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Biotechnology and Its Applications  

Questions - Answers

Very Short Answer Type Questions 

1. Expand GMO. How is it different from a hybrid?
A: GMO = Genetically Modified Organism.
A GMO shows a change in only one or a set of desired genes without introducing undesirable genes into the target organism. A GMO is produced by introducing genes from unrelated organisms like bacterial genes into plants or animal cells. A hybrid may show undesirable genes along with desired genes. Further a hybrid is possible between closely related organisms.

 

2. Give different types of cry genes and pests which are controlled by the proteins encoded by these genes.
A: Proteins encoded by cryIAc and cryIIAb genes control cotton boll worms. Proteins encoded by cryIAb gene controls corn borer.

3. Can a disease be detected before its symptoms appear? Explain the principle involved.
A: Yes. A disease can be detected before its symptoms appear. When bacteria or viruses are present in low concentration that is not sufficient to produce symptoms, they can be detected by amplification of their nucleic acids through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In this method the DNA is amplified billion times by using the enzyme thermostable DNA polymerase.
e.g.: Detection of HIV

 

4. Many toxic proteins are produced in their inactive form by microorganisms. Explain how the mechanism is useful for the organism producing the toxin.
A: The inactive pro toxin produced in the organism needs alkaline pH to get converted into active form of toxin. As the organism producing the toxin does not have alkaline pH it does not harm the organism in which it is produced.

 

5. Why has the Indian Parliament cleared the second amendment of the country’s patents bill?
A: Indian Parliament cleared the second amendment of patents bill to prevent unauthorized exploitation of bio-resources and traditional knowledge. It also takes up issues like patent terms, emergency provisions and research and development initiatives.

 

6. Give any two reasons why the patent on Basmati should not have gone to an American company.
A: 1) Basmati rice with a unique aroma and flavor has been grown for centuries in India.
    2) The new variety of Basmati had actually been derived from Indian farmers but claimed as a new invention or novelty.
    3) The patent on Basmati restricts other people from selling Basmati rice.

 

7. PCR is a useful tool for early diagnosis of an infectious disease. Elaborate.
A: A disease can be detected early even before the onset of symptoms by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In this method the DNA is amplified billion times by using the enzyme thermostable DNA polymerase. When bacteria or viruses are present in low concentration that is not sufficient to produce symptoms, they can be detected by amplification of their nucleic acids through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Hence PCR may be considered as an useful tool for early diagnosis of infectious diseases.

 

8. What is GEAC and what are its objectives?
A: GEAC = Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.

Objectives:
* GEAC makes decisions regarding validity of GM research.
* It also works on the safety of introducing GM organisms for public services.
* It regulates the indiscriminate manipulation of living organisms by the human race.

 

9. Name the nematode that infects the roots of tobacco plants. Name the strategy adopted to prevent this infestation.
A: Meloidegyne incognitia 
RNA interference (RNAi)

 

10. For which variety of Indian rice has a patent been filed by a USA company?
A: Basmati

 

11. Give one example for each of transgenic plants which are suitable for food processing and those with improved nutritional quality.
A:  Transgenic plants suitable for food processing:
* Flavr Savr variety of tomato (bruise resistant and longer shelf life suitable for storage and transport to long distances) 
* Transgenic plant with improved nutritional quality Golden rice from Taipei (rich in vitamin A and prevents blindness)

 

Short Answer Type Questions 
1. List out the beneficial aspects of transgenic plants.

A: Plants with desirable characters created through gene transfer methods are called transgenic plants. Ti plasmid from Agrobacterium tumifaciens is used as vector to transfer genes in plants.
 

Some of the beneficial aspects of transgenic plants are:
* Transgenic plants are resistant to pathogens and pests. e.g.: Transgenic Papaya (resistant to ring spot virus), Transgenic Tomato (resistant to bacterium Pseudomonas) and Transgenic Potato (resistant to the fungus Phytophthora).
* They are made suitable for food processing by developing an impermeable fruit wall and bruise resistance for long storage and higher shelf life. e.g.: Flavr Savr tomato 
* Some transgenic plants have improved nutritional value. e.g.: Golden rice from Taipei enriched with vitamin A.
* They may be made male sterile so as to reduce the cost of emasculation and hybrid seed production. e. g.: Brassica napus
* Some of them are tolerant to abiotic stresses caused by cold, drought, salt and heat.
e.g.: Basmati rice, Roundup ready soyabean.

 

2. What are some bio-safety issues concerned with genetically modified crops?
A: Some of the bio-safety issues concerned with GMC (genetically modified crops) are:
* They may transfer allergins or toxins to humans and animals.
* The basic nature of fruits and vegetables may change.
* They may show harmful effect on biodiversity.
* Gene pollution may lead to development of super weeds resistant to weedicides.
* They may lead to dangerous changes in evolutionary pattern thus damaging the natural evolution.

