Biotechnology is an important branch of biology that uses living organisms and biological processes to develop useful products for human welfare. In this chapter, students will study the Introduction of Biotechnology, understand the Scope and Importance of Biotechnology, and explore important topics such as Fermentation, Genetic Engineering, and Single-Cell Protein. These concepts explain how biotechnology improves agriculture, medicine, industry, and environmental protection. This PDF provides complete exam preparation material, including full MCQs, short questions, and long questions according to the Class 10 syllabus, helping students achieve better results in their exams.
Important MCQs – Chapter 17 Biotechnology
1. What is biotechnology?
(a) Use of machines in industries
(b) Use of chemicals for experiments
(c) Use of living organisms to make useful products ✅
(d) Use of robots in medicine
2. Which of the following is part of modern biotechnology?
(a) Fermentation
(b) Genetic engineering ✅
(c) Plant breeding
(d) Crop rotation
3. What is genetic engineering?
(a) Natural modification of DNA
(b) Artificial modification of genetic material (DNA) ✅
(c) Chemical destruction of genes
(d) Natural gene mutation
4. When was genetic engineering developed?
(a) Mid-1950s
(b) Mid-1960s
(c) Mid-1970s ✅
(d) Mid-1980s
Short Questions – Chapter 17
Q. Name any two industrial products made by fermentation. Also describe their uses in the industry.
Answer:
i. Ethanol – Used in the production of alcoholic beverages, as an industrial solvent, and as a biofuel.
ii. Urokinase – An enzyme used in medicine to dissolve blood clots in blood vessels.
Q. In biotechnology, what is meant by Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)? How is it made?
Answer:
A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been artificially altered using genetic engineering techniques. It is made by transferring recombinant DNA (a gene of interest inserted into a vector) into a host organism, which then expresses the desired trait.
Q. What is the difference between old and modern biotechnology?
Answer:
Old biotechnology involves natural processes like fermentation.
Modern biotechnology involves advanced techniques such as genetic engineering, including the modification of DNA.
Q. What is genetic engineering?
Answer:
Genetic engineering is the artificial modification, removal, addition, or repair of DNA to change the characteristics of an organism.
Long Questions – Chapter 17
Q. Explain the role of biotechnology in the fields of medicine, food, and agriculture.
Answer:
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their components to produce useful products and improve human life. It plays a major role in medicine, food, and agriculture.
In Medicine:
-
Insulin Production: Human insulin is produced by inserting the insulin gene into bacteria. It is used by diabetic patients.
-
Interferons: Antiviral proteins produced using bacterial biotechnology to fight viral infections.
-
Vaccines and Antibodies: Many vaccines and antibodies are synthesized using microorganisms.
-
Gene Therapy: Treats genetic disorders by inserting correct genes into the patient’s body.
-
Medicinal Enzymes: Enzymes are produced for medical and industrial purposes.
-
Forensic Medicine: DNA fingerprinting is used for criminal identification and paternity tests.
In Food and Agriculture:
-
Fermented Foods: Products like yogurt and pickles are prepared using microbial fermentation.
-
Malted Foods: Powdered milk and mixtures of barley and wheat flour are prepared using biotechnology.
-
Dairy Products and Beverages: Cheese, butter, wine, and beer are produced using microorganisms.
-
Transgenic Plants: Genetically modified plants are developed with higher yield and resistance to pests and diseases.
-
Transgenic Animals: Animals like goats, cows, and chickens are genetically modified to produce more milk, meat, or medicinal proteins through their milk and blood.
Biotechnology has greatly improved human health, food production, and agriculture, making life easier and more sustainable