ISC Class 12 Syllabus 2022 Biotechnology

BIOTECHNOLOGY (878)
CLASS XII

There will be two papers in the subject: (ii) Protein Synthesis: synthesis of different
RNAs, and the complete mechanism of
Paper I: Theory……………. 3 hours ... 70 marks
polypeptide chain formation.
Paper II: Practical…………. 3 hours ... 15 marks Concept of central dogma.
Project Work………. ..10 marks From genes to proteins:
Practical File………… … 5 marks (a) Concept of transcriptional unit,
promoter, structural and terminator
PAPER I: THEORY- 70 Marks region; concept of split gene - intron and
There will be one paper of three hours duration exon; hnRNA;
divided into two parts. (b) Transcription – explanation of the
complete process including enzymes
Part 1 (20 marks) will consist of compulsory short involved in the process; Post-
answer questions, testing knowledge, application and transcriptional changes and their
skills relating to elementary/fundamental aspects of significance in eukaryotes –
the entire syllabus. polyadenylation, capping and RNA
Part 2 (50 marks) will consist of eight questions out splicing;
of which the candidates will be required to answer (c) Concept of reverse transcription;
five questions. Each question in this part shall carry (d) Genetic code – properties of genetic
10 marks. code, start and stop codons, anticodons.
1. Molecular Biology (e) The translation of RNA to protein –
complete mechanism of chain initiation,
(i) Nucleic acids and their estimation: an elongation and termination, the role of
understanding of nucleic acids, their tRNA, mRNA and rRNA in protein
biochemical structure. synthesis. (Post translational changes
DNA as the genetic material (Hershey and not included).
Chase experiment). (iii) Gene regulation in prokaryotes
DNA (B-DNA)– physical and chemical Operon concept – lac operon.
structure; definition, double helical model of
DNA, (Watson and Crick’s); Nucleotide and 2. Genetic Engineering
nucleoside; Chargaff’s Law, method of
replication of DNA, various replicative (i) Introduction to gene cloning and genetic
enzymes in prokaryotic organisms, example engineering: concept of cloning and vectors.
topoisomerases, helicase, SSBs polymerases, Tools of recombinant DNA technology, types
primases, ligases. Concept of semi of restriction endonucleases and other
conservative (with respect to Messelson and enzymes used in gene cloning; techniques
Stahl experiment) and semi-discontinuous involved in extraction and purification of DNA
replication, (leading and lagging strands), from bacterial, plant cells.
okazaki fragments. Selection of host cells: eukaryotic and
RNA – definition, various types of RNAs such prokaryotic.
as mRNA, tRNA (Clover leaf model with Vectors: Characteristics and types such as
diagram), rRNA their structure and plasmids -pBR322, phages (M13 and λ),
functions. YACs, BACs (to be taught with reference to
Techniques of nucleic acid estimation – stability and their carrying capacity), animal
colorimetry.
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and plant viruses (CaMV, retrovirus, SV40 – DNA amplification by Polymerase chain
only names of viruses, no details). reaction (PCR)– applications of PCR, steps
Transfer of recombinants into host cells – and application of DNA profiling or DNA
finger printing.
(a) Vectorless methods - basic concept of
transformation, transfection, 3. Cell culture technology
electroporation, liposome mediated gene
transfer, microinjection, biolistic A brief idea of tools and techniques involved in
cell culture technology and their applications in
(b) Vector-mediated method - Agrobacterium microbial, plant tissue and animal cell cultures
tumefaciens induced gene transfer. respectively.
Methods of identification of recombinants-
(i) General tools and techniques used in cell
Direct selection (green fluorescent
culture technology
selection) and Insertional inactivation
(Blue-white selection). (a) Instruments - bioreactor (diagram, its
components and function); stirred tank
A basic understanding of DNA libraries –
and sparged type (brief idea only), use
construction of genomic and cDNA
of T flasks to propagate animal cells.
libraries.
(b) Sterilization techniques for culture
Construction of a recombinant DNA room, apparatus, transfer area, media,
molecule. vitamins, and living material;
(ii) Innovations in Biotechnology: produced by (c) Cryopreservation (need and steps).
using modern biotechnological tools, (select (d) Cell counting (direct counting by
examples of products already available) haemocytometer), cell viability by
(a) Plants: Production of Flavr Savr Evan’s blue stain.
tomatoes and Golden rice. (e) Types of media (synthetic /defined,
(b) Healthcare: Production of recombinant semi-synthetic/differential,
hepatitis-B vaccine, Humulin and complex/natural)
interferon. Preparation of media: microbial media-LB
(c) Animal: Dolly the cloned sheep, Sources agar and LB broth; Plant media-MS;
and characteristics of stem cells and Animal media- RPMI - brief idea only.
their applications. (includes inorganic and organic
(d) Environmental biotechnology: macronutrients and micronutrients,
bioremediation using oil-eating bacteria antibiotics, growth regulators for plants:
as an example. auxins and cytokinins).
(e) Industrial biotechnology: applications Importance of pH and solidifying agents.
of industrial enzymes – rennet,
(ii) Microbial culture and its application.
subtilisin, amylase, papain.
Fermentation process and growth kinetics-
(iii) Gene analysis techniques: various techniques batch culture, fed batch culture, continuous
involved in recombinant DNA technology. culture (with the help of graphs only):
DNA probes – definition and use. Definition of turbidostat and chemostat:
Low resolution mapping techniques: gel Products and application-SCP (definition
electrophoresis, southern blotting (details of and use).
the technique to be taught) and northern (iii) Plant tissue culture and its application.
blotting (a brief idea and its uses).
Isolation of single cell by enzymatic methods,
High resolution techniques: DNA synchronisation of cell culture by chemical
sequencing- sequencing by chain methods like starvation, inhibition and
termination. Site directed mutagenesis. mitotic arrest.

