ISC Class 12 Syllabus 2027 Biotechnology

ISC YEAR 2027

INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATION

BIOTECHNOLOGY
(878)

February 2025
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

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Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.

CLASS XII
There will be two papers in the subject: exon; monocistronic and polycistronic
RNA, hnRNA;
Paper I: Theory……………. 3 hours ... 70 marks
(b) Transcription – explanation of the
Paper II: Practical…………. 3 hours ... 15 marks
complete process including enzymes
Project Work………. …10 marks involved in the process; Post-
Practical File………… … 5 marks transcriptional changes and their
significance in eukaryotes –
polyadenylation, capping and RNA
PAPER I: THEORY- 70 MARKS splicing;
1. Molecular Biology (c) Concept of reverse transcription;
(i) Nucleic acids and their estimation: an (d) Genetic code – properties of genetic
understanding of nucleic acids, their code, start and stop codons, anticodons.
biochemical structure.
(e) The translation of RNA to protein –
DNA as the genetic material (Hershey and complete mechanism of chain initiation,
Chase experiment). elongation and termination, the role of
DNA (B-DNA)– physical and chemical tRNA, mRNA and rRNA in protein
structure; definition, double helical model of synthesis. (Post translational changes
DNA, (Watson and Crick’s); Nucleotide and not included).
nucleoside; Chargaff’s Law, method of (iii) Gene regulation in prokaryotes
replication of DNA, various replicative
enzymes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic Operon concept – lac operon and trp
organisms, example topoisomerases, operon.
helicase, SSBs polymerases, primases, 2. Genetic Engineering
ligases. Concept of semi conservative (with
respect to Messelson and Stahl experiment (i) Introduction to gene cloning and genetic
and Taylor et.al experiment on Vicia faba engineering: concept of cloning and vectors.
using radiolabelled thymidine) and semi- Tools of recombinant DNA technology, types
discontinuous replication, (leading and of restriction endonucleases and other
lagging strands), okazaki fragments. enzymes used in gene cloning; techniques
RNA – definition, various types of RNAs such involved in extraction and purification of DNA
as mRNA, tRNA (Clover leaf model with from bacterial, plant and animal cells.
diagram; brief introduction to L-shaped Selection of host cells: eukaryotic and
model), rRNA their structure and functions. prokaryotic.
Techniques of nucleic acid estimation – Vectors: Characteristics and types such as
colorimetry and UV-visible plasmids -pBR322, pUC (in pBR322- presence
spectrophotometry. of two antibiotic resistant genes and in
(ii) Protein Synthesis: synthesis of different pUCpresence of lac Z gene to be taught),
RNAs, and the complete mechanism of cosmids, phages (M13 and λ), YACs, BACs (to
polypeptide chain formation. be taught with reference to stability and their
carrying capacity), animal and plant viruses
Concept of central dogma. (CaMV, retrovirus, SV40 – only names of
From genes to proteins: viruses, no details).
(a) Concept of transcriptional unit, Transfer of recombinants into host cells –
promoter, structural and terminator (a) Vectorless methods - basic concept of
region; concept of split gene - intron and transformation, transfection,