 

3. Give a brief account of
A) Bt.cotton
B) Pest resistant plants
A:  A) Bt.cotton: Bt.cotton is a pest resistant transgenic plant. The first two letters Bt stand for the bacterial genus and species Bacillus thuringiensis.
This bacterium shows a toxin producing gene that can kill boll worms which damage cotton crop. This toxin producing genes cryIAc and cryIIAb are transferred to cotton plants through gene transfer method. Thus genetically modified pest resistant cotton is obtained called Bt.cotton. These pest resistant species minimize the use of chemical pesticides.

 

B) Pest resistant plants: Genetically modified organisms are produced for various reasons. In plants some of them are produced for pest resistance, some for tolerance to stresses, some for improved nutritional status etc., The pest resistant plants are transgenic plants in which genes producing toxins towards pests are introduced.
e.g.: Bt.cotton resistant to boll worm. (It carries toxin producing genes cryIAc and cryIIAb which confer resistance to boll worms and cryIAb that produces toxin which controls corn borer).

 

4. Write notes on Green Revolution and Gene Revolution.
A: Green Revolution: 
The word "Green Revolution" was given by William Gaud.
* Green Revolution refers to the dramatic increase in agricultural production due to use of improved varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improved irrigational practices and agricultural management practices.
* Norman Borlaug initiated this revolution and is known as "Father of Green Revolution".
* The Green Revolution was launched successfully in India due to the efforts of M.S. Swaminathan.
* The result of Green Revolution was increase in yield of crops.
* But Green Revolution led to harmful effects on environment and made agriculture expensive.

 

Gene Revolution:
* Gene Revolution is a new revolution which is aimed to increase food production by using biotechnology and genetic engineering.
* It helps in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
* Gene transfer between distantly related species is possible with gene revolution.
* Gene revolution led to production of more tolerant and resistant species.
* It also helped in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing mineral use efficiency.
* Crops with enhanced nutritional value are produced due to gene revolution.

 

Long Answer Type Questions (8 Marks)

1. Give an account of bio-technological applications in agriculture and other fields.
Applications of bio-technology in agriculture:
»» Bio-technology led to gene revolution in which genetic engineering is used to increase food production.
»» It may be used to produce environmentally sound crops.
»» It is used to produce genetically modified organisms and transgenic plants by altering the genes.
»» It helps in production of high yielding and disease resistant varieties.
e.g.: Transgenic Tomato resistant to Pseudomonas

          Transgenic Potato resistant to Phytophthora
          Transgenic Papaya resistant to ring spot virus.
»» It is used to produce biotic and abiotic stress resistant plants.
e.g.: Basmati rice resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.

»» It also helps in reducing post-harvest losses.
e. g.: Bruise resistant Flavr Savr tomato
»» It increases mineral usage efficiency.
»» Male sterile plants are produced by biotechnology which reduces the problems of manual emasculation and cost of hybrid seed production.

»» It is used for producing interferons, vaccines, vitamins and antibiotics.
»» It enhances nutritional value of food. e.g.: Vitamin A in Golden rice.
»» It has produced pest-resistant crops like Bt. cotton.


Applications of biotechnology in other fields:
»» Biotechnology is not only used in agriculture but also many other fields food processing industries, waste treatment, bioremediation and energy production.
»» One of the important uses of biotechnology is molecular farming which is "utilization of plants as bio factories or bioreactors for producing commercially useful products like medicines, chemicals and antibodies".
»» Bio technology is used for production of hormones like insulin using genetic engineering.

»» It is helpful in producing commercial chemicals with low cost.
»» Gene therapy is used to treat hereditary diseases.
»» DNA finger printing is used in forensic science and solving parental disputes.
»» Molecular diagnosis of diseases is one of the uses of biotechnology.
»» Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) are used to detect diseases before they show symptoms.
e.g.: Detection of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B.

Posted Date : 26-07-2021

గమనిక : ప్రతిభ.ఈనాడు.నెట్‌లో కనిపించే వ్యాపార ప్రకటనలు వివిధ దేశాల్లోని వ్యాపారులు, సంస్థల నుంచి వస్తాయి. మరి కొన్ని ప్రకటనలు పాఠకుల అభిరుచి మేరకు కృత్రిమ మేధస్సు సాంకేతికత సాయంతో ప్రదర్శితమవుతుంటాయి. ఆ ప్రకటనల్లోని ఉత్పత్తులను లేదా సేవలను పాఠకులు స్వయంగా విచారించుకొని, జాగ్రత్తగా పరిశీలించి కొనుక్కోవాలి లేదా వినియోగించుకోవాలి. వాటి నాణ్యత లేదా లోపాలతో ఈనాడు యాజమాన్యానికి ఎలాంటి సంబంధం లేదు. ఈ విషయంలో ఉత్తర ప్రత్యుత్తరాలకు, ఈ-మెయిల్స్ కి, ఇంకా ఇతర రూపాల్లో సమాచార మార్పిడికి తావు లేదు. ఫిర్యాదులు స్వీకరించడం కుదరదు. పాఠకులు గమనించి, సహకరించాలని మనవి.

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