NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 14 Aug 2025, 12:57 PM IST

The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes explores genetic engineering. This is an important chapter that discusses the principles and methods involved in this field. Topics like recombinant DNA technology, restriction enzymes, PCR, and bioprocess are covered. The NCERT Solutions include answers to all the questions in a clear language. This makes the learning more effective and improves exam preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download PDF of NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Biology Chapter 9
  2. Find Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Solutions (Exercise Questions)
  3. Approach to Solve Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Question Answer
  4. Important Question from Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Solutions
  5. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?
  6. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology- Chapter-wise
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9

By referring to the Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Solutions, students are able to build a strong foundation in Biology. Biotechnology has transformed medicine, agriculture, and industry by providing solutions through molecular biology methods. The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology offer practice questions, which improve problem-solving skills. Students can also download the Biotechnology Principles and Processes NCERT PDF to revise topics quickly before exams.

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NCERT Exemplar for Class 12 Biology: Biotechnology Principles and Processes

Download PDF of NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Biology Chapter 9

Students can download the PDF of this chapter from the link given below. After going through the PDF of Biotechnology: Principles and Processes, students can answer all questions easily.

Download PDF

Find Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Solutions (Exercise Questions)

Given below are the detailed answers to all the questions included in the Biotechnology: Principles and Processes chapter. Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 question answers provide knowledge about how biotechnology has changed our lives.

Q1. Can you list 10 recombinant proteins that are used in medical practice? Find out where they are used as therapeutics (use the internet).

Answer:

Recombinant proteins are proteins produced as a result of recombinant DNA technology. In this technology, there is the transfer of a specific gene from one organism to another by using molecular tools such as biological vectors, restriction enzymes, etc. Some of the proteins produced through RDT and are being used for therapeutic uses are as follows:

S.No

Name of the recombinant protein

Therapeutic use of the recombinant protein

1.

DNAase I

To treat cystic fibrosis

2.

Antithrombin III

To prevent the formation of blood clots

3.

Insulin

To treat type I diabetes mellitus

4.

Interferon α

Used for chronic hepatitis C

5.

Coagulation factor VIII

To treat haemophilia A

6.

Coagulation factor IX

To treat haemophilia B

7.

Interferon B

To treat multiple sclerosis

8.

Human growth hormone recombinant

To promote growth in humans

9.

Tissue plasminogen activator

To treat the myocardial infarction


Q2. Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA, and the product it produces

Answer:

The following chart shows the action of the restriction enzyme EcoRI, the substrate DNA on which it acts, and the site where it cuts

Action of Restriction enzyme

Q3. From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?

Answer:

DNA possesses all the genetic information of an organism. This genetic information can be transcribed in the form of proteins, multiprotein complexes, enzymes, etc. The actual length of DNA is in meters. The actual size of DNA is 2 meters long. Although they are present in condensed form. So they appear smaller when compared normally with enzymes. While enzymes, on the other hand, have variable sizes but are only a few nanometers in length. Hence, they will always be smaller when compared to DNA. Thus, we can conclude that DNA is bigger than enzymes.

Q4. What would be the molar concentration of human DNA in a human cell? Consult your teacher.

Answer:

The molar concentration of DNA in a human cell will be the total no. of chromosomes divided by 6.023 × 1023

Hence, the molar concentration of DNA in each diploid cell in humans is 46/6.023 × 1023 = 7.64 × 10-23

Q5. Do eukaryotic cells have restriction endonucleases? Justify your answer.

Answer:

No, eukaryotic cells do not possess restriction enzymes. All the restriction endonucleases have been developed and isolated from different strains of bacteria. The bacteria possess these restriction endonucleases as a defence mechanism to restrict the growth of viruses. Their own DNA remains safe from these enzymes because it is methylated. The eukaryotic cell has RNA interference as a defence mechanism against foreign DNA. Thus, eukaryotic cells do not have restriction endonucleases.

Q6. Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?

Answer:

The advantages of stirred tank bioreactors over shake flasks are as follows:

1. Stirred tank bioreactors are utilised for large-scale production of biotechnological products, unlike the shake flask method, which is used for small-scale production of products.

2. In stirred tank bioreactors, a small sample can be taken out for testing.

3. Stirred tank bioreactors have foam breakers to control the foam.

4. Stirred tank bioreactors have temperature and pH control systems.

Q7. Collect 5 examples of palindromic DNA sequences by consulting your teacher. Better try to create a palindromic sequence by following the base-pair rule

Answer:

Palindromic sequences in the DNA molecule refer to groups of bases forming the same sequence when read either backward or forward. The recognition sites of restriction endonucleases are palindromic sequences. Five examples of palindromic DNA sequences are given below

1. ACTAGT/TGATCA

2. AAGCTT/TTCGAA

3. GGATCC/CCTAGG

4. AGGCCT/TCCGGA

5. ACGCGT/TGCGCA

Q8. Can you recall meiosis and indicate at what stage a recombinant DNA is made?

