Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

Chapter 3
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
What is the primary focus of biochemistry?
Answer: Biochemistry focuses on the chemical reactions occurring in living organisms, including plants, animals, and
bacteria.
Define metabolism and its two main types of reactions.
Answer: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in cells. Anabolic reactions synthesize molecules, while
catabolic reactions break down complex molecules.
Give an example of an anabolic reaction in plants.
Answer: Photosynthesis is an example of an anabolic reaction in plants, where carbohydrates are synthesized using
sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
What is the result of catabolic reactions, and how is the released energy used?
Answer: Catabolic reactions break down complex organic molecules, releasing energy. This energy is used in various
biological processes.
Explain the purpose of digestion in the context of metabolism.
Answer: Digestion breaks down large food particles into smaller molecules, facilitating assimilation by cells for synthetic
purposes.
Name three simple sugars produced during carbohydrate metabolism.
Answer: Glucose, fructose, and galactose are the simple sugars produced during carbohydrate metabolism.
What is the role of glycogen in carbohydrate metabolism?
Answer: Excess carbohydrates are converted to glycogen and stored in muscles and the liver.
List two sources of fats and explain their digestion.
Answer: Animal fat sources include butter, ghee, fatty meat, and fish oil. Plant sources include sarson, olive, coconut,
maize, soya bean, cotton seed, sunflower, and peanut. Fats are digested and absorbed by the small intestine.
How does the body use fats during glucose deficiency or starvation?
Answer: During glucose deficiency or starvation, fats are used in respiration as an alternative energy source.
Where does the digestion of proteins start, and what happens to undigested protein?
Answer: Protein digestion starts in the stomach. Undigested protein is broken down by enzymes and converted into amino
acids, which can be used for protein synthesis or oxidized for energy.
What is the primary function of enzymes in biochemical reactions?
Answer: Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up and facilitating biochemical reactions.
How do enzymes differ from other catalysts?
Answer: Enzymes are protein in chemical structure, and they exhibit specificity in their reactions. They are required in
small amounts and catalyze both catabolic and anabolic reactions.
What is the role of amylase, and what substrate does it act upon?
Answer: Amylase is an enzyme that acts on starch. It does not act on proteins or fats.
Define coenzymes and their role in enzymatic reactions.?
Answer: Coenzymes are non-protein substances that some enzymes require to complete catabolic reactions. They assist
enzymes in their function.
Why are enzymes considered highly specific in their actions?
Answer: Enzyme specificity is attributed to their unique shapes, which allow them to interact only with specific substrates.
Provide an example of an enzyme commonly used in the food processing industry?.
Answer: Papain, obtained from papaya, is an enzyme used in the food processing industry, specifically as a meat
tenderizer.
How do enzymes contribute to the production of cheese?
Answer: Enzymes are used in cheese production to facilitate the breakdown of proteins and the coagulation of milk,
leading to the formation of curds.
What is the significance of enzymes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry?
Answer: Enzymes play a crucial role in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, where they are employed as catalysts in
various reactions to produce desired compounds.
Explain why enzymes are required in small amounts for their catalytic activity.?
Answer: Enzymes can catalyze reactions at high rates, making only small amounts necessary for their activity due to their
efficiency.
How does the specificity of enzymes impact their use in industrial applications?
Answer: The specificity of enzymes makes them valuable in industrial applications, as they can be selectively employed
for particular reactions, enhancing efficiency and product specificity.
What is the primary function of blood in the human body?
Answer: Blood transports digested food, oxygen, and metabolic waste products to and from cells.
Define blood plasma and serum.
Answer: Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, while serum is the remaining fluid after removing the blood
clotting protein (fibrinogen) from plasma.
What role do red blood cells (erythrocytes) play in the blood?
Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

