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CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank: Biotechnology Applications in Medicine 2026

  • 16 hours ago
  • 4 min read

CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank cover. Text includes "Biechnoology Applications in Medicine" and "Important Questions - 2026." Red accents.


The landscape of the CBSE Class 12 Biology board exams is shifting significantly toward competency-based learning. As we approach the 2026 examination cycle, Chapter 12—Biotechnology and its Applications—remains one of the most high-yielding sections, particularly the portion dedicated to medicine.


This comprehensive guide serves as your ultimate CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank for Biotechnology Applications in Medicine 2026. We have analyzed previous years' papers, official specimen questions, and the latest NCERT updates to help you master topics like genetically engineered insulin, gene therapy, and molecular diagnostics.


Core Areas of Biotechnology Applications in Medicine



To rank high in your boards, you must focus on the three "Pillars of Medical Biotech":


  1. Genetically Engineered Insulin (Humulin): Understanding the maturation of pro-insulin into functional insulin.


  2. Gene Therapy: Specifically the case study of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency.


  3. Molecular Diagnosis: Techniques like PCR and ELISA that allow for early detection of pathogens.



Important Questions for CBSE Class 12 Biology 2026



Section A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)


  1. Name the US company that first produced humulin in 1983.


    • Answer: Eli Lilly.


  2. Which bond connects polypeptide chain A and chain B in mature insulin?


    • Answer: Disulfide bonds.


  3. What is the function of the C-peptide in a pro-insulin molecule?


    • Answer: It is an extra stretch of polypeptide that makes the insulin inactive; it is removed during maturation.


  4. On what principle does the ELISA test work?


    • Answer: Antigen-antibody interaction.


  5. Which technique is used to detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients at a very low concentration?


    • Answer: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).


Section B: Short Answer Questions (2 & 3 Marks)


  1. Explain the significance of using Recombinant DNA technology for insulin production over animal-derived insulin.


    • Key Points: Animal insulin (from cattle/pigs) often caused allergies or foreign protein reactions in humans. rDNA insulin (Humulin) is chemically identical to human insulin and lacks these side effects.


  2. Describe the steps involved in Gene Therapy for a child with ADA deficiency.


    • Key Points: Lymphocytes from the patient's blood are grown in a culture. A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is introduced into these lymphocytes, which are then returned to the patient.


  3. Why is the cure for ADA deficiency via bone marrow transplant or enzyme replacement not permanent?


    • Key Points: These cells are not immortal. The patient requires periodic infusions of genetically engineered lymphocytes. A permanent cure is possible only if the gene is introduced into cells at early embryonic stages.


Section C: Long Answer & Case-Based Questions (5 Marks)


  1. Molecular Diagnosis vs. Traditional Diagnosis: Discuss why techniques like PCR and ELISA are preferred in modern medicine.


    • Focus: Traditional methods (urine/serum analysis) only detect pathogens when symptoms appear and the pathogen concentration is high. PCR can amplify nucleic acids of pathogens even at very low levels, allowing for "early diagnosis."


  2. Case Study: Transgenic Animals in Medicine Explain the roles of transgenic animals in:


    • Biological Products: Mention the cow "Rosie" and human alpha-lactalbumin.


    • Vaccine Safety: Use of transgenic mice for testing the Polio vaccine.


    • Chemical Safety Testing: Testing toxicity in animals carrying sensitive genes.


Biotechnology Formula and Process



While Biology involves fewer mathematical formulas than Physics, there are critical "process formulas" and naming conventions you must memorize:


  • Insulin Maturation Process: Pro-insulin → (Removal of C-peptide) → Mature Insulin (A + B chains).


  • PCR Cycle Stages: Denaturation, Annealing, Extension.


  • ADA Gene Therapy Cycle: Lymphocyte Isolation → Viral Vector Integration → Re-infusion.


  • ELISA Interaction: Antigen + Enzyme-linked Antibody → Color Change (Signal).


Official Resources & Practice Links






Conclusion



Mastering the applications of biotechnology in medicine requires a clear understanding of molecular interactions and genetic manipulation. By focusing on the CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank provided above, students can ensure they are prepared for both direct theoretical questions and complex case studies. Consistent revision of the maturation of insulin and the ethics of transgenic research will be the key to scoring 95+ in your 2026 boards.



FAQs on CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank



Q1: What are the most repeated questions in the CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank for the Biotechnology chapter? 


Answer: The most frequently repeated questions include the structure of pro-insulin vs. mature insulin, the permanent cure for ADA deficiency, and the advantages of molecular diagnosis (PCR/ELISA) over conventional methods.


Q2: Will the 2026 Board Exam focus more on diagrams? 


Answer: Yes, the CBSE Class 12 Biology Question Bank emphasizes diagram-based questions. For this chapter, practice the maturation of insulin and the flowchart of gene therapy.


Q3: Is the NCERT textbook enough for Biotechnology Applications in Medicine 2026? 


Answer: NCERT is the foundation. However, for 2026, students should also refer to official CBSE practice papers for "competency-based" application questions that test critical thinking.


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