Answer:

In meiosis, during the pachytene stage of Prophase I, crossing-over takes place and recombinant DNA is formed by combining portions of male and female DNA.

Q9. Can you think and answer how a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor the transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker?

Answer:

In recombinant DNA technology, the selection of transformed and non-transformed cells can be done using reporter genes that encode reporter enzymes. During the RDT experiment, the foreign gene is joined with a reporter gene. The reporter gene should be such that it produces a visible expression. For example, the Lac Z gene, which codes for the enzyme beta-galactosidase, is used as a reporter gene. The activity of this gene is not found in transformed cells, as the product formed by its catalysis is not formed in transformed cells, and bacterial colonies appear white. In non-transformed cells, this gene shows its activity and the catalysed product is formed; as a result of this, bacterial colonies appear blue. Thus, a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor the transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker.

Q10. Describe briefly the following:

(a) Origin of replication

Answer:

Origin of replication- This refers to the DNA sequence from which replication of DNA starts. By linking a DNA sequence with the origin of replication, it can be allowed to replicate in the host cells. The origin of replication also controls the copy number of linked DNA sequences.

(b) Bioreactor

Answer:

Bioreactors - These are large vessels (100-1000 litres) that are used for large-scale production of biotechnological products such as proteins, enzymes, etc., from raw materials. In a bioreactor, optimum conditions such as temperature, pH, vitamins, oxygen, salts, etc., are maintained. Stirred bioreactors are the most commonly used bioreactors. Stirred bioreactors can be simply stirred tank bioreactors or sparged tank bioreactors.

(c) Downstream processing

Answer:

Downstream processing- The process of separation and purification of biotechnological products is called downstream processing. The processes in downstream processing vary depending on the quality of the product. Before the release of the product, it undergoes clinical trials and quality control testing.

Q11. Explain briefly :

(a) PCR

Answer:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- The molecular technique to amplify a gene and obtain several copies is referred to as PCR. The process of PCR has certain requirements, i.e., a thermostable enzyme called Taq polymerase ( obtained from Thermus aquaticus ), primers ( short stretches of DNA ), dNTPs, a template strand, etc. The process of PCR takes place in three steps.

1. Denaturation- The double-stranded DNA helix is opened up by breaking its H-bonds at high temperatures.

2. Annealing- The primers are allowed to hybridise to complementary regions of DNA. This step takes place at a 50-65°C temperature.

3. Extension- The primers are extended with the help of the Taq polymerase enzyme, and the cycle is repeated several times to obtain the desired number of copies.

(b) Restriction enzymes and DNA

Answer:

Restriction enzymes and DNA- Restriction enzymes are those enzymes that cut DNA at particular places. The restriction enzyme first scans the DNA template and looks for its recognition site. Once it finds the recognition site, it binds at that region of DNA and cuts each of the two strands in its sugar-phosphate backbone. The sites at which restriction enzymes cut DNA are called recognition sites of DNA. These are palindromic sequences, i.e., they read similarly from the backward and forward direction.

(c) Chitinase

Answer:

Chitinase - The enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of chitin polysaccharide, which is usually found in the cell wall of fungi. Chitinase is mainly used during DNA isolation from fungi.

Q12. Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between

(a) Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA

Answer:

The differences between plasmid DNA and chromosomal DNA are as follows:

Plasmid DNA

Chromosomal DNA

Circular, extra-chromosomal DNA, which is capable of self-replication and is found in bacteria, is called plasmid DNA.

The entire DNA (excluding extrachromosomal DNA) present in the cell constitutes chromosomal DNA

It is found only in bacteria

It is found in both bacteria and other eukaryotic cells.

(b) RNA and DNA

Answer:

The differences between RNA and DNA are as follows:

RNA

DNA

RNA contains ribose sugar

DNA contains the deoxyribose sugar

Has bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U)

Has bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)

It has catalytic properties and is less stable than DNA

DNA is non-catalytic and is more stable than RNA

(c) Exonuclease and Endonuclease

Answer:

The differences between exonuclease and endonuclease are as follows:

Exonuclease

Endonuclease

These are nucleases (enzymes) that cut DNA from its ends.

These are nucleases that cut DNA from internal sites on DNA

NCERT Solutions for Class 12- Subject-wise

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Approach to Solve Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Question Answer

Given below are the steps that students can follow to solve the questions of the Biotechnology: Principles and Processes chapter effectively.

  • Students must start by understanding the concepts, like genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology. These are well-explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes.