Answer: Red blood cells transport gases, primarily oxygen, throughout the body.
How do white blood cells (leucocytes) contribute to the immune system?
Answer: White blood cells control the body's immunity system by defending against infections and foreign substances.
Explain the function of blood platelets in the context of blood clotting.
Answer: Blood platelets are essential for blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding by forming clots at the site of
injury.
What determines the different types of human blood based on chemical composition?
Answer: The presence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells determines different blood types.
Why are Type O individuals considered universal donors?
Answer: Type O individuals carry neither A nor B antigens, making their blood compatible with individuals of any blood
type.
Describe the ABO blood group system and its basis.
Answer: The ABO blood group system classifies blood into A, B, AB, and O groups based on the presence or absence of
A and B antigens on red blood cells.
What is the Rh factor, and how does it influence blood groups?
Answer: The Rh factor is another red blood cell antigen. Rh-positive or Rh-negative status depends on the presence or
absence of the Rh factor.
Why is it crucial to identify the Rh factor during pregnancy?
Answer: Incompatibility between the Rh factor of a pregnant mother and the unborn child can lead to complications, and
measures may be taken to prevent harm.
What is the chemical compound that makes up genes and chromosomes in the cell nucleus?
Answer: DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid)
What are the three components of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA?
Answer: Nucleotides consist of a base, sugar, and a phosphate group.
What is the structure formed by paired nucleotides in DNA?
Answer: Double helical molecule
What specific parts of DNA carry coded information and are known as?
Answer: Genes
Define DNA replication.?
Answer: The process in which a DNA molecule produces a copy of itself.
From where does a child inherit its DNA?
Answer: A child inherits DNA from both parents.
Give examples of hereditary characteristics transferred from parents to offspring.
Answer: Skin color, height, fitness, etc.
What is the role of DNA in certain diseases like diabetes and hemophilia?
Answer: Defects in DNA are responsible for these diseases, and they can be transmitted from parents to offspring.
What is the term for a set of all genes in a cell?
Answer: Genome
How many DNA letters or base pairs are present in the human genome?
Answer: 3.2 billion DNA letters or base pairs.
What is genetic engineering, and how does it involve the transfer of genes?
Answer: Genetic engineering is a set of techniques transferring genes from one organism to another. Genes can be cut
from one organism's cells and inserted into another or combined in a test tube and then transferred.
What is a transgenic organism, and how is it created?
Answer: A transgenic organism is one that receives a foreign gene. The steps include identifying the gene of interest,
removing it from the donor, converting it into chromosome or DNA, and introducing it into the recipient.
List the steps involved in the production of genetically engineered organisms.?
Answer: i) Identification of the gene of interest, ii) Removal of the gene from the donor, iii) Conversion of the gene into
chromosome or DNA, iv) Introduction of the desired gene-carrying into the recipient.
What is the significance of genetic engineering in agriculture?
Answer: Genetic engineering in agriculture has led to the production of high-yield crop varieties, improved nutritional
quality, introduction of herbicides and pesticides, increased shelf-life of fruits and vegetables, and transfer of nitrogen-
fixing genes into non-legumes.
How does genetic engineering contribute to the production of high-yield crops?
Answer: Genetic engineering introduces disease-resistant genes into high-yield crops, making them less susceptible to
diseases.
Why is the production of high-yield animals desirable, and how can genetic engineering contribute to it?
Answer: High-yield animals are desired to meet the increasing human population's need for milk and meat. Genetic
engineering shortens breeding time and controls diseases caused by closely related animal crossing.
What is the significance of cloning in genetic engineering, and give an example where it has been applied?
Answer: Cloning produces genetically similar individuals. An example is the cloning of sheep. It can be used for future
production of animal organs.
Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

What is the role of genetic engineering in weed control, and how does it benefit crops?
Answer: Genetic engineering introduces genes into crops that confer resistance to herbicides, allowing targeted weed
control without harming the crop.
How can the BT gene contribute to pest resistance in crops, and which crop has this gene been introduced into?
Answer: The BT gene induces pest resistance in plants and has been introduced into cotton, making the crop resistant to
insect attacks.
In terms of crop improvement, what advantage does genetic engineering offer compared to classical breeding
techniques?
Answer: Genetic engineering enables the production of high-yield crops in a shorter time compared to traditional breeding,
which is time-consuming and expensive.
Explain the significance of antibiotics and provide examples of narrow and broad-spectrum antibiotics.?
Answer: Antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. Penicillins are narrow-spectrum, while tetracyclines are
broad-spectrum antibiotics
What is the mechanism of action of tetracyclines against bacteria?
Answer: Tetracyclines damage the protein-producing machinery of bacteria, preventing them from dividing and inhibiting
their growth.
What are vaccines, and how do they stimulate the immune system?
Answer: Vaccines are harmless forms of disease-causing microbes that stimulate the immune system, preparing it to
recognize and fight actual pathogens.
What is the origin of the term "vaccine," and what was the first vaccine developed against?
Answer: The term "vaccine" comes from "vacca," Latin for cow. The first vaccine was developed against smallpox,
consisting of cowpox virus.
Why is recycling important, and how does it contribute to environmental well-being?
Answer: Recycling is essential for reducing rubbish, conserving raw materials, treating sewage, and saving energy and
money, contributing to environmental pollution control.
Give examples of materials that can be recycled, and why is their recycling crucial?
Answer: Materials like paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, metal, and glass can be recycled. Recycling is crucial for
reducing solid waste disposal and conserving resources.
How does recycling of sewage contribute to water conservation, especially in regions with scarce water resources?
Answer: Recycling sewage through treatment makes water reusable, addressing water scarcity issues in regions where
water is scarce.
What are the benefits of recycling in terms of energy and cost savings?
Answer: Recycling waste materials can save energy and money by providing alternative sources of energy and reducing
the need for new material production.
Explain how the recycling of glass bottles and aluminum cans contributes to resource and energy conservation.?
Answer: Recycling glass bottles and aluminum cans saves materials, energy, and money by reusing existing resources and
reducing the need for new production.
What practical benefits can be obtained from recycling waste materials in terms of organic manure and energy?
Answer: Recycling waste materials can provide organic manure and heat energy, offering practical and sustainable
resources for various applications.
What is the primary aim of waste disposal methods in developed countries, and name three common disposal
methods.?
Answer: The primary aim is to control environmental pollution. Common methods include composting, burning in
incinerators, and burying underground following hygiene methods.

