CBSE Class XII Biotechnology
Complete Chapter-wise Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 045
Course Overview
Theory Paper
70
Marks
Practical Work
30
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Total Units
2
Theory Units
Learning Objectives
- Master advanced concepts of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering
- Understand protein structure, function, and modern protein engineering techniques
- Learn genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics applications in modern biotechnology
- Develop skills in microbial, plant, and animal cell culture techniques
- Gain practical experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques
- Understand applications of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, and industry
- Learn about transgenic organisms and their beneficial applications
- Develop critical thinking skills for biotechnology research and development
Units and Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks | Percentage | Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Protein and Gene Manipulation | 40 | 57.1% | 3 Chapters |
| VI | Cell Culture and Genetic Manipulation | 30 | 42.9% | 3 Chapters |
| Practical Work | 30 | 30% | 9 Practicals | |
| Total | 100 | 100% | 6 Chapters | |
Unit V has higher weightage with 40 marks focusing on molecular techniques
Unit V: Protein and Gene Manipulation (40 Marks)
MAJOR UNIT - 57.1% of Total Theory Marks
CBSE Textbook: A Text Book of Biotechnology - Class XII
Official CBSE textbook covering all molecular biotechnology concepts and applications
Chapter 1: Recombinant DNA Technology 15 Marks
Introduction to Recombinant DNA Technology
- Historical development and significance
- Basic principles of genetic recombination
- Applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry
- Ethical considerations and biosafety
Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology
- Restriction endonucleases - types and functions
- DNA ligases and their role
- Vectors: plasmids, bacteriophages, cosmids
- Host systems for cloning
- DNA modifying enzymes
Making Recombinant DNA Molecules
- Gene cloning strategies
- Vector preparation and insert preparation
- Ligation reactions and conditions
- Transformation techniques
Advanced Techniques
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- DNA sequencing methods
- Identification of recombinants
- Screening and selection methods
Chapter 2: Protein Structure and Engineering 12 Marks
Introduction to the World of Proteins
- Protein diversity and functions
- Protein classification systems
- Industrial and medical importance
Structure-Function Relationship in Proteins
- Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures
- Protein folding mechanisms
- Active sites and binding domains
- Allosteric regulation
Characterization of Proteins
- Protein purification techniques
- Electrophoretic methods
- Spectroscopic analysis
- X-ray crystallography basics
Protein Engineering
- Rational protein design
- Directed evolution techniques
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- Protein-based products development
Chapter 3: Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics 13 Marks
Gene Prediction and Counting
- Computational gene finding
- Open reading frame analysis
- Gene annotation methods
- Genome size comparisons
Genome Similarity and SNPs
- Comparative genomics approaches
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
- Genome alignment techniques
- Evolutionary relationships
Functional Genomics and Proteomics
- Gene expression analysis
- Microarray technology
- Protein expression profiling
- Protein-protein interactions
Bioinformatics Tools and Analysis
- Database systems (GenBank, UniProt)
- Sequence alignment algorithms
- Phylogenetic analysis
- Structure prediction software
Unit VI: Cell Culture and Genetic Manipulation (30 Marks)
APPLIED UNIT - 42.9% of Total Theory Marks
CBSE Textbook: A Text Book of Biotechnology - Class XII
Comprehensive coverage of cell culture techniques and genetic manipulation methods
Chapter 1: Microbial Cell Culture and Applications 10 Marks
Introduction and Microbial Nutrition
- Importance of microbial biotechnology
- Nutritional requirements of microorganisms
- Culture media types and preparation
- Sterilization and aseptic techniques
Culture Techniques and Growth Measurement
- Batch, continuous, and fed-batch cultures
- Growth kinetics and measurement
- Bioreactor design and operation
- Environmental factors affecting growth
Product Isolation and Strain Improvement
- Primary and secondary metabolites
- Downstream processing techniques
- Strain isolation methods
- Genetic improvement strategies
Applications of Microbial Culture Technology
- Antibiotic production
- Enzyme manufacturing
- Fermented foods and beverages
- Biofuel production
Chapter 2: Plant Cell Culture and Applications 10 Marks
Introduction and Culture Techniques
- Plant tissue culture principles
- Callus culture and organogenesis
- Somatic embryogenesis
- Protoplast culture techniques
Applications of Cell and Tissue Culture
- Micropropagation techniques
- Secondary metabolite production
- Germplasm conservation
- Somaclonal variation
Transgenic Plants with Beneficial Traits
- Gene transfer methods in plants
- Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
- Biolistics and electroporation
- Herbicide and pest resistance