Chapter 11: Biotechnology – Principles and Processes – MCQs with Answers & Explanations

CBSE Class 12 Biology MCQs with Answers & Explanations – Biotechnology: Principles and Processes (NCERT Based)

Course & Examination Details

Course: CBSE Class 12 Biology
Unit: Unit IV – Biotechnology
Chapter: Chapter 11 – Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
Prescribed Textbook: NCERT Biology Class XII
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Relevance: CBSE Board Examinations (Competency-Based & Objective Questions)

SECTION A: Principles of Biotechnology (MCQs 1–6)

Q1. Modern biotechnology mainly depends on:

A. Hybridisation and selection
B. Genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering
C. Mutation breeding and cloning
D. Tissue culture and hybridisation

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NCERT states that modern biotechnology is based on genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering.

Q2. Genetic engineering refers to:

A. Study of heredity
B. Transfer of traits by crossing
C. Manipulation of DNA to alter genetic makeup
D. Study of enzymes

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Genetic engineering involves direct manipulation of DNA to introduce desired genes.

Q3. Bioprocess engineering is essential for:

A. DNA isolation
B. Cutting of genes
C. Large-scale product formation
D. Gene mutation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bioprocess engineering ensures optimal conditions for large-scale production of biological products.

Q4. Which condition is NOT controlled during bioprocess engineering?

A. Temperature
B. pH
C. Light intensity
D. Oxygen supply

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Light is not essential for microbial growth in most bioprocesses.

Q5. Biotechnology is considered interdisciplinary because it combines:

A. Biology only
B. Biology and chemistry
C. Biology, engineering, and informatics
D. Physics and chemistry

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Biotechnology integrates multiple disciplines for product development.

Q6. The ultimate goal of biotechnology is to:

A. Study organisms
B. Modify ecosystems
C. Produce useful biological products
D. Destroy pathogens

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Biotechnology aims at producing useful products for human welfare.

SECTION B: Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology – Restriction Enzymes (MCQs 7–14)

Q7. Restriction enzymes are also called:

A. Molecular motors
B. Molecular scissors
C. Molecular carriers
D. Molecular bridges

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: They cut DNA at specific sites.

Q8. Restriction enzymes were first isolated from:

A. Viruses
B. Plants
C. Bacteria
D. Fungi

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: They occur naturally in bacteria as a defense mechanism.

Q9. Restriction endonucleases cut DNA at:

A. Random sites
B. Specific recognition sequences
C. DNA ends only
D. RNA regions

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: They recognize specific palindromic DNA sequences.

Q10. A palindromic DNA sequence means:

A. Same base composition
B. Same reading frame on one strand
C. Same sequence when read in opposite directions
D. Repeated nucleotide sequence

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palindromic sequences read the same in 5′→3′ direction on both strands.

Q11. EcoRI produces:

A. Blunt ends
B. Hairpin loops
C. Sticky ends
D. RNA primers

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: EcoRI produces sticky ends that facilitate ligation.

Q12. Sticky ends are useful because they:

A. Prevent ligation
B. Increase specificity of joining DNA fragments
C. Destroy DNA
D. Reduce transformation efficiency

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Complementary base pairing helps efficient ligation.

Q13. Exonucleases differ from endonucleases because they:

A. Cut within DNA
B. Cut DNA ends only
C. Act on RNA
D. Are not enzymes

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Exonucleases remove nucleotides from DNA ends.

Q14. Which enzyme joins DNA fragments?

A. DNA polymerase
B. RNA polymerase
C. DNA ligase
D. Restriction enzyme

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: DNA ligase forms phosphodiester bonds between DNA fragments.

SECTION C: Cloning Vectors (MCQs 15–22)

Q15. A cloning vector is used to:

A. Cut DNA
B. Join DNA
C. Transfer DNA into host
D. Destroy DNA

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vectors carry foreign DNA into host cells.

Q16. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a good cloning vector?

A. Origin of replication
B. Selectable marker
C. Large size
D. Unique cloning site

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Smaller vectors are easier to manipulate.

Q17. The origin of replication is important because it:

A. Cuts DNA
B. Joins DNA
C. Controls copy number
D. Selects recombinants

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ori determines replication and copy number of vector.

Q18. Antibiotic resistance genes are used as:

A. Cloning sites
B. Restriction sites
C. Selectable markers
D. Promoters

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: They help identify transformed cells.

Q19. Most commonly used cloning vectors are:

A. Viruses
B. Plasmids
C. Chromosomes
D. RNA molecules

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plasmids replicate independently and are easy to manipulate.

Q20. Bacteriophages are used as vectors because they:

A. Infect plants
B. Infect bacteria
C. Infect animals
D. Infect fungi

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bacteriophages infect bacterial host cells.

Q21. Cosmids are:

A. Large plasmids only
B. Hybrid of plasmids and bacteriophages
C. RNA vectors
D. Animal viruses

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cosmids combine features of plasmids and phages.