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Cellular totipotency-definition of cellular PAPER II
differentiation, de-differentiation, re-
PRACTICAL WORK – 15 marks
differentiation. Application of plant cell
culture technology (methodology not Candidates are required to complete the following
required, only brief idea needed): experiments.
(a) Haploid production-androgenesis and 1. Paper Chromatography – separation of
gynogenesis and their significance. photosynthetic pigments
(b) Triploid production-understanding and Take any leaf. Extract chlorophyll in 80%
need for triploid production and its acetone. Take a strip of paper or prepare a thin
application (seedless crops). layer of silica gel on a slide. Load chlorophyll
(c) Somatic hybridisation-protoplast fusion extract at one end of the paper/gel. Keep paper
(Pomato). or gel in the rising medium in test tube or jar for
about 30 minutes. The rising medium should
(iv) Animal cell culture and its application. have methanol/ acetic acid, n-butanol or
Primary cell culture with enzymatic benzene. The rising fluid should always be at the
disaggregation and its drawbacks; Types of bottom below the point of loading of
cell-lines: finite, continuous, adherent and chlorophylls. After 30 minutes, three spots:
suspension; scale up-mono layer by Roller yellow, bluish green and light green will be
bottle, application of animal cell culture- observed corresponding to carotenes,
tissue, tissue engineering (definition only). chlorophyll A & chlorophyll B.

4. Bioinformatics 2. Preparation of buffers –acetate and borate buffers
This experiment should be done to make the
(i) Introduction to bioinformatics; global
basics clear to the students. Basic calculation for
bioinformatics databases and data retrieval
buffer preparation should be known. The
tools; genomics, different types of sequences,
approach should be to utilize easily available
types of sequence analysis. chemicals at reasonable costs. Borate and
Introduction to bioinformatics: definition and acetate buffers can give the range of pH 4 - pH
need. 9.2
An introduction to global bioinformatics 3. Sterilization of culture medium and other
databases (nucleotide and protein materials.
databases). Information sources such as
EMBL, NCBI, DDBJ, SWISSPROT, (i) Dry Physical method – heat or radiation.
GenBank, GENSCAN. (ii) Wet Physical methods – steam sterilization.
Data retrieval tools- ENTREZ, Taxonomy (iii) Chemical Sterilization/ Surface sterilization
Browser. Disinfection with 70% alcohol and Sodium
hypochlorite solution carbolic acid
(ii) Genomics: Definition, introduction, tools used
in Genomics and its applications. 4. Preparation of various forms of culture media –
Petri plate, slant and suspension.
Definition of genomics. Types of genomics-
structural and functional. Luria Bertani (L.B) media to be prepared,
autoclaved and cooled to 60 degrees C. To
Types of sequence analysis by using BLAST
prepare nutrient plates the media is poured into
and FASTA.
presterilized petri-dishes under a LAF. To
Human Genome Project - its objectives, the prepare slants the media is poured into several
countries involved, its achievements and test tubes, plugged and kept in a tilted position
significance. (at an angle of 45o) until it sets.
(iii) Proteomics: definition and introduction. 5. Identification of bacteria by Gram +ve and Gram
Types of Proteomics – structural and –ve (from curd /saliva and/or soil solution)
functional.
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(i) Prepare a bacterial smear on a slide (ii) Stain 3. A study of the technological details of the
with crystal violet stain. (iii) Rinse with water. brewing industry.
(iv) Add a few drops of iodine solution. (v) Add 4. A study of the organisation of a fermenter.
few drops of 90 % ethanol (vi) Counterstain with 5. Technological analysis of the process of drug
safranin solution (vii) Observe the red and blue development, drug designing and drug targeting.
colonies under the microscope
6. A study of the technological details of vaccine
6. Action of enzymes on starch under: variable development.
temperature 7. Diagnosis of diseases by modern techniques like
To study the effect of variable temperature on ELISA, RIA and Antibody targeting.
the activity of the enzyme salivary amylase. 8. DNA finger-printing.
7. Isolation of DNA from plants 9. DNA foot-printing.
10. Microbiological contaminants in food and food
Take half a ripe and peeled banana into a beaker
products.
and add 50 ml of extraction fluid (1.5gm table
salt +10 ml liquid detergent +90 ml distilled 11. Isolation of microbes from air, water and soil.
water). Place the beaker in a water bath set at 60 12. Methods of identifying microbes (various
degrees C for 15 minutes. Stir gently with a glass staining techniques and biochemical reactions).
rod. Filter 5ml of cooled content into a clean test 13. Tissue Culture and its applications.
tube and add 5ml of cold 90% ethanol. DNA 14. Stem Cell Technology
molecules separate out and appear as white 15. Nanotechnology
fibres. [DNA can also be extracted from pea
16. Bioinformatics
seeds and soaked wheat grains]
17. Genetic Engineering
8. Isolation of milk protein – wet weight and dry 18. Cloning
weight.
19. Instrumentation in biotechnology
Milk proteins are isolated by adding 0.4 N HCl 20. Forensic Biotechnology
into the milk sample. Casein start coagulating at
21. Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) related
its isoelectric point (i.e. at pH 4.6). The
to Biotechnology/ GMOs
precipitate is filtered and weighed to quantify the
protein present. 22. Biopiracy- Case Studies

