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Biotechnology
Recombinant DNA, PCR, gene cloning, applications
Key Concepts
- Recombinant DNA technology: cut DNA with restriction enzymes, join with ligase, insert into vector
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction): amplifies specific DNA sequences exponentially
- Gel electrophoresis: separates DNA fragments by size (smaller moves further)
- Transgenic organisms: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with foreign genes
- CRISPR-Cas9: precise genome editing tool
Important Formulae
| PCR cycles vs copies | After n cycles: 2ⁿ copies of target DNA |
Quick Tips
- Restriction enzymes recognise specific palindromic sequences and cut DNA — molecular scissors.
- Bt toxin (from Bacillus thuringiensis) is used in transgenic Bt cotton and Bt corn to resist insects.
- Humulin: human insulin produced by recombinant E. coli — first commercial biotech drug.
Practice Questions
Practice 20 randomly selected NEET questions on Biotechnology. Answers are revealed after each question.
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