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electroporation, liposome mediated gene DNA amplification by Polymerase chain
transfer, microinjection, biolistic reaction (PCR)– applications of PCR, steps
and application of DNA profiling or DNA
(b) Vector-mediated method - Agrobacterium
finger printing.
tumefaciens induced gene transfer.
3. Cell culture technology
Methods of identification of recombinants-
Direct selection (green fluorescent A brief idea of tools and techniques involved in
selection) and Insertional inactivation cell culture technology and their applications in
(Blue-white selection, antibiotic microbial, plant tissue and animal cell cultures
resistance). respectively.
A basic understanding of DNA libraries – (i) General tools and techniques used in cell
construction of genomic and cDNA culture technology
libraries.
(a) Instruments - centrifuge, LAF hood and
Construction of a recombinant DNA biosafety cabinets, pH meter, autoclave,
molecule. vortex mixer, hot air oven, magnetic
stirrer, weighing balance, micro
(ii) Innovations in Biotechnology: produced by
filtration unit, incubator, CO 2
using modern biotechnological tools, (select incubator, inverted microscope,
examples of products already available) bioreactor (diagram, its components
(a) Plants: Production of Flavr Savr and their function)-stirred tank and
tomatoes, Bt-crops and Golden rice. sparged type (brief idea only), use of T
flasks to propagate animal cells.
(b) Healthcare: Production of recombinant
hepatitis-B vaccine, Humulin, interferon Only uses of the above instruments to
and edible vaccines. be studied.
(c) Animal: Dolly the cloned sheep, Sources (b) Sterilization techniques for culture
and characteristics of stem cells and room, apparatus, transfer area, media,
their applications. vitamins, and living material;
(c) Cryopreservation (need and steps).
(d) Environmental biotechnology:
bioremediation using oil-eating bacteria (d) Cell counting (direct counting by
as an example. haemocytometer), cell viability by
Evan’s blue stain and cell sorting
(e) Industrial biotechnology: applications (FACS only)
of industrial enzymes – rennet, (e) Types of media (synthetic /defined,
subtilisin, amylase, papain. semi-synthetic/differential,
(iii) Gene analysis techniques: various techniques complex/natural)
involved in recombinant DNA technology. Preparation of media: microbial media-
DNA probes – definition and use. LB agar and LB broth; Plant media-MS
and White’s media; Animal media-
Low resolution mapping techniques: gel
electrophoresis, southern blotting (details of RPMI, DMEM and FBS - brief idea
the technique to be taught), western and only. (includes inorganic and organic
northern blotting (a brief idea and their macronutrients and micronutrients,
uses). antibiotics, growth regulators for
High resolution techniques: DNA plants: auxins and cytokinins).
sequencing- sequencing by chain Importance of pH and solidifying agents.
termination, automated DNA sequencing.
Site directed mutagenesis.

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(ii) Microbial culture and its application. 4. Bioinformatics
Fermentation process and growth kinetics- (i) Introduction to bioinformatics; global
batch culture, fed batch culture, continuous bioinformatics databases and data retrieval
culture (with the help of graphs only): tools; genomics, different types of sequences,
types of sequence analysis.
Definition of turbidostat and chemostat:
Products and application-SCP (definition Introduction to bioinformatics: definition and
and use), industrial enzyme-subtilisin (source need.
and its use). An introduction to global bioinformatics
databases (nucleotide and protein
(iii) Plant tissue culture and its application. databases). Information sources such as
Isolation of single cell by mechanical and EMBL, NCBI, DDBJ, SWISSPROT,
enzymatic methods, synchronisation of cell GenBank, GENSCAN.
culture by chemical methods like starvation, Data retrieval tools- ENTREZ, Taxonomy
inhibition and mitotic arrest. Browser.
Cellular totipotency-definition of cellular (ii) Genomics: Definition, introduction, tools used
differentiation, de-differentiation, re- in Genomics and its applications.
differentiation. Application of plant cell Definition of genomics. Types of genomics-
culture technology (methodology not structural and functional. Basic criteria in
required, only brief idea needed): selecting the organism for its genome
sequencing. Different types of sequences –
(a) Haploid production-androgenesis and cDNA, genomic DNA, ESTs (Expressed
gynogenesis and their significance. Sequence Tags) and STSs (Sequence Tagged
(b) Triploid production-understanding and Sites) and the different softwares (example
need for triploid production and its gene scan).
application (seedless crops). Types of sequence analysis by using BLAST
(c) In-vitro pollination- concept and its and FASTA –global, local, pair wise and
application. multiple.
(d) Zygotic embryo culture- concept and its Human Genome Project - its objectives, the
application, Embryo rescue (brief idea countries involved, its achievements and
significance.
only).
DNA microarray technology – definition and
(e) Somatic hybridisation-protoplast fusion
application only.
(Pomato).
Concept of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
(f) Micropropagation and its significance. (SNPs).
(g) Developing virus free plants and synthetic
(iii) Proteomics: definition, introduction and
seeds. databases.
(h) Biodegradable plastics (concept of PHB). Types of Proteomics – structural, functional
(iv) Animal cell culture and its application. and expression; Important protein databases
Primary cell culture with mechanical and available for the public on the internet like
enzymatic disaggregation and its drawbacks; PDB (Protein Data Bank), PIR (Protein
Types of cell-lines: finite, continuous, Identification Resources).
adherent and suspension; scale up-mono
layer by Roller bottle, application of animal
cell culture-tissue, hybridoma technology,
tissue engineering (definition only).

