None of the above pro-toxin is converted into active toxin due to :
33. During the processing of the prohormone ‘proinsulin’ (a) Presence of conversion factors in insect gut
into the mature ‘insulin’ :
(b) Alkaline pH of the insect gut
(a) C-peptide is added to proinsulin
(c) Acidic pH of the insect gut
(b) C-peptide is removed from proinsulin
(d) Action of gut micro-organisms
(c) B-peptide is added to proinsulin
(d) B-peptide is removed from proinsulin 41. Which one of the following statements is wrong in
34. Tobacco plants resistant to a nematode have been relation to transgenic Bt cotton plant ?
developed by the introduction of DNA that produce (in (a) Crop yield loss due to attack by Bacillus
host cells) : thuringiensis bacterium is reduced
(a) Both sense and antisense RNA (b) Crop yield loss due to attack by lepidopteran insect
(b) A particular hormone pests is reduced
(c) An antifeedant (c) The use of chemical insecticides in the cotton field
(d) A toxic protein is minimized
35. Consider the following four statements (A-D) and (d) Better quality cotton is produced
select the option which includes all the correct ones
42. A dicot plant forms crown gall when :
only :
(A) Single cell Spirulina can produce large quantities of (a) Agrobacterium tumifaciens comes in contact with
food rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, etc. the plant.
(B) Body weight-wise the microorganism (b) Agrobacterium rhizogens comes in contact with the
Methylophilus methylotrophus may be able to plant.
produce several times more proteins than the cows (c) A specific part of DNA from the Ti-plasmid gets
per day integrated with the plant chromosome.
(C) Common button mushrooms are a very rich source (d) A specific part of DNA from the Ri-plasmid gets
of vitamin C integrated with the plant chromosome.
(D) A rice variety has been developed which is very rich 43. Gene therapy has been successful in curing genetic
in calcium
diseases in laboratory animals through :
Options :
(a) Exposure to X-ray to rectify the defective gene
(a) Statements (C), (D)
(b) Statements (A), (C) and (D) (b) Replacing the defective gene with a functional
(c) Statements (B), (C) and (D) gene
(d) Statements (A) and (B) (c) Oral delivery of genes
36. The first clinical gene therapy was given for treating : (d) Use of therapeutic medicines to rectify the
(a) Diabetes mellitus defective gene
(b) Chicken pox 44. The two polypeptides of human insulin are linked
(c) Rheumatoid arthritis together by :
(d) Adenosine deaminase deficiency (a) Covalent bonds
37. Consumption of which one of the following foods can (b) Disulphide bridges
prevent the kind of blindness associated with vitamin A (c) H-bonds
deficiency? (d) Phosphodiester bond
(a) Flavr savr tomato (b) Canolla 45. Which of the following is commonly used as a vector for
(c) Golden rice (d) Bt-brinjal introducing a DNA fragment in human lymphocytes?
 Biotechnology and Its Applications 1154

(a) Retrovirus (c) Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation

(b) Ti plasmid (RCGM)
(c) l phage (d) Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
(d) pBR 322 47. A new variety of rice was patented by a foreign
46. In India, the organisation responsible for assessing the company though such varieties have been present in
safety of introducing genetically modified organisms India for a long time. This is related to :
for public use is : (a) Co-667 (b) Sharbati Sonora
(a) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (c) Lerma Rojo (d)Basmati
(b) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR)

Answers (Section-E)

1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (d)
11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (b) 32. (a) 33. (b) 34. (a) 35. (d) 36. (d) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (a) 40. (b)
41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (b) 44. (b) 45. (a) 46. (d) 47. (d)
 1155 NCERT Biology Booster
Hints
Section-A
14. (a) Golden rice is produced through genetic
engineering to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a
precursor of vitamin-A.
Flavr savr tomatoes are genetically modified
which lack the production of enzyme
polygalacturonase thus, preventing softening of
tomatoes. The enzyme polygalacturonase
degrades pectin in the cell walls which results in
the softening of fruit that makes them more
susceptable to damage by fungal infection.
Starlink maize is a genetically modified maize
containing a gene for resistance to glufosinate and
a Bt protein gene called Cry9C.
Bt-soyabean is a genetically modified soyabean
containing Bt-toxin gene.
Section-B
5. (a,b) The ssRNA or ssDNA will hybridize to locate
specific sequence of RNA or DNA.
15. (c) Silencing of a gene can be achieved through the
use of both RNAi and antisense RNA.
RNAi : Long dsRNAs can be used to silence the
expression of target genes in a variety of
organisms and cell types (e. g ., worms, fruit flies
and plants). Upon introduction, the long dsRNA
enter a cellular pathway that is commonly referred
to as RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. First
Section-C
6. (d) Removal of C-chain results in the maturation of
proinsulin into insulin. Now-a-days insulin is
obtained by genetic engineering.
7. (b) Hirudin is a protein that prevents blood clotting.
The gene encoding hirudin was chemically
Section-D
1. (a) Statements (i), (iv) and (v) are correct.
Hybridoma and monoclonal antibodies :
(i) This technique was developed by Kohler and
Milstein in 1975 (Nobel prize, 1984).
(ii) Hybridoma is a cell produced by the fusion of
two cells of different origin.
(iii) It is generally prepared by fusing an antibody
producing cell with a cancerous cell.
18. (a) Statement (iii) is incorrect. Once bollworms ingest
the inactive Bt-toxin (protoxin), it is converted to
an active form due to the alkaline pH of the gut of
insect.
23. (b) Insulin being a peptide will be digested in the
stomach.
25. (b) The unmodified mammalian gene (DNA) possess
both introns and exons. The bacterial system
cannot splice out introns. So, mRNA will not be
produced, thereby, it will not be translated.
52. (b) Serratia is a bacterium. From Serratia marcescens
the restriction endonuclease called SmaI is
obtained.
62. (d) RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms.
RNAi involves silencing of a specific mRNA.
dsRNA get processed into 20-25 nucleotides small
interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by an RNase III-like
enzyme called Dicer (initiation step). Then, the
RNA Inducing Silencing Complexes (RISCs) joins
with SiRNAs which act on target mRNA and
degrades it, thereby preventing translation.
Antisense RNA : It is a ssRNA that is
complementary to a protein coding mRNA that
hybridize with it an thereby blocks its translation.
synthesised. This gene encoding hirudin was
chemically synthesised. This gene was then
transferred into Brassica napus where hirudin
accumulates in seeds. The hirudin is purified and
used as medicine.
(iv) The antigen against which antibodies are
needed, is injected into rat. After sometimes,
B-lymphocytes start producing antibodies. The
spleen is removed and B-lymphocytes are
isolated.
(v) The B-lymphocyte is fused with myeloma (bone
marrow cancerous cell) cell to form hybridoma.

(vi) Now the hybridoma cells are cultured to get
large quantity of monoclonal antibodies within
less time.
(vii) The monoclonal antibodies are identical
molecules having predetermined future and
effective against a particular antigen.
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) and
transgenic organism : A more specifically defined type of
GMO is a transgenic organism. This is an organism whose
genetic makeup has been altered by the addition of genetic
material from an unrelated organism. This should not be
Biotechnology and Its Applications 1156
confused with more general way in which “GMO” is used to
classify genetically altered organisms, as typically GMOs are
organisms whose genetic makeup has been altered without
addition of genetic material from an unrelated organism.
2. (c) Meloidogyne infects roots of plants. Flavr savr is a
GMO as well as transgenic organism.
7. (b) See hints section-B,Q. 15
9. (d) Options (a) and (b) are correct but (c) incorrect as
Pseudomonas is Gram negative rod shaped
bacteria.