Long QUESTIONS:
What is the role of metabolism in living organisms, and how does it contribute to the synthesis and breakdown of
biological molecules?
Answer: Metabolism is a crucial process in living organisms that encompasses a myriad of chemical reactions. It consists
of anabolic reactions, involved in the synthesis of molecules, and catabolic reactions, responsible for breaking down
complex molecules. Anabolic reactions, such as photosynthesis in plants, utilize energy to build compounds like
carbohydrates. On the other hand, catabolic reactions, like the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, release
energy essential for various biological processes. Together, these reactions form the foundation of an organism's energy
balance and play a vital role in sustaining life.

Explain the significance of enzymes in biochemical reactions and their role in our daily lives. Provide examples of
industrial applications of enzymes.
Answer: Enzymes, as biological catalysts, play a pivotal role in biochemical reactions. Their ability to speed up specific
reactions with precision is attributed to their unique protein structure. In our daily lives, enzymes are involved in various
processes, from digestion to energy production. For instance, amylase aids in starch digestion, emphasizing the specificity
of enzymes to their substrates. Enzymes also find extensive applications in industries, such as the use of papain from
Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

papaya as a meat tenderizer in food processing. Additionally, enzymes are crucial in chemical and pharmaceutical
industries, showcasing their diverse and valuable contributions to human activities.

How does the ABO blood group system work, and what is the significance of the Rh factor in blood typing?
Explain the implications of Rh incompatibility during pregnancy.

Answer: The ABO blood group system classifies human blood into A, B, AB, and O groups based on the presence or
absence of antigens on red blood cells. Type O individuals act as universal donors, lacking A and B antigens, while type
AB individuals can receive blood from any group due to the presence of both antigens. The Rh factor, a separate system,
determines whether a person is Rh-positive or Rh-negative. Rh incompatibility during pregnancy can be critical, as an Rh-
negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus may lead to harmful immune responses. Anti-Rh antibodies may affect
subsequent pregnancies, necessitating medical intervention to prevent complications.

Elaborate on the structure and function of DNA, highlighting its role as the hereditary material in living
organisms. How does DNA replication occur?
Answer: DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material present in the chromosomes of cell nuclei. Composed
of nucleotides with bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine), DNA forms a double helical structure. Genes,
specific DNA segments, carry coded information for hereditary traits. DNA replication is the process by which a DNA
molecule produces an identical copy of itself. During replication, the double helix unwinds, and complementary
nucleotides align to form two new strands. This fundamental process ensures the transfer of genetic information from one
generation to the next.

What is genetic engineering, and how does it contribute to human welfare, particularly in agriculture and
livestock? Provide examples of its applications and their impact.
Answer: Genetic engineering involves the transfer of genes between organisms, resulting in transgenic organisms with
altered genetic makeup. In agriculture, this technology has revolutionized crop and livestock production. High-yield crop
varieties, disease-resistant plants, and animals with improved milk and meat production are outcomes of genetic
engineering. The transfer of beneficial genes, such as those conferring herbicide resistance or pest resistance, has
enhanced crop yield and reduced dependence on chemical interventions. The cloning of genetically similar individuals,
like sheep, offers potential applications in organ production for the future.

Discuss the role of biotechnology in improving crop characteristics, focusing on its applications in weed control,
pest resistance, and enhancement of crop yield. Provide examples to illustrate its impact on agriculture.
Answer: Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in enhancing crop characteristics and improving agricultural productivity. In
weed control, genes conferring resistance to herbicides are introduced into crops, allowing selective weed elimination
without harming the main crop. Pest resistance is achieved by incorporating genes, such as the BT gene in cotton,
providing crops with inherent protection against harmful insects. Moreover, biotechnology facilitates the development of
high-yield crop varieties, addressing global food security challenges. For instance, genetically modified plants exhibit
increased resistance to diseases and environmental stressors, contributing significantly to sustainable and efficient
agriculture.

