CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes Chapter 11 Biotechnology Principles and Processes

Biotechnology, or biotech, is a field of biology that applies technology to manipulate biological processes in living organisms or their byproducts.

• It is one of the oldest industrial technologies, for example, using fermentation for alcohol production.
• In recent days, Biotechnology has included fields like genomics, applied immunology, recombinant DNA methods, and pharmaceuticals.
• The term biotechnology was first introduced in 1919 by Karoly Erek.
• It is useful for producing genetically modified crops and animals.

CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes for Chapter 11 Biotechnology: Principles and Processes are given in the article below for easy preparation and understanding of the concepts involved.

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Class 12 Biology Chapter 11 Notes – Biotechnology:  Principles and Processes

Principles of Biotechnology

The main principles of biotechnology can be categorized into two areas:

• Genetic Engineering: This principle focuses on modifying the DNA of a target organism to achieve a desired change in its phenotype.
• Bioprocess Engineering: This principle deals with maintaining sterile conditions for the large-scale growth of desired microbes and other eukaryotic cells.

The techniques of genetic engineering mainly include:

• Identification of DNA with desirable genes
• Introduction of the identified DNA into the host
• Maintenance of introduced DNA in the host and transfer of the DNA to its progeny.

Recombinant DNA Technology

The process of joining two DNA molecules from two different organisms together is known as Recombinant DNA technology. It is also known as Genetic Engineering.

Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology

 The technique of recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering involves

• Restriction enzymes: They are the molecular scissors that can cut DNA at specific sequences.
• Ligase enzymes: This enzyme acts like molecular glue, sealing the nicks in DNA strands.
• Vectors: These are small DNA molecules that can be used to carry foreign DNA into a host cell.
• Host organisms: This is the organism that will receive the recombinant DNA. Bacteria, yeast, and animal cells are all commonly used as hosts.

Process of Recombinant DNA

The following are the steps involved in the processes of Recombinant DNA technology

• Isolation of DNA
• Fragmentation of DNA using restriction enzymes
• Ligation of the desired DNA fragment into a vector
• Transformation of the host cell with the recombinant DNA
• Selection and culture of transformed cells
• Extraction of the desired product

Recombinant DNA Technology

DNA Cloning

DNA cloning involves creating multiple identical copies of a specific DNA fragment. This process depends on cloning vectors, which possess the following characteristics:

• Small size with the capacity to carry a large DNA insert.
• A cloning vector must possess an origin of replication to enable autonomous replication within the host organism.
• It should possess multiple cloning sites.
• It should have a restriction site.
• It should have a selectable marker to screen recombinant organisms.

DNA Cloning

What is Bioprocess Engineering?

• Bioprocess engineering utilizes bioreactors to multiply cells and obtain large-scale cultures. 
• This process allows for the high-yield production of desired proteins. 
• The resulting products undergo a series of downstream processing steps, including purification and quality checks, before being used in further trials or applications. 
• This technology plays an important role in the manufacture of antibiotics, vaccines, and other therapeutic medicines.

There are Some important List Of Top Biology Questions On Biotechnology Asked In CBSE CLASS XII