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PAPER II prepare slants the media is poured into several
test tubes, plugged and kept in a tilted position
PRACTICAL WORK – 15 MARKS (at an angle of 45o) until it sets.
Candidates are required to complete the following 6. Inoculation and incubation of Lactobacillus on
experiments. the culture medium in the Petri plate.
1. Paper Chromatography – separation of Use of inoculation loop or inoculation needle for
photosynthetic pigments the purpose.
Take any leaf. Extract chlorophyll in 80% 7. Identification of bacteria by Gram +ve and Gram
acetone. Take a strip of paper or prepare a thin –ve (from curd /saliva and/or soil solution)
layer of silica gel on a slide. Load chlorophyll (i) Prepare a bacterial smear on a slide (ii) Stain
extract at one end of the paper/gel. Keep paper with crystal violet stain. (iii) Rinse with water.
or gel in the rising medium in test tube or jar for (iv) Add a few drops of iodine solution. (v) Add
about 30 minutes. The rising medium should few drops of 90 % ethanol (vi) Counterstain with
have methanol/ acetic acid, n-butanol or safranin solution (vii) Observe the red and blue
benzene. The rising fluid should always be at the colonies under the microscope
bottom below the point of loading of
chlorophylls. After 30 minutes, three spots: 8. Action of enzymes on starch under: (a) variable
yellow, bluish green and light green will be temperature (b) variable substrate concentration –
observed corresponding to carotenes, plotting of K m value by graph
chlorophyll A & chlorophyll B. (i) Soluble starch solution (0.5% - 1%) to be
2. Preparation of buffers – phosphate, acetate and prepared. Test with iodine. Collect saliva,
borate buffers dilute 1: 5, add 1 ml of saliva to 10 ml of
starch solution. Incubate for 15 minutes.
This experiment should be done to make the Again test for presence of starch with iodine.
basics clear to the students. Basic calculation for Also test for the presence of reducing sugars
buffer preparation should be known. The in solution. Repeat the same process at the
approach should be to utilize easily available variable volumes of starch
chemicals at reasonable costs. Phosphate, borate
and acetate buffers can give the range of pH 4 - (ii) To study the effect of variable temperature on
pH 9.2 the activity of the enzyme salivary amylase.
3. Preparation of culture media 9. Isolation of DNA from plants
(i) Bacterial culture Media - Luria Bertani Take half a ripe and peeled banana into a beaker
(L.B.) media - Peptone/ Tryptone, yeast and add 50 ml of extraction fluid (1.5gm table
extract and NaCl. (Nutrient broth / Nutrient salt +10 ml liquid detergent +90 ml distilled
Agar). water). Place the beaker in a water bath set at 60
degrees C for 15 minutes. Stir gently with a glass
(ii) Plant Tissue culture medium (Sugars + rod. Filter 5ml of cooled content into a clean test
Coconut milk + Agar Agar). tube and add 5ml of cold 90% ethanol. DNA
4. Sterilization of culture medium and other molecules separate out and appear as white
materials. fibres. [DNA can also be extracted from pea
(i) Dry Physical method – heat or radiation. seeds and soaked wheat grains]
(ii) Wet Physical methods – steam sterilization. 10. DNA estimation by colorimeter by DPA method.
(iii) Chemical Sterilization/ Surface sterilization 11. Protein estimation by colour reaction – Bradford
Disinfection with 70% alcohol and Sodium test.
hypochlorite solution carbolic acid Bradford’s Assay is a Dye binding assay based
5. Preparation of various forms of culture media – on the differential change of colour of a dye in
Petri plate, slant and suspension. response to various concentrations of proteins.
Bradford’s assay can be performed for
Luria Bertani (L.B) media to be prepared, qualitative as well as quantitative assessment of
autoclaved and cooled to 60 degrees C. To proteins in a sample.
prepare nutrient plates the media is poured into
presterilized petri-dishes under a LAF. To Dilute 1 volume of Bradford’s dye with 4 volumes
of distilled water. Filter the dye through

