CBSE Class XII Biology
Advanced Life Sciences Curriculum 2025-26 | Subject Code: 044
Course Overview - Class XII
Theory Paper
70
Marks
Practical Work
30
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Units
5
Units (VI-X)
Total Chapters
13
Chapters
Advanced Learning Objectives - Class XII
- Master reproductive biology in flowering plants and humans including gametogenesis
- Understand principles of inheritance, variation, and Mendelian genetics
- Explore molecular basis of inheritance including DNA structure and gene expression
- Analyze evolutionary concepts, natural selection, and human evolution
- Study human health, diseases, immunity, and pathogen interactions
- Understand role of microbes in human welfare and biotechnology applications
- Learn genetic engineering principles and recombinant DNA technology
- Explore biotechnology applications in health, agriculture, and industry
- Analyze ecological relationships, population dynamics, and ecosystem functions
- Understand biodiversity patterns, conservation strategies, and environmental issues
- Develop advanced practical skills in molecular biology and biotechnology
- Connect biological principles with current biotechnological applications
- Prepare for advanced studies in life sciences, medicine, and biotechnology
- Understand bioethical issues in modern biology and biotechnology
CLASS XII BIOLOGY - ADVANCED LIFE SCIENCES
Class XII Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Chapters | Theory Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VI | Reproduction | 3 | 16 | 22.9% |
| VII | Genetics and Evolution | 3 | 20 | 28.6% |
| VIII | Biology and Human Welfare | 2 | 12 | 17.1% |
| IX | Biotechnology and its Applications | 2 | 12 | 17.1% |
| X | Ecology and Environment | 3 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Total Theory Class XII | 13 | 70 | 100% | |
Class XII Focus Areas
Advanced concepts in genetics, evolution, biotechnology, human welfare, and environmental biology with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and applications
Class XII Theory Units - Detailed Breakdown
NCERT Textbook: Biology Class XII
Official NCERT textbook covering advanced biology concepts, genetics, biotechnology, and environmental science
Download NCERT Biology Class XII PDFUnit VI: Reproduction16 marks3 Chapters
Chapter 1: Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
- Flower structure and reproductive organs
- Development of male gametophyte (microsporogenesis)
- Development of female gametophyte (megasporogenesis)
- Pollination types and agencies (wind, insect, bird)
- Outbreeding devices in plants
- Pollen-pistil interaction mechanisms
- Double fertilization process
- Post fertilization events and endosperm development
- Embryo development and seed formation
- Fruit formation and significance
- Special modes: apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony
- Significance of seed dispersal
Chapter 2: Human Reproduction
- Male reproductive system anatomy
- Female reproductive system anatomy
- Microscopic anatomy of testis structure
- Microscopic anatomy of ovary structure
- Gametogenesis: spermatogenesis process
- Gametogenesis: oogenesis process
- Menstrual cycle regulation and phases
- Fertilization process in humans
- Embryo development up to blastocyst formation
- Implantation process
- Pregnancy and placenta formation
- Parturition (elementary idea)
- Lactation (elementary idea)
Chapter 3: Reproductive Health
- Need for reproductive health awareness
- Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Birth control need and methods
- Contraception techniques and effectiveness
- Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP)
- Amniocentesis and ethical concerns
- Infertility causes and treatments
- Assisted reproductive technologies
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
- ZIFT (Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer)
- GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer)
- General awareness of reproductive technologies
Unit VII: Genetics and Evolution20 marks3 Chapters
Chapter 4: Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Heredity and variation concepts
- Mendelian inheritance patterns
- Deviations from Mendelism
- Incomplete dominance
- Co-dominance
- Multiple alleles and inheritance of blood groups
- Pleiotropy
- Elementary idea of polygenic inheritance
- Chromosome theory of inheritance
- Chromosomes and genes relationship
- Sex determination in humans, birds, and honey bee
- Linkage and crossing over
- Sex linked inheritance: haemophilia, colour blindness
- Mendelian disorders: thalassemia
- Chromosomal disorders: Down's syndrome
- Turner's and Klinefelter's syndromes
Chapter 5: Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Search for genetic material
- DNA as genetic material
- Structure of DNA and RNA
- DNA packaging in cells
- DNA replication mechanism
- Central Dogma of molecular biology
- Transcription process
- Genetic code and its properties
- Translation mechanism
