Solutions-Class 10-Science & Technology-2-Chapter-8-Cell Biology and Biotechnology-Maharashtra Board

a. Methods like artificial insemination and embryo transplant are mainly used for Animal Husbandry.
b. Stem cell reaserch is the revolutionary event in biotechnology after cloning.
c. The disease related with the synthesis of insulin is diabetes.
d. Government of India has encouraged the Pisciculture (Aquaculture) for improving the productivity by launching NKM-16.

(i) Changes in genes of the cells are brought about in genetic technique. Or Non-genetic technology involves use of either cell or tissue

(ii) Gene from Bacillus thuringiensis is introduced into cotton plants.

Biotechnology can be used in the many professional fields, like. crop biotechnology, animal husbandry, human health, environmental Pollution etc.

(i) In agriculture biotechnology is used to produce improved varieties of plants and animal breeds, and to control pests and pathogens.

(ii) By using biofertilizers, the use of chemical fertilizers is reduced. Use of bacteria such as Rhizobiurm, Azotobacter, Nostoc, Anabaena and plants like Azolla the nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization abilities of the plants are improved

(iii) Animal husbandry is now using the methods of artificial insemination and embryo transfer by which the breeds of cattle are improved.

(iv) It is applied in food processing industries to produce additives.

(v) It is applied to produce biocatalysts and biopolymers.

(vi) Many biotechnological processes are applied to control pollution and treat waste water.

(vii) It is applied in the field of health care to produce several vaccines, drugs and hormones like insulin, etc.

(7) DNA fingerprinting technology has revolutionized the profession of forensic science.

Medicines made from harmful chemicals have side effects and are not safe to be used unless there is medical supervision. Therefore, world-wide herbal remedies are gaining more popularity.

In entire world people have understood the importance of holy basil (tulsi), Adulsa, Jyesthmadh, Turmaric (Haldi), Ginger, etc.
Several plants have medicinal properties which can be used as medicines. Some of the plants grown for their medicinal value are:

1. Cinchona − Quinine, a drug used in the treatment of malaria,
2. Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha) − This plant is used for the treatment of hypertension and insomnia.
3. Belladonna − Alkaloids obtained from the roots of this plant are used as pain relievers. It also stimulates respiration and circulation.
4. Eucalyptus − The leaves of eucalyptus are used for extracting on oil which is used in the treatment of blocked nose and throat infections, mosquito repellent.

In Ayurveda practices, the natural remedies were used. In olden days, such herbs were collected by roaming in the jungles. Such important medicinal herbs are now cultivated with care.

There are various products which we use in our daily life that are produced by biotechnological processes.

We are making curd and buttermilk at home is the simplest use of biotechnology in daily life.

Using Biotechnology, products are produce to use in daily life such as  :

• Medical products like antibiotics, vaccines and insulin.
• Fruits and dairy products.
• Microbial metabolites like vitamins and enzymes.
• Organic acids like acetic acid/vinegar.

• Pesticides are chemicals which are used on plants for protecting them against pest infection.
• They contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to humans as well as the environment.
• While using pesticides we should take care like, cover the nose, mouth and eyes while spraying them, keeping them out of the reach of children.
• Another important point is to avoid excessive use of pesticides as they also lead to water and soil pollution.
• Instead we should use organic pesticides, natural or biological methods to ward off pests.

• We know that the human body is a system which is comprised of various types of organs.
• The health of body can be in best if all the vital organs of the body are in best condition
• These organs have specific and important roles to play and in the absence of their functioning, normal body functions cannot be carried out.
• There are various reasons like aging, accidents, infections, disorders because of which an organ may become non functional.
• Some of the organs can be brought back to functionality by performing surgeries.
• Brain, kidney, heart, liver, etc. are some such vital organs which are most essential for proper metabolism and functioning of the body. The sense organs of the body are also of utmost importance, especially eyes.
• Valuable organs like Heart, kidney, eyes, liver etc. can be donated after death to save and increase the life of other people.
• Some of the organs like brain will never regenerate too.
• Any problem with these vital organs makes the life miserable therefore they are said to be valuable.

• Fruits are called perishable products which means that they cannot be stored for long durations. Hence for storage and usage for a long term, their preservation is absolutely essential.
• The solution to this problem is fruit processing.
• Fruit processing is a process which converts fruits into jams, juices, jellies etc. These processing methods include storage in cold areas, drying salting etc.
• This process makes the fruits available all around the year and makes their storage possible.
• The preserved products give financial
• In national and international markets, Indian fruits like mangoes are in great demand. Due to fruit processing we can exports fruits and fruit products and get foreign currency through it. The local horticulturists get good benefit from their orchards.
• Processed fruit products also gives vitamins and minerals that help in maintaining good health.
• Thus the fruit processing is important for the human

• Vaccine is the 'antigen' It is given to person or even to animals for acquiring immunity against particular pathogens or diseases.
• Our body reacts to infection by microorganisms by producing certain substances called antibodies. These antibodies kill the invading microorganisms, thereby freeing the body from diseases.
• In olden days, in order to protect the body from diseases caused by microorganisms, some dead or weakened microbes are introduced in the body, which cause the production of antibodies. But this method causes some inconvenience.
• Hence in recent times the vaccines are produced by using biotechnology. These vaccines are artificial which are synthesised in the
• The antigen is produced with the help of gene of the pathogen.
• These antibodies then remain in the body for a long period of time protecting the body from diseases. This whole process of introducing vaccines into the body is known as vaccination.

1. Insulin: Diabetes :: Interleukin: Cancer

2. Interferon: Viral infection:: Erythropoietin: Anemia

3. Somatostatin: Dwarfness :: Factor VIII: Hemophilia

4. White revolution: Dairy :: Blue revolution: Aquatic organisms

Biotechnology has revolutionised the field of science and technology. It has provided us with solutions to our problems which would not have been possible otherwise. It has proved to be useful in the field of agriculture, medicine, clean energy and industrial products.  Its many potentials are still being exploited. However, despite the various merits of biotechnology, there are certain demerits also associated with it.
Merits of biotechnology:

• it has helped in the field of agriculture to increase the food production substantially, also helped for the development of stress resistant varieties for example drought resistant, temperature resistant plants etc.
• It has been useful in the medical field in the diagnosis and treatment of various kind of diseases.
• Sophisticated vaccines have stopped the spread of epidemics.
• It is being widely used in the food industry for preserving and producing different kinds of food products on a larger scale.
• It’s helped for solving environmental problems & waste management partially. For examples, microorganisms are being used to solve the menace of plastics.

Demerits of biotechnology :
Although biotechnology has found a widespread applications in various field, it has its own potential risks. Some of its demerits are:

• The genetic changes are breaking the law of nature, some of the biotechnological procedures are against nature and natural laws as they involve other living organisms and disturbing their genetic makeup.
• New varieties of crops produced by biotechnology, have some disadvantages like seed sterility.
• It may also lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria
• Human cloning is also debatable issue, it will cause disturbance in natural balance.
• Thus according to some views, biotechnology can be dangerous too.