Explain the significance of antibiotics and vaccines in combating bacterial diseases. Provide examples of
commonly used antibiotics and describe how vaccines stimulate the immune system.
Answer: Antibiotics and vaccines are critical tools in combating bacterial diseases and preventing infections. Antibiotics
like penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, and erythromycins inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. Penicillin,
discovered by Fleming and Florey, is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic effective against specific bacteria. Vaccines, on the
other hand, stimulate the immune system by presenting harmless forms of disease-causing microbes. The immune
response results in the production of antibodies, providing immunity against future infections. The historical use of
cowpox virus in the smallpox vaccine, pioneered by Jenner, exemplifies the efficacy of vaccination in preventing diseases.
Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

Multiple Choice Questions

8. What is the chemical basis of hereditary information in
What is the primary focus of biochemistry? genes?

a. Geological reactions a. Proteins

b. Chemical reactions in living organisms b. Nucleic acids
c. Astrophysics c. Carbohydrates
d. Inorganic chemistry d. Lipids
Answer: b. Chemical reactions in living organisms Answer: b. Nucleic acids

2. What is the term for the breakdown of complex organic 9. What is the significance of the ABO blood group
molecules into simpler ones with the release of energy? system based on antigens?

a. Anabolism a. Determines eye color

b. Metabolism b. Influences skin tone
c. Catabolism c. Determines blood compatibility
d. Photosynthesis d. Controls hair texture
Answer: c. Catabolism Answer: c. Determines blood compatibility

3. Which process involves the synthesis of molecules and 10. What is the purpose of DNA replication?
is exemplified by photosynthesis in plants?
a. Production of energy
a. Catabolism b. Synthesis of proteins
b. Digestion c. Production of identical DNA molecules
c. Respiration d. Blood clotting
d. Anabolism Answer: c. Production of identical DNA molecules
Answer: d. Anabolism
11. Which field of science involves transferring genes
4. What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions? between organisms?

a. Inhibit reactions a. Biochemistry

b. Speed up reactions b. Biophysics
c. Neutralize reactions c. Genetic engineering
d. All of the above d. Metallurgy
Answer: b. Speed up reactions Answer: c. Genetic engineering

5. What are enzymes primarily made of in terms of 12. What is the term for an organism receiving a foreign
chemical structure? gene in genetic engineering?

a. Carbohydrates a. Alien organism

b. Lipids b. Transgenic organism
c. Proteins c. Hybrid organism
d. Nucleic acids d. Mutant organism
Answer: c. Proteins Answer: b. Transgenic organism

6. What is the primary function of blood in the human 13. How does genetic engineering contribute to agriculture?
body?
a. Production of disease-resistant crops
a. Transportation of nutrients b. Reduction in shelf-life of fruits
b. Removal of waste products c. Introduction of harmful chemicals
c. Regulation of body temperature d. Decrease in crop yield
d. All of the above Answer: a. Production of disease-resistant crops
Answer: d. All of the above
14. What is the main function of antibiotics?
7. Which blood cells are responsible for the immune
system's control? a. Stimulate growth
b. Kill viruses
a. Red blood cells c. Inhibit or kill bacteria
b. Platelets d. Enhance immunity
c. White blood cells Answer: c. Inhibit or kill bacteria
d. Plasma cells
Answer: c. White blood cells
Class 9th chapterno 3 By Sir Abdul Rehman

15. What was the first antibiotic discovered by Sir 18. What environmental benefit does recycling contribute
Alexander Fleming? to?

a. Tetracycline a. Increase in pollution

b. Penicillin b. Reduction in rubbish
c. Erythromycin c. Deforestation
d. Cephalosporin d. Depletion of natural resources
Answer: b. Penicillin Answer: b. Reduction in rubbish

16. What is the primary purpose of vaccines? 19. Which method involves burning waste for energy
production?
a. Inhibit bacterial growth
b. Stimulate the immune system a. Composting
c. Kill viruses b. Incineration
d. Treat bacterial infections c. Burying underground
Answer: b. Stimulate the immune system d. Recycling
Answer: b. Incineration
17. What is the term for the retrieval and reuse of waste
materials for manufacturing purposes? 20. What is the primary aim of genetic engineering in
livestock?
a. Conservation
b. Recycling a. Reduce meat production
c. Disposal b. Increase disease prevalence
d. Incineration c. Shorten breeding time
Answer: b. Recycling d. Promote closely related animals
Answer: c. Shorten breeding time