Biotechnology (Principles and Applications) gives 3–4 NEET questions and they are very fact-based: pBR322 map, PCR steps, Bt toxin, insulin chains. This is the list.
Tools
- Restriction enzymes: EcoRI (from E. coli RY13) cuts GAATTC between G and A → sticky ends; palindromic sites. Type II used. First: Hind II.
- Vectors: plasmids (pBR322: ori, ampᴿ, tetᴿ, sites like BamHI, PstI, PvuI…), bacteriophages, BAC/YAC; Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium for plants; retroviruses for animals.
- Selectable markers: antibiotic resistance; insertional inactivation (lacZ, blue-white screening with X-gal).
- Cloning sites: single-cut sites in the vector.
rDNA steps
- Isolate DNA (lysozyme for bacteria, cellulase for plants, chitinase for fungi); remove RNA (RNase), proteins (protease); precipitate with chilled ethanol.
- Cut with restriction enzyme; separate by gel electrophoresis (DNA moves to anode; smaller fragments move farther; view with ethidium bromide under UV).
- Amplify by PCR: denaturation (94°C), annealing (primers), extension (Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus).
- Ligate into vector (DNA ligase); transform host (CaCl₂ treatment + heat shock, microinjection, gene gun/biolistics).
- Express and grow in bioreactors (stirred-tank; sparged); downstream processing.
Applications
| Product | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Bt cotton | cry genes (cryIAc, cryIIAb for bollworm; cryIAb for corn borer); protoxin activated in alkaline insect gut |
| RNAi (Meloidogyne) | Nematode-resistant tobacco; dsRNA silences specific mRNA |
| Human insulin (Eli Lilly, 1983) | A and B chains made separately in E. coli, then joined by disulphide bonds; no C-peptide |
| Gene therapy | First 1990, ADA deficiency (4-year-old girl) |
| Diagnosis | PCR (HIV, cancer genes), ELISA (antigen–antibody) |
| Transgenic animals | Rosie the cow (α-lactalbumin milk), models for disease |
| GEAC | Approves GM research in India; biopiracy example: basmati patent |
Common mistakes
- Saying DNA moves to the cathode in electrophoresis
- Forgetting insulin’s C-peptide is absent in the recombinant version
- Confusing cryIAc (cotton) with cryIAb (corn)
Related: Genetics NEET notes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this Biotechnology NEET Notes content at JEE/NEET level?
Yes. It covers the formulas, facts and question types that appear in JEE Main, JEE Advanced and NEET, with the NCERT base that these exams follow.
How many questions come from Biotechnology NEET Notes?
Typically one to three questions per paper, depending on the year. Check the chapter-wise weightage post and give this topic time in proportion.
Where can I get biotechnology NEET doubts solved quickly?
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