PROJECT WORK AND PRACTICAL FILE Practical File – 5 Marks
– 15 Marks The Visiting Examiner is required to assess students
on the basis of the practical file maintained by them
Project Work – 10 Marks
during the academic year.
The Project Work is to be assessed by a Visiting
Suggested Evaluation Criteria for Project Work:
Examiner appointed locally and approved by the
Council. Format of the Project:
Candidates are to creatively execute one – Content
project / assignment on an aspect of Biotechnology. – Introduction
Teachers may assign or students may choose any one – Presentation (graphs, tables, charts, newspaper
project of their choice. The report should be kept cuttings, diagrams, photographs, statistical
simple, but neat and elegant. analysis if relevant)
– Conclusion/ Summary
A list of suggested projects is as follows:
– Bibliography
1. Effluent analysis.
2. A study of the technological details of malt
preparation.

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LIST OF EQUIPMENT FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICALS FOR CLASSES XI & XII
1. Table-top Centrifuge 12. Incubator
2. Vortex - Mixer 13. Magnetic stirrer with hot plate
3. Thermostatic water-bath 14. Laminar flow cabinet
4. Spectrophotometer (UV visible range)/ 15. Weighing Balance (Electrical)
Colorimeter 16. Hot plate
5. Refrigerator 17. Binocular Microscope
6. Lactometer 18. Haemocytometer
7. pH meter 19. Colony counter
8. Hot air oven 20. Antiserum
9. Autoclave 21. Electrophoresis chamber
10. Desiccators 22. Micropipettes
11. Micro-filtration unit

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS TO BE STUDIED

1. BAC: Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes 21. NCBI: National Centre for Biotechnology
Information
2. BLAST: Basic Local Alignment Search Tool
22. NHGRI: National Human Genome Research
3. CTAB: Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide
Institute
4. DBM: Diazo–benzyl oxy–methyl paper
23. PAGE: Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
5. DDBJ: DNA Database/ Data Bank of Japan
24. PCR: Polymerization Chain Reaction
6. ddNTP: Dideoxy Nucleoside triphosphate
25. PDB: Protein Database/ Data Bank
7. DMEM: Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium
26. PHB: Poly 3–Hydroxyl Butyrate
8. EBI: European Bioinformatics Institute
27. PIR: Protein Information Resource
9. EMBL: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
28. RFLP: Restriction Fragment Length
10. EST: Expressed Sequence Tag Polymorphism
11. FACS: Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting 29. RNA: Ribonucleic acid
12. FASTA: Fast All 30. RPMI medium: Roswell Park Memorial Institute
13. FBS: Foetal Bovine Serum medium

14. HEPA: High Energy Particulate Air 31. SCP: Single Cell Protein

15. HGP: Human Genome Project 32. SDS – PAGE: Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate–
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
16. IBPGR: International Board of Plant Genetic
Resources 33. SNP: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism

17. ICGEB: International Centre for Genetic 34. SSBs: Single Stranded Binding Proteins
Engineering and Biotechnology 35. STS: Sequence Tagged Site
18. IFN: Interferon 36. VNTR: Variable Number of Tandem Repeats
19. LB medium: Luria and Bertani Medium 37. YAC: Yeast Artificial Chromosome
20. MS medium: Murashige and Skoog medium
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