Revision: Cell Biology and Biotechnology Science and Technology 2 SSC (English Medium) 10th Standard Maharashtra State Board

The branch of biology that deals with the study of the structure, types, organelles, division, and various functions of cells is called cytology.

Stem cells are specialised cells that give rise to all other types of cells present in the body of multicellular organisms.

Special cells present in multicellular organisms that have the ability to give rise to all other types of cells and help in growth and wound healing is called stem cells.

The undifferentiated cells present in the early embryo before the 14th day of development that can form all types of body cells are called embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells obtained from adult tissues such as red bone marrow, adipose connective tissue, blood, and cord blood are called adult stem cells.

The technique of bringing about improvements in living organisms by genetic modifications and hybridization, for the welfare of human beings is known as ‘Biotechnology’.

Seeds produced by recombination of genes from two different crop varieties to obtain improved characteristics, especially in fruits, are called hybrid seeds.

It is a livestock breeding and growing practice in agriculture.

A preparation containing specific antigens that is administered to induce temporary or permanent immunity against a particular disease is called a vaccine.

The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against infectious diseases is called vaccination.

A vaccine produced in genetically modified plants and consumed orally to generate immunity against specific diseases is called an edible vaccine.

A group of small protein molecules produced in the body or by transgenic organisms and used in the treatment of viral diseases is called interferon.

The technique of treating genetic disorders by correcting defective genes in somatic cells is called gene therapy.

Gene cloning is a genetic engineering technique in which a single copy of a gene or DNA segment is isolated and multiplied to produce many identical copies.

The technique of producing stem cells from cloned embryos for treatment of diseases is called therapeutic cloning.

The production of a complete organism by fusion of a somatic cell nucleus with an enucleated ovum is called reproductive cloning.

The process of producing an exact genetic replica of a cell, tissue, organ, or entire organism is called cloning.

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Cloning is the process of producing identical copies of a gene, DNA fragment, cell, or organism.

The removal, absorption, or destruction of toxic chemicals and harmful pollutants from the environment using microorganisms and plants is called bioremediation.

The process of removing pollutants from soil or water using plants is called phytoremediation.

The technique of identifying an individual by analyzing the unique DNA sequence present in each person, similar to fingerprints, is called DNA fingerprinting.

‘Biofertilizer’ contains living micro-organisms which, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Thus, biofertilizers are organisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil.

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) are the three important nutrients among the various nutrients needed for plant growth. These three are called Principal Nutrients.

Breeding between a superior male of one breed with a superior female of another breed is known as cross-breeding.

Apiculture is the rearing of honey bees for honey. It is called Beekeeping.

The rearing of honey bee to obtain honey and other commercially important products is known as apiculture or bee‑keeping.

• Biotechnology involves the use of biological systems, cells, and biomolecules along with genetic and non-genetic techniques for human welfare.
• It integrates sciences such as cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering and has major applications in agriculture and pharmacy.
• Biotechnology enables production of antibiotics, vaccines, hormones (insulin), antibodies, and development of high-yield crop varieties through tissue culture and gene manipulation.
• Major benefits include increased crop yield, development of disease- and stress-resistant varieties, and reduced expenditure on disease control.
• In India, biotechnology is promoted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) established in 1986, under which several national research institutes function.

• Gene therapy is a technique used to treat genetic disorders by replacing a defective gene with a functional gene.
• Viral vectors are commonly used to deliver the therapeutic gene into the patient’s target cells.
• It is especially effective for single-gene disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, and SCID.
• In ADA deficiency, functional ADA gene is introduced into patient’s lymphocytes, improving immune function, though repeated treatment may be required.

• DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on unique patterns in their DNA sequences.
• It is based on repetitive DNA sequences called VNTRs (Variable Number Tandem Repeats), which show high polymorphism among individuals.
• These repetitive sequences are part of satellite DNA, including minisatellites and microsatellites.
• The technique was developed by Alec Jeffreys, and even a very small DNA sample can be used.
• The main steps include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting, hybridisation, and autoradiography.
• The resulting banding pattern is unique for each individual, except in identical (monozygotic) twins.
• DNA fingerprinting is widely used in forensic science, paternity testing, and personal identification.
• It is also useful in studying genetic diversity, population structure, and diagnosing certain inherited diseases.

• Green Revolution refers to the collective methods used to obtain maximum agricultural yield from minimum land to overcome food scarcity caused by population explosion.
• Development of high-yielding dwarf varieties of wheat and rice, along with proper use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water management, greatly increased food grain production.
• Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan played key roles in the Green Revolution, supported by research institutes like IARI, New Delhi, and other national agricultural research centers.

• White Revolution aimed at increasing milk production and making dairy a self-sufficient and mainstream industry in India.
• Dr. Verghese Kurien led the cooperative dairy movement from Anand, Gujarat, which strengthened milk processing, distribution, and availability across the country.
• Development of milk processing techniques, quality control, and preservation methods made a wide variety of dairy products available nationwide, increasing preference for local and natural milk varieties.

• Organic farming is an eco-friendly agricultural system that avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides and maintains natural balance in farming.
• It uses organic wastes, biofertilizers, animal manure, and microbes to supply nutrients and maintain soil fertility.
• Crop rotation, biological pest control, and resistant local varieties are used to manage weeds and diseases naturally.
• Organic farming promotes sustainable agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity, ensuring safe food for humans and environment.