Subject Pattern : ISC Class XII BioTechnology Paper Pattern And Information For Exam Preparation

CLASS XII
There will be two papers in the subject.

Paper I: Theory: 3 hours ... 70 marks
Paper II: Practical: 3 hours ... 20 marks

Project Work ... 7 marks
Practical File ... 3marks

PAPER I –THEORY- 70 Marks
There will be one paper of three hours duration divided into two parts.

Part 1 (20 marks) will consist of compulsory short answer questions, testing knowledge, application and skills relating to elementary/fundamental aspects of the entire syllabus.

Part 2 (50 marks) will consist of eight questions out of which the candidates will be required to answer five questions. Each question in this part shall carry 10 marks.

1. Molecular Biology
(a) Biomolecules: introduction to biomoleculesdefinition and types. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins and enzymes – their structure and properties.
(b) Nucleic acids: an understanding of nucleic acids, their importance in biotechnological work, biochemical structure and capacity to replicate.
(c) Protein Synthesis: synthesis of different RNAs, and the complete mechanism of polypeptide chain formation. Different metabolic diseases which occur due to a change in the DNA structure.


2. Genetic Engineering

(a) Innovations in Biotechnology: select examples of products already available, produced by using modern biotechnological tools.
(b) Introduction to gene cloning: concept of cloning and vectors. Various vectors used for recombinant DNA.
(c) Biochemical techniques: classification of techniques based on various factors.
(d) Gene analysis techniques: various techniques involved in any work in recombinant DNA technology.

3. Cell Culture Technology
(a) Introduction and techniques: basic understanding of cell culture technology and its significance in biotechnology. Different materials and methods used in this technology.

(b) Cell culture and cellular totipotency: types of cell culture and the concept of cellular totipotency.
(c) Germplasm conservation: definition and significance of germplasm conservation and various methods involved in it.
(d) Applications of cell culture technology: different fields in which cell culture technology is used and the ways it is used.

4. Bio-informatics
(a) Introduction: an introduction to computers, both hardware and software aspects. Global biological databases.
(a) Genomics: basic understanding of genome, types of genome, criteria for selecting an organism for sequencing. Various theoretical aspects of searching genes using the computer.

(b) Proteomics: definition and introduction.

PAPER II – PRACTICAL WORK – 20 marks
Candidates are required to complete the following experiments.
1. Sterilization techniques.
2. Preparation of buffers.
3. Preparation of culture media.
4. Growth of bacteria in culture.
5. Isolation of proteins.
6. Determination of blood groups.
7. Salivary amylase activity on starch.
8. Separation of plant pigments by chromatography.
9. Identification of Plasmid DNA and Genomic (chromosomal) DNA bands in the gels (by photographs only).
10. Estimation of DNA either by colourimeter or spectrophotometer.


PROJECT WORK AND PRACTICAL FILE– 10 Marks
Project Work – 7 Marks

The Project work is to be assessed by a Visiting Examiner appointed locally and approved by the Council. Candidates are to creatively execute one project/assignment on an aspect of Biotechnology.

Teachers may assign or students may choose any one project of their choice. The report should be kept simple, but neat and elegant. No extra credit shall be given for type-written material/decorative cover, etc.

A list of suggested projects is as follows:

1. Effluent analysis.
2. To study the technological details of malt preparation.
3. To study the technological details of the brewing industry.
4. To study the organisation of a fermentor.
5. To analyse technologically, the process of drug development, drug designing and drug targeting.
6. To study the technological details of vaccine development.
7. Diagnosis of diseases by modern techniques like ELISA, RIA and Antibody targeting.
8. DNA finger-printing.
9. DNA foot-printing.
10. To work out the microbiological contaminants in food and food products.
11. Isolation of microbes from air, water and soil.
12. Identification methods of microbes (various staining techniques and biochemical reactions).

Practical File – 3 Marks
The Visiting Examiner is required to assess students on the basis of the practical file maintained by them during the academic year.

List of Equipment for Biotechnology practicals for Classes XI & XII
1. Table-top Centrifuge
2. Vortex - Mixer
3. Thermostatic water-bath shaker
4. Spectrophotometer (UV visible range)
5. Refrigerator
6. Deep freezer
7. Vacuum evaporator/concentrator
8. pH meter
9. Air-dry oven
10. Autoclave (Vertical)
11. Sterilisation chamber
12. Desiccators
13. Micro-filtration unit
14. Chromatography columns
15. UV Chamber (inoculation chamber)
16. TLC Plates
17. DNA gel photographs showing plasmid and chromosomal DNA bands
18. Colourimeter
19. Magnetic stirrer with hot plate
20. Laminar flow cabinet (Vertical)
21. Weighing Balance (Electrical)
22. Hot plate
23. Binocular Microscope
24. Haemocytometer
25. Colony counter
26. Antiserum
27. Antibodies
28. Micropipettes
29. Microcentrifuge