Biotechnology: Principles and Processes

What are restriction endonucleases? Explain how they recognise and cut DNA, producing sticky ends. Describe how the cut fragments are separated and visualised by gel electrophoresis.

List any four features that a cloning vector must possess to be useful in recombinant DNA technology.

Describe the main steps involved in producing a genetically engineered (recombinant) product. State the role of restriction enzymes and vectors.

What is a bioreactor? Describe the structure and function of a stirred-tank bioreactor used for producing products in large quantities.

Describe the steps involved in the transfer of a foreign gene into a host cell and its expression. Explain the roles of Agrobacterium and 'gene guns' in plant transformation.

Explain the three steps of a single cycle of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and state why a thermostable DNA polymerase is used.

Why is a host cell made 'competent' before transformation? Name any one method used to make bacterial cells competent to take up recombinant DNA.

What is downstream processing? List the main steps carried out after the completion of the biosynthetic stage in the production of a biotechnological product.

What is the role of a selectable marker in a cloning vector?

What is the significance of the 'ori' sequence and the number of copies of a plasmid in a cloning vector?

How many marks is Biotechnology: Principles and Processes worth in the Class 12 board exam?

Around 8 marks of the 70-mark CBSE Biology theory paper, based on the official unit-wise weightage. rDNA steps + tools (restriction enzymes, vectors, PCR).

Is Biotechnology: Principles and Processes easy or hard?

It's rated hard — one of the tougher chapters in Class 12 Biology. Most students need about 4 hours to cover it well.

What should I focus on in Biotechnology: Principles and Processes?

Going by the board papers themselves, the recurring areas are Restriction Enzymes & Gel Electrophoresis, Cloning Vectors, Recombinant DNA Technology, Bioreactors, PCR — that's where the marks actually sit.

What questions come from Biotechnology: Principles and Processes in board exams?

Between 2018–2024, CBSE board papers asked questions from this chapter on Restriction Enzymes & Gel Electrophoresis, Cloning Vectors, Recombinant DNA Technology, Bioreactors — 1- to 5-mark questions.