NCERT Class 12: Chapter 12 - Biotechnology & Its Applications
Complete Topic-wise Guide with NEET MCQs | Weightage: 4-5 Questions in NEET
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 IN AGRICULTURE: Bt Cotton
Utilizes Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria genes (cry genes) to produce insecticidal proteins that protect cotton plants from bollworm larvae.
Practice Bt Cotton MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE: RNAi
RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process that silences specific genes. Applied in biotechnology to create pest-resistant plants (e.g., nematode-resistant tobacco).
Practice RNAi MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Insulin
Production of human insulin using recombinant DNA technology in E. coli or yeast, revolutionizing diabetes treatment and representing the first commercial biotech pharmaceutical.
Practice Insulin Production MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Gene Therapy
Corrects genetic disorders by introducing functional genes into patients' cells. First successful clinical application was for ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency).
Practice Gene Therapy MCQs →BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE: Molecular Diagnosis
Uses techniques like PCR, ELISA, and recombinant antigens for early, sensitive detection of pathogens (HIV, hepatitis) and genetic disorders, enabling timely treatment.
Practice Molecular Diagnosis MCQs →TRANSGENIC ANIMALS
Animals with a foreign gene intentionally inserted into their genome, used for medical research, producing therapeutic proteins (e.g., alpha-1-antitrypsin), and testing vaccine safety.
Practice Transgenic Animals MCQs →ETHICAL ISSUES
Addresses concerns regarding GM crops, patenting, biopiracy (Basmati rice, Neem), terminator technology, and the role of regulatory bodies like GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) in India.
Practice Ethics MCQs →🎯 NEET MCQ Focus: Chapter 12
Based on analysis of previous NEET papers, focus on these high-yield question patterns:
- Bt Cotton & RNAi: Frequently tested via Assertion-Reasoning questions or diagrams showing mechanism of action
- Gene Therapy & Molecular Diagnosis: Often appears as case-study questions or "which of the following is correct" statement types
- Transgenic Animals & Ethics: Commonly tested through match-the-column or multiple-correct type questions
- Insulin Production: Direct factual questions about the process, host organisms, and historical significance
Pro Tip for NEET 2025: Memorize specific examples - Bt cotton (cryIAc & cryIIAb genes), RNAi (nematode resistance in tobacco), first gene therapy (ADA-SCID), and transgenic animal 'Rosie' (produced human protein-enriched milk). These are frequently asked directly in NEET.