  • Focus on the steps of recombinant DNA technology, such as isolation of DNA, cutting with enzymes, amplification using PCR, and insertion into host cells.

  • Students should learn about the tools used in biotechnology, including restriction enzymes, ligases, and vectors, along with their functions and examples.

  • Short notes of important definitions, steps, and diagrams can be prepared. Students can take help from the Class 12 Biotechnology Principles and Processes NCERT PDF.

  • Practice questions and diagram-based MCQs are given in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12. This makes students familiar with the exam pattern and improves their speed and accuracy.

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Important Question from Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Solutions

Given below is an important question from this chapter along with the answer. This helps students understand how the question appeared in the exam. To practice more such types of questions, students can refer to the Biotechnology Principles and Processes Class 12 NCERT Solutions.

Question: Among the following statements, carefully identify the ones that contain incorrect information about the palindromic sequences.

A. Palindromic sequences are DNA sequences that read the same in both directions but have an antiparallel orientation.

B. Palindromic sequences are DNA sequences that read the same in both directions but have a parallel orientation.

C. Palindromic sequences are recognised by a specific restriction endonuclease, leading to specific cleavage.

D. Palindromic sequences are recognised by exonucleases, resulting in non-specific cleavage.

Choose the option(s) that contain incorrect statements:

Options:

  1. A and C

  2. A and D

  3. B and C

  4. B and D

Answer: The correct answer is option (4).

Explanation:

Statement B states that the Palindromic sequences are DNA sequences that read the same in both directions but have a parallel orientation. This statement is incorrect. Palindromic sequences have an antiparallel orientation, not a parallel one. Therefore, statement B is incorrect.

Statement D states that the palindromic sequences are recognized by exonucleases, resulting in non-specific cleavage. This statement is incorrect. Exonucleases degrade DNA from the ends, but they do not specifically recognize and cleave palindromic sequences. Therefore, statement D is incorrect.

Hence, the correct statements are B and D.

NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Solutions

What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Given below is a table that includes the topics that students have to study beyond the NCERT to score well in the NEET exam. Students can refer to the Biotechnology Principles and Processes Class 12 NCERT Solutions to understand the processes and diagrams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the important topics covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9?
A:

The important topics of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes are

  • Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
  • Biotechnology and its applications
  • Principles of Biotechnology
  • Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Processes of Recombinant DNA Technology.
Q: Are NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 enough for board exam preparation?
A:

Yes, NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9 Biotechnology Principles and Processes provide solutions for all questions given in the textbook Biology. The majority of the board exam questions are taken from these exercises. Students who master these ideas will perform well on their final exams.

Q: How does recombinant DNA technology work in biotechnology?
A:

Recombinant DNA technology in biotechnology entails the joining of genetic material from two or more sources to form altered DNA. It is achieved through the isolation of a desired gene, placing it into a vector (such as a plasmid), and inserting it into a host cell. This process is well-explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 9, Biotechnology Principles and Processes. 

Q: How to download solutions of biotechnology ncert for class 12 Biology chapter 9 pdf?
A:

Students can access and download the Biotechnology: Principles and Processes PDF through the Careers360 page, which is

https://school.careers360.com/ncert/ncert-solutions-class-12-biology-chapter-9

Q: What are restriction enzymes and their role in genetic engineering?
A:

Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at precise sequences, working as molecular scissors. They are pivotal in genetic engineering since they facilitate the precise cutting and manipulation of DNA fragments. Researchers utilize them to insert, delete, or alter genes in organisms. This method is important for cloning, gene therapy, and recombinant DNA technology.

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Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.

Yes, if you miss the 1st CBSE exam due to valid reasons, then you can appear for the 2nd CBSE compartment exam.

From the academic year 2026, the board will conduct the CBSE 10th exam twice a year, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held once, as per usual. For class 10th, the second phase exam will act as the supplementary exam. Check out information on w hen the CBSE first exam 2026 will be conducted and changes in 2026 CBSE Board exam by clicking on the link .

If you want to change your stream to humanities after getting a compartment in one subject in the CBSE 12th Board Exam , you actually have limited options to qualify for your board exams. You can prepare effectively and appear in the compartment examination for mathematics again. If you do not wish to continue with the current stream, you can take readmission in the Humanities stream and start from Class 11th again, and continue studying for two more years to qualify for the 12th examination.

The GUJCET Merit List is prepared based on the Class 12th marks and GUJCET marks received by the students. CBSE students who are not from the Gujarat board can definitely compete with GSEB students, as their eligibility is decided based on the combined marks scored by them in GUJCET and the 12th board. The weightage of the GUJCET score is 40% and the weightage of the class 12 scores is 60%.