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Whatman filter paper and store at room A list of suggested projects is as follows:
temperature in a brown glass bottle. Take 1. Effluent analysis.
different aliquots of standard Bovine Serum 2. A study of the technological details of malt
Albumin (BSA solution), for example (0.2, 0.4, preparation.
0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ml) in different test tubes Make 3. A study of the technological details of the
up the volume to 1ml with distilled water. To brewing industry.
each tube add 2ml of Bradford’s dye. Extent of 4. A study of the organisation of a fermenter.
colour development can be made by rough 5. Technological analysis of the process of drug
estimate using + signs to show the concentration development, drug designing and drug targeting.
of protein in the sample. Alternatively, OD can
6. A study of the technological details of vaccine
be read using colorimeter or spectrophotometer. development.
Take the unknown sample to be estimated and
7. Diagnosis of diseases by modern techniques like
perform the experiment. Similarly read the OD
ELISA, RIA and Antibody targeting.
and note the corresponding concentration of
8. DNA finger-printing.
protein in it using the graph.
9. DNA foot-printing.
12. Cell viability test by Evan’s blue dye. 10. Microbiological contaminants in food and food
13. Isolation of milk protein – wet weight and dry products.
weight. 11. Isolation of microbes from air, water and soil.
12. Methods of identifying microbes (various
Milk proteins are isolated by adding 0.4 N HCl
staining techniques and biochemical reactions).
into the milk sample. Casein start coagulating at
its isoelectric point (i.e. at pH 4.6). The 13. Tissue Culture and its applications.
precipitate is filtered and weighed to quantify the 14. Stem Cell Technology
protein present. 15. Nanotechnology
16. Bioinformatics
14. Chromatography to find adulteration in spices by
17. Genetic Engineering
using mixer of turmeric and metanil yellow.
18. Cloning
15. Demonstration of cell counting by 19. Instrumentation in biotechnology
haemocytometer by using diluted blood. 20. Forensic Biotechnology
16. Experiment to show the process of 21. Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) related
saponification. to Biotechnology/ GMOs
22. Biopiracy- Case Studies
PROJECT WORK AND PRACTICAL Practical File – 5 Marks
FILE– 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 CISCE.
Format of the Project:
Candidates are to creatively execute one
project / assignment on an aspect of Biotechnology. – Content
– 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
– Bibliography

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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
2. BLAST: Basic Local Alignment Search Tool Information
3. CTAB: Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide 22. NHGRI: National Human Genome Research
4. DBM: Diazo–benzyl oxy–methyl paper Institute
5. DDBJ: DNA Database/ Data Bank of Japan 23. PAGE: Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
6. ddNTP: Dideoxy Nucleoside triphosphate 24. PCR: Polymerization Chain Reaction
7. DMEM: Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium 25. PDB: Protein Database/ Data Bank
8. EBI: European Bioinformatics Institute 26. PHB: Poly 3–Hydroxyl Butyrate
9. EMBL: European Molecular Biology Laboratory 27. PIR: Protein Information Resource
10. EST: Expressed Sequence Tag 28. RFLP: Restriction Fragment Length
11. FACS: Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting Polymorphism
12. FASTA: Fast All 29. RNA: Ribonucleic acid
13. FBS: Foetal Bovine Serum 30. RPMI medium: Roswell Park Memorial Institute
14. HEPA: High Energy Particulate Air medium
15. HGP: Human Genome Project 31. SCP: Single Cell Protein
16. IBPGR: International Board of Plant Genetic 32. SDS – PAGE: Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate–
Resources Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
17. ICGEB: International Centre for Genetic 33. SNP: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
Engineering and Biotechnology 34. SSBs: Single Stranded Binding Proteins
18. IFN: Interferon 35. STS: Sequence Tagged Site
19. LB medium: Luria and Bertani Medium 36. VNTR: Variable Number of Tandem Repeats
20. MS medium: Murashige and Skoog medium 37. YAC: Yeast Artificial Chromosome

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