Q22. Which feature helps in insertion of foreign DNA?

A. Ori
B. Promoter
C. Cloning site
D. Terminator

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cloning sites contain restriction enzyme recognition sequences.

SECTION D: Competent Host Cells (MCQs 23–27)

Q23. A competent cell is one that can:

A. Divide rapidly
B. Take up foreign DNA
C. Produce enzymes
D. Resist antibiotics

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Competent cells allow entry of recombinant DNA.

Q24. The most commonly used host in biotechnology is:

A. Yeast
B. Animal cells
C. Escherichia coli
D. Plant cells

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: E. coli is easy to grow and genetically manipulate.

Q25. Calcium chloride treatment helps in:

A. DNA ligation
B. DNA isolation
C. Increasing cell permeability
D. Killing bacteria

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It facilitates DNA entry into bacterial cells.

Q26. Heat shock treatment mainly helps in:

A. DNA denaturation
B. DNA entry into cells
C. Enzyme activation
D. Protein synthesis

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Heat shock allows recombinant DNA to enter host cells.

Q27. Electroporation uses:

A. Heat
B. Chemicals
C. Electrical pulses
D. Radiation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Electrical pulses create temporary membrane pores.

SECTION E: Processes of Genetic Engineering (MCQs 28–33)

✔ 100% NCERT-aligned
✔ Chapter-wise, exam-focused coverage
✔ Concept-clearing explanations
✔ Suitable for board exams, unit tests & revision

🎯 Targeting Exams

CBSE Class 12 Biology Board Examination
CBSE School Unit Tests & Pre-Board Exams
NEET (UG) – Foundation & Concept Revision
Olympiad & NTSE Biology (Conceptual Practice)

Exam Relevance:
These MCQs are framed strictly as per NCERT Biology Class 12, reflecting the latest CBSE competency-based pattern, making them ideal for objective practice, concept reinforcement, and last-minute revision.

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Chapter 11: Biotechnology – Principles and Processes – MCQs with Answers & Explanations

CBSE Class 12 Biology MCQs with Answers & Explanations – Biotechnology: Principles and Processes (NCERT Based)

Course & Examination Details

SECTION A: Principles of Biotechnology (MCQs 1–6)

Q1. Modern biotechnology mainly depends on:

Q2. Genetic engineering refers to:

Q3. Bioprocess engineering is essential for:

Q4. Which condition is NOT controlled during bioprocess engineering?

Q5. Biotechnology is considered interdisciplinary because it combines:

Q6. The ultimate goal of biotechnology is to:

SECTION B: Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology – Restriction Enzymes (MCQs 7–14)

Q7. Restriction enzymes are also called:

Q8. Restriction enzymes were first isolated from:

Q9. Restriction endonucleases cut DNA at:

Q10. A palindromic DNA sequence means:

Q11. EcoRI produces:

Q12. Sticky ends are useful because they:

Q13. Exonucleases differ from endonucleases because they:

Q14. Which enzyme joins DNA fragments?

SECTION C: Cloning Vectors (MCQs 15–22)

Q15. A cloning vector is used to:

Q16. Which of the following is NOT a feature of a good cloning vector?

Q17. The origin of replication is important because it:

Q18. Antibiotic resistance genes are used as:

Q19. Most commonly used cloning vectors are:

Q20. Bacteriophages are used as vectors because they:

Q21. Cosmids are:

Q22. Which feature helps in insertion of foreign DNA?

SECTION D: Competent Host Cells (MCQs 23–27)

Q23. A competent cell is one that can:

Q24. The most commonly used host in biotechnology is:

Q25. Calcium chloride treatment helps in:

Q26. Heat shock treatment mainly helps in:

Q27. Electroporation uses:

SECTION E: Processes of Genetic Engineering (MCQs 28–33)

Q28. The first step in genetic engineering is:

Q29. Ligation is carried out by:

Q30. Introduction of recombinant DNA into host is called:

Q31. Selection of recombinants is done using:

Q32. Screening ensures:

Q33. Expression of foreign gene leads to:

SECTION F: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (MCQs 34–39)

Q34. PCR is used for:

Q35. PCR requires which enzyme?

Q36. Taq polymerase is isolated from:

Q37. The first step of PCR is:

Q38. PCR results in:

Q39. PCR is widely used in:

SECTION G: Bioreactors & Downstream Processing (MCQs 40–50)

Q40. A bioreactor is used for:

Q41. Most commonly used industrial bioreactor is:

Q42. The agitator in a bioreactor helps in:

Q43. Oxygen is supplied in bioreactors through:

Q44. Downstream processing involves:

Q45. First step of downstream processing is:

Q46. Chromatography is used for:

Q47. Formulation ensures:

Q48. Quality control ensures:

Q49. Downstream processing is costly because it:

Q50. Biotechnology products are finally:

Why This MCQ Set Is Ideal for CBSE Class 12

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