8: Cell Biology and Biotechnology BOARD Questions

(a) What is biotechnology? (March ’19)
Ans. The techniques of bringing about improvements in living organisms by artificial genetic changes and by hybridization for the welfare of human beings is called biotechnology.

(b) Explain any two commercial applications of it. (March ’19)
Ans. Biotechnology can be used in the following professional fields, viz. crop biotechnology, animal husbandry, human health, etc.

Which precautions will you take during spraying of pesticides? (3 marks) (Sept. ’21) (Textual)
Ans. (1) Pesticides are toxic chemicals. By using them indiscriminately, they contaminate the water, soil and also crops. (2) The D.D.T., chloropyriphos and malathion are very dangerous. They spread through the food chain causing biomagnification. (3) Therefore, we shall not use such insecticides and pesticides. We shall use organic pesticides. Excessive use will be avoided. (4) At the time of spraying, nose, eyes and skin will be covered and protected. (5) Care will be taken not to allow children or domestic animals to come in contact with a pesticide.

Answer the following questions : (5 Marks) (March ’20’)

(a) What is Biotechnology?
(b) Give one use of Biotechnology.
(c) Give one commercial use of Biotechnology.
(d) Write two bacterial examples of biofertilizer.
(e) Write two names of crops genetically developed.

Ans.
(a) Biotechnology : Technology that brings about artificial genetic changes and hybridization in organisms for human welfare is called biotechnology.
(b) Biotechnology is very useful in improving the yield and variety of agricultural products.
(c) Commercial use of biotechnology: Production of hormones, interferons, antibiotics and different vaccines.
(d) Rhizobium and Azotobacter are used to prepare natural fertilizers.
(e) Genetically modified crops : Golden Rice and Bt. Cotton.

Choose the correct alternative and write its alphabet against the subquestion number:


The disease related with the synthesis of insulin is …………….  (Sept. ’21) (Textual)

  (A) cancer      (B) diabetes   (C) viral infection   (D) dwarfness
Ans.  (B) diabetes

Genetically modified crop …………… has capacity to destroy bollworms. (Sept. ’21)
(A) BT brinjal      (B) Golden rice    (C) BT cotton   (D) Maize
Ans. (C) BT cotton

Write the following statements are True or False :

DNA fingerprinting is mainly useful in forensic sciences. (Nov. ’20)
Ans. True

Find the odd man out :

Drying, Salting, Cooking, Soaking with sugar (March ’20)
Ans. Cooking. (All others are food preservative methods.)

Identify and complete the following correlations :

White revolution : Increase in dairy production :: Green revolution : ……………………………. (March ’19)
Ans. Increase in agricultural production or crop yield.

Paragraph-based questions :

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : (March ’19)
A liberal view behind the concept of organ and body donation is that after death our body should be useful to other needful persons so that their miserable life would become comfortable. Awareness about these concepts is increasing in our country and people are voluntarily donating their bodies.

Life of many people can be saved by organ and body donation. Blinds can regain their vision. Life of many people can be rendered comfortable by donation of organs like liver, kidneys, heart, heart valves, skin, etc. Similarly, body can be made available for research in medical studies. Many government and social organizations are working towards increasing the awareness about body donation.

Questions and Answers :

(1) What is the liberal view behind the organ and body donation?
Ans. By body donation, research in medical studies is possible. The needy persons can get vital organs which can save their lives.

(2) Name any four organs that can be donated.
Ans. Liver, kidneys, heart, eyes, skin, etc. can be donated.

Complete the following table : (July ’19)

Observe the figure and answer the following questions : (Nov. ’20)

(a) Identify the process given in the above figure.
(b) Write the importance of above process.
(c) Write any two benefits of Biotechnology.

Ans. (a) The process of making transgenic potatoes is shown in the figure.

(b) (1) These potatoes act against bacteria causing cholera e.g. vibrio cholerae. Also they are effective against Escherichia coli. (2) Consumption of raw potatoes produces immunity against cholera and colitis – disease caused by Escherichia coli.

(c) (1) Per hectare yield is increased though there are limitation in crop agriculture. (2) Expenses of disease control are minimized due to development of resistant varieties.