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Chapter Analysis
Advanced10 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on 'Biotechnology and its Applications' explores the rapid advancements and crucial roles biotechnology plays in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management. It discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) aimed at improving crop yield and pest resistance, along with biotechnological methods for producing therapeutic substances like insulin. The chapter also covers the significance of transgenic animals in disease research and ethical considerations related to genetic engineering.
Key Topics
- •Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- •Agricultural Applications of Biotechnology
- •Biotechnological Applications in Medicine
- •Transgenic Animals
- •Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering
- •Tissue Culture and Plant Propagation
- •Gene Therapy and Molecular Diagnosis
- •Biopiracy and Intellectual Property Rights
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the role of biotechnology in agriculture and medicine.
- ✓Learn the process and importance of creating transgenic organisms.
- ✓Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering.
- ✓Explore gene therapy methods and their applications in medicine.
- ✓Identify challenges and solutions in the biotechnological industry.
- ✓Discuss the implications of biotechnology on global food security.
Questions in Chapter
Which part of the plant is best suited for making virus-free plants and why?
Answer: The meristem is best suited for making virus-free plants because it is free of virus even if the rest of the plant is infected.
Page 186
What is the major advantage of producing plants by micropropagation?
Page 186
Find out what the various components of the medium used for propagation of an explant in vitro are?
Page 186
Crystals of Bt toxin produced by some bacteria do not kill the bacteria themselves because –
Page 186
What are transgenic bacteria? Illustrate using any one example.
Page 187
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of production of genetically modified crops.
Page 187
What are Cry proteins? Name an organism that produces them. How has man exploited this protein to his benefit?
Page 187
What is gene therapy? Illustrate using the example of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.
Page 187
Diagrammatically represent the experimental steps in cloning and expressing a human gene (say the gene for growth hormone) into a bacterium like E. coli?
Page 187
Can you suggest a method to remove oil (hydrocarbon) from seeds based on your understanding of rDNA technology and chemistry of oil?
Page 187
Find out from the internet what is golden rice.
Page 187
Does our blood have proteases and nucleases?
Page 187
Consult the internet and find out how to make orally active protein pharmaceutical. What is the major problem to be encountered?
Page 187
Additional Practice Questions
What is the role of biotechnology in agriculture?
mediumAnswer: Biotechnology in agriculture involves genetically modified organisms to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and reduce reliance on chemicals. Methods like Bt cotton production illustrate this application.
How does gene therapy work to treat genetic disorders?
hardAnswer: Gene therapy treats genetic disorders by inserting functional copies of genes into cells to replace defective ones, as demonstrated in cases like ADA deficiency.
What are the ethical concerns associated with biotechnology?
mediumAnswer: Ethical concerns include the potential unpredictability of GMOs in ecosystems, biopiracy issues, and the societal implications of genetic modifications.
Discuss the benefits of using transgenic animals in medical research.
easyAnswer: Transgenic animals help understand diseases, model human conditions, and produce biological products, improving medical research efficacy.
What are the industrial applications of genetically modified organisms?
mediumAnswer: GMOs are used industrially for producing biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and biodegradable materials, enhancing resource efficiency.