National book foundation class 8 science unit 4 notes

 Unit # 4 

Biotechnology

   ( National book foundation) 

The application of modern techniques in fields like engineering and medicines is called technology . Biotechnology includes a broad range of technologies that employ living organisms or parts of them to make diverse products . For example, drugs , nutritional compounds , environment friendly chemicals and bio fuels can be produced through biotechnology . 

Short Questions 

• What could be the advantages of microbes produced dyes over synthetic dyes ? 

      Answer : 

         It relates to fermentation , which is an inherently faster and more productive production.

• Give the advantages of using biodegradable plastic. 

       Answer :

1.    Less waste 
2.  Say goodbye to harmful chemicals
3.  produce less emission                    

• What is the significance of fermented food ?

        Answer :

           It improves your                                                                                                                                          Health and wellness.    

• How biotechnology can transform the way of treating diseases ? 

        Answer :

•  Improvements in the drug discovery 
• Better Vaccines 
• Gene therapy 

• What could be the best solution to mineral deficiency diseases in third world countries ? 

         Answer : 

           1.   Reduction of poverty

           2.  Access to diverse diets 

C. Long Questions 

1. Explain how biotechnology is helping to solve issues of food shortage ?

       Answer  

•  Foods produced by the use of microorganisms are more nutritious as they contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
• Foods produced by fermentation process have better taste and quality and have longer storage life.
• More yields of milk , eggs and meat have become possible by using modern techniques.
• Crops resistant to disease and harmful insects are being cultivated in most part of the world. 
• It is helping to solve the food shortage problem of increasing human population .

      2.What are the applications of biotechnology ? 

       Answer 

1. Many vaccine are in use to prevent infections. 
2. Human hormones like insulin and human growth hormone are produced by genetically modified microorganisms . 
3. Fuels like bio diesel and ethanol are helping to reduce the use of fossils fuels. 
4. To avoid toxic chemicals , microorganisms are now being used to produce textile dyes.
5. Biodegradable plastics are decomposed by bacteria and fungi . So these plastics do not cause pollution. 
6. Modified microorganisms are more efficient in removing wastes from the environment .
7. Some microorganisms are in use to remove toxic wastes from the environment.
8.  Foods produced by the use of microorganisms are more nutritious as they contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
9. Foods produced by fermentation process have better taste and quality and have longer storage life.
10. More yields of milk , eggs and meat have become possible by using modern techniques.
11. Crops resistant to disease and harmful insects are being cultivated in most part of the world. 
12. It is helping to solve the food shortage problem of increasing human population .

FAQ 

Q 1 .What is biotechnology ? 

Answer . Biotechnology uses engineered living organisms to produce valuable products.

Q 2.What is advantage of genetic engineering ?

Answer .Genetic engineering made it possible to modify not only microorganisms but also higher animals and plants.

Q 3.What is vaccination ? 

Answer .Vaccination is helping to eradicate diseases .