NCERT Class 12: Chapter 12 – Biotechnology & Its Applications
Complete Topic-wise Guide with NEET MCQs | Weightage: 4–5 Questions in NEET UG
Chapter Overview: This chapter covers the applications of biotechnology in agriculture, medicine, and industry. It explains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their benefits, ethical issues, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding this chapter is crucial for 4–5 NEET questions annually.
Topic-wise Breakdown with Practice MCQs
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS: An Introduction
General overview of biotechnology and its real-world applications across sectors.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGY & its APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE: Bt Cotton
Uses Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry genes to produce insecticidal proteins against bollworms.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGY & its APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE: RNAi
RNA interference silences specific genes; used to create nematode-resistant tobacco plants.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Insulin
First recombinant therapeutic protein; produced in E. coli using rDNA technology.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGY & its APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Gene Therapy
First used for ADA-SCID; involves inserting functional genes to correct disorders.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGY & its APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Molecular Diagnosis
Techniques like PCR, ELISA, and recombinant antigens for early disease detection.
Practice MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGY & its APPLICATIONS IN: TRANSGENIC ANIMALS
Animals with inserted foreign genes; e.g., 'Rosie' the cow producing human protein in milk.
Practice MCQs →ETHICAL ISSUES
Covers biopiracy (Neem, Basmati), GEAC, patents, and GM crop regulations in India.
Practice MCQs →🎯 NEET MCQ Focus: Chapter 12
Based on analysis of previous NEET papers, focus on these high-yield patterns:
- Bt Cotton & RNAi: Assertion–Reasoning or mechanism-based diagram questions
- Gene Therapy & Molecular Diagnosis: Case studies or "correct statement" formats
- Transgenic Animals & Ethics: Match-the-column or multiple-select questions
- Insulin Production: Factual recall on host, process, and historical significance
Pro Tip for NEET 2026: Memorize key examples: Bt cotton (cryIAc & cryIIAb), RNAi in tobacco, ADA-SCID as first gene therapy, and transgenic cow 'Rosie'. These appear frequently in NEET.