Class 10 Chapter 8: Cell Biology and Biotechnology – Maharashtra Board
Class 10 Chapter 8: Cell Biology and Biotechnology – Maharashtra Board
🔬 1. Cell Biology: An Introduction
Cell Biology studies the structure, function, and processes of the cell, the basic unit of life.
Living organisms are either:
- Unicellular (e.g., Amoeba)
- Multicellular (e.g., Humans)
👩🔬 Scientists and Contributions:
| Scientist | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Robert Hooke | Discovered cells in cork (1665) |
| Anton van Leeuwenhoek | Observed living cells using microscope |
| Schleiden & Schwann | Proposed Cell Theory |
| Rudolf Virchow | "Omnis cellula e cellula" – All cells arise from pre-existing cells |
🧫 2. Cell Structure and Cell Organelles
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| Cell Membrane | Controls entry and exit of materials |
| Cytoplasm | Jelly-like medium where cell reactions happen |
| Nucleus | Controls activities; contains DNA |
| Mitochondria | Produces energy (ATP) |
| Ribosomes | Protein synthesis |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Transport (Rough ER = proteins, Smooth ER = lipids) |
| Golgi Apparatus | Modifies, packages proteins |
| Lysosomes | Digests waste; called suicidal bags |
| Chloroplast | Photosynthesis (plant cells only) |
| Cell Wall | Provides shape & support (plant cells only) |
🧬 3. Chromosomes and DNA
- Chromosomes are thread-like structures in the nucleus.
- Made of DNA and proteins. Humans have 46 chromosomes.
- DNA: Carries genetic information.
- Gene: Functional unit of DNA responsible for traits.
🧪 4. Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotechnology = Bio (life) + Technology. It uses biological organisms/systems to create useful products.
Applications of Biotechnology:
| Field | Applications |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | GM crops, pest resistance |
| Medicine | Vaccines, antibiotics, insulin |
| Industry | Enzymes, biofuels |
| Environment | Bioremediation, pollution control |
🧬 5. Genetic Engineering
Artificial modification of genes. Example: Genetically engineered bacteria for human insulin production. BT Cotton – pest resistant.
👶 6. Cloning
Creating genetically identical copies. Dolly the sheep was the first cloned mammal (1996).
🌱 7. Tissue Culture
Growing cells in artificial medium to produce large numbers of plants. Used in agriculture and conservation.
💻 8. Bioinformatics
Combines biology with computer science to analyze genetic data. Useful in genome projects and drug design.
🌾 9. GMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are those whose DNA is altered to express desired traits like vitamin-enriched crops or insect resistance.
⚖️ 10. Ethical Issues
Concerns about safety, biodiversity loss, and misuse. Responsible use of biotechnology is essential.
🧠 Important Terms
- Cell – Basic unit of life
- DNA – Hereditary material
- Gene – Unit of heredity
- GMO – Genetically Modified Organism
- Bioinformatics – IT + biology
📄 Summary
Chapter 8 introduces Cell Biology and Biotechnology. It begins with cell structure and function, explaining key organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. It highlights the importance of DNA and genes in heredity. The chapter then explores biotechnology, a modern science that uses living organisms to develop useful products. Applications in agriculture (GM crops), medicine (insulin, vaccines), and environment (bioremediation) are discussed. It covers important technologies like genetic engineering, tissue culture, cloning, and introduces bioinformatics as a tool for storing and analyzing genetic data. Ethical concerns about biotechnology are also mentioned. Overall, this chapter links basic biology to real-world innovations that benefit humans and the planet.
📚 Previously Asked Board Questions
1 Mark Questions:
- Define biotechnology.
- What is a gene?
- What is the function of mitochondria?
- Name one genetically modified crop.
2 Marks:
- Applications of biotechnology (any 4)
- Difference between plant and animal cells
3 Marks:
- Explain tissue culture with uses.
4 Marks:
- What is genetic engineering? Explain with insulin example.
Diagram-Based:
- Labelled diagram of plant cell / DNA / nucleus
📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of biological organisms to create products useful for human benefit.
What is tissue culture used for?
Tissue culture helps in mass multiplication of plants and production of disease-free plants.
What is cloning?
Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.
What are GMOs?
GMOs are organisms whose DNA is altered using genetic engineering to express desired traits.
What is the function of mitochondria?
Mitochondria produce energy in the form of ATP and are called the powerhouse of the cell.
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