- Gene expression and regulation
- Lac operon model
- Genome concept
- Human genome project
- Rice genome project
- DNA fingerprinting techniques and applications
Chapter 6: Evolution
- Origin of life theories
- Biological evolution concept
- Evidences for biological evolution
- Paleontological evidences
- Comparative anatomy evidences
- Embryological evidences
- Molecular evidences
- Darwin's contribution to evolution
- Modern synthetic theory of evolution
- Mechanism of evolution
- Variation (mutation and recombination)
- Natural selection with examples
- Types of natural selection
- Gene flow and genetic drift
- Hardy-Weinberg's principle
- Adaptive radiation
- Human evolution
Unit VIII: Biology and Human Welfare12 marks2 Chapters
Chapter 7: Human Health and Diseases
- Pathogens and pathogenicity
- Parasites causing human diseases
- Malaria: causative agent and control
- Dengue: transmission and prevention
- Chikungunya: symptoms and control
- Filariasis: vector and prevention
- Ascariasis: life cycle and control
- Typhoid: causative bacteria and symptoms
- Pneumonia: causes and treatment
- Common cold: viral infection
- Amoebiasis: parasitic infection
- Ringworm: fungal infection
- Disease control strategies
- Basic concepts of immunology
- Vaccines and immunization
- Cancer: types, causes, and prevention
- HIV and AIDS: transmission and prevention
- Adolescence issues
- Drug and alcohol abuse
Chapter 8: Microbes in Human Welfare
- Microbes in food processing
- Industrial production using microbes
- Microbes in sewage treatment
- Energy generation using microbes
- Microbes as bio-control agents
- Microbes as bio-fertilizers
- Antibiotics production
- Judicious use of antibiotics
- Fermentation technology
- Dairy industry applications
- Brewing and distillation
- Biogas production
- Composting and organic farming
- Environmental restoration
Unit IX: Biotechnology and its Applications12 marks2 Chapters
Chapter 9: Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
- Principles of biotechnology
- Genetic Engineering techniques
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Tools of recombinant DNA technology
- Restriction enzymes and their types
- Cloning vectors: plasmids, bacteriophages
- Gene cloning process
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Gene expression systems
- Transformation techniques
- Selection of recombinants
- Molecular markers
- Bioinformatics basics
Chapter 10: Biotechnology and its Applications
- Application of biotechnology in health
- Application of biotechnology in agriculture
- Human insulin production using biotechnology
- Vaccine production
- Stem cell technology
- Gene therapy
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Bt crops development and applications
- Transgenic animals
- Biosafety issues
- Biopiracy concerns
- Patents in biotechnology
- Ethical considerations
- Regulatory frameworks
Unit X: Ecology and Environment10 marks3 Chapters
Chapter 11: Organisms and Populations
- Population interactions
- Mutualism: examples and significance
- Competition: intraspecific and interspecific
- Predation: predator-prey relationships
- Parasitism: types and examples
- Population attributes
- Population growth patterns
- Birth rate and death rate
- Age distribution in populations
- Life tables and survivorship curves
- Population regulation mechanisms
- Carrying capacity
- Population dynamics
Chapter 12: Ecosystem
- Ecosystem structure and function
- Ecosystem patterns
- Ecosystem components: biotic and abiotic
- Productivity in ecosystems
- Primary productivity
- Secondary productivity
- Decomposition process
- Energy flow in ecosystems
- Food chains and food webs
- Pyramids of number
- Pyramids of biomass
- Pyramids of energy
- Nutrient cycling
- Ecological succession
Chapter 13: Biodiversity and its Conservation
- Biodiversity concept
- Biodiversity patterns
- Importance of biodiversity
- Loss of biodiversity
- Causes of biodiversity loss
- Biodiversity conservation strategies
- Hotspots of biodiversity
- Endangered organisms
- Extinction: causes and examples
- Red Data Book
- Sacred Groves
- Biosphere reserves
- National parks
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Ramsar sites
- Ex-situ and in-situ conservation
Practical Assessment - Class XII (30 Marks)
ADVANCED PRACTICAL EVALUATION - 30% of Total Marks
Major Experiment
5 marks - Advanced experimental techniques
Minor Experiment
4 marks - Supplementary experiments
Slide Preparation
5 marks - Microscopy and observation
Spotting
7 marks - Identification and analysis
Practical Record
4 marks - Record + Viva Voce
Investigatory Project
5 marks - Research project + Viva Voce
Class XII Key Experiments
Major Experiments Selection
- Prepare a temporary mount to observe pollen germination
- Study plant population density by quadrat method
- Study plant population frequency by quadrat method
- Prepare a temporary mount of onion root tip to study mitosis
- Isolate DNA from available plant material such as spinach, green pea seeds, papaya, banana etc.
- Collect and study soil from different sites for texture, moisture, pH
- Collect water from different water bodies and study pH, clarity, living organisms
- Study suspended particulate matter in air at different sites
- Observe plant succession in a pond ecosystem
Class XII Spotting Items
Reproduction & Development
- Flowers adapted to pollination by different agencies
- Pollen germination on stigma through permanent slides
- Identification of stages of gamete development
- T.S. of testis and T.S. of ovary
- Meiosis in onion bud cell or grasshopper testis
- T.S. of blastula through permanent slides
- Controlled pollination: emasculation, tagging, bagging
Genetics & Evolution
- Mendelian inheritance using seeds of different colors/sizes
- Prepared pedigree charts of genetic traits
- Rolling of tongue, blood groups, ear lobes
- Widow's peak and color blindness
- Models showing comparative brain capacity
- Homologous and analogous organs
- Flash cards showing evolutionary relationships
Health & Disease
- Common disease causing organisms
- Ascaris, Entamoeba, Plasmodium
- Fungus causing ringworm
- Permanent slides, models, or specimens
- Symptoms of diseases they cause
- Symbiotic associations: lichens
- Root nodules of leguminous plants
- Parasitic nutrition shown by Cuscuta
Assessment Pattern & Examination Guidelines
Question Paper Design (Class XII)
Total Theory Marks: 70 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 044
| Competency Level | Cognitive Skills | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding | Remember, Understand | 35 | 50% |
| Application of Knowledge/Concepts | Apply | 21 | 30% |
| Analyse, Evaluate and Create | Analyse, Evaluate, Create | 14 | 20% |
| Total Theory | 70 | 100% | |
Question Types and Pattern
- Very Short Answer Questions (VSA) including MCQs
- Assertion-Reason type questions
- Short Answer Questions I (2 marks)
- Short Answer Questions II (3 marks)
- Long Answer Questions I (4 marks)
- Long Answer Questions II (5 marks)
- Source-based/Case-based/Passage-based questions
- Integrated assessment questions
- Internal choice in approximately 33% of questions
- Emphasis on application and analytical thinking
Suggestive Action Verbs for Different Competencies
- Knowledge & Understanding: State, name, list, identify, define, suggest, describe, outline, summarize
- Application: Calculate, illustrate, show, adapt, explain, distinguish, apply
- Analysis & Evaluation: Interpret, analyze, compare, contrast, examine, evaluate, discuss, construct
Career Opportunities in Advanced Biology
Medical & Healthcare
- MBBS and Medical Specializations
- Dental Surgery (BDS, MDS)
- AYUSH Medical Systems
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Medical Technology and Laboratory Sciences
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Clinical Research and Drug Development
- Medical Writing and Healthcare Communication
- Health Administration and Hospital Management
Biotechnology & Research
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development
- Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs
- Biomedical Engineering
- Forensic Biology and DNA Analysis
Agriculture & Food Technology
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Plant Breeding and Genetics
- Food Technology and Processing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Organic Farming and Certification
- Agricultural Extension Services
- Food Safety and Quality Control
- Seed Technology
- Crop Protection and Pest Management
Environmental & Conservation
- Environmental Science and Management
- Wildlife Biology and Conservation
- Marine Biology and Oceanography
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Climate Change Research
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Conservation Genetics
- Environmental Consulting
- Sustainable Development
Industry & Technology
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Quality Control in Biotechnology Industries
- Biomedical Device Development
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry
- Biofuel and Renewable Energy
- Industrial Microbiology
- Patent Law and Intellectual Property
- Biotech Business Development
- Scientific Sales and Marketing
- Technology Transfer
Education & Communication
- Biology Professor and Researcher
- Science Education Research
- Educational Content Development
- Science Curriculum Design
- Science Communication and Journalism
- Museum and Science Center Education
- Online Education Platform Development
- Scientific Publishing
- Biology Textbook Writing
- Educational Technology in Biology
Success Tips & Preparation Strategy
Advanced Study Strategy for Class XII
- Master molecular concepts before tackling biotechnology applications
- Practice drawing complex biological diagrams and flowcharts
- Understand genetic principles through problem-solving practice
- Connect evolutionary concepts with molecular evidence
- Stay updated with current biotechnology developments
- Practice case-based questions and data interpretation
- Focus on understanding experimental designs and methodologies
- Prepare comprehensive practical record with observations
- Understand ethical implications of biotechnology
- Practice numerical problems in genetics and ecology
- Study real-world applications of biological concepts
- Review previous year question papers for pattern analysis
- Develop scientific writing and communication skills
- Connect classroom concepts with current research
Prescribed Resources & References
Official CBSE Biology Resources
Comprehensive coverage of all advanced biology units and practical guidelines
Download NCERT Biology Class XII ResourcesPrimary Resources
- Biology Class XII - Published by NCERT
- Laboratory Manual for Biology Class XII
- Biology Supplementary Material (Revised)
- CBSE Reading Material Class XII
- Exemplar Problems in Biology
- Related books and manuals by NCERT
Digital Resources
- Interactive digital content and animations
- Virtual laboratory simulations
- Online molecular biology tools
- Multimedia content for complex concepts
- 3D models and interactive diagrams
- Educational videos and documentaries
Resource Features
- Updated content aligned with latest scientific developments
- Integration of molecular biology with classical concepts
- Real-world case studies and applications
- Comprehensive practical manual with modern techniques
- Links to current research and biotechnology advances
- Ethical considerations in modern biology
- Career guidance and higher education pathways
- Problem-solving approach to genetic analysis
- Environmental and conservation awareness
- Biotechnology applications in healthcare and agriculture
Important Guidelines & Best Practices
Key Points for Success
- Class XII builds on Class XI foundation for advanced applications
- Focus on understanding molecular mechanisms and processes
- Practice complex biological diagrams and genetic crosses
- Maintain comprehensive practical record with detailed observations
- Connect theoretical concepts with biotechnology applications
- Stay informed about current developments in life sciences
- Understand ethical implications of genetic engineering
- Practice data interpretation and statistical analysis
- Develop scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills
- Prepare for competitive examinations like NEET, AIIMS
- Explore research opportunities and internships
- Build strong foundation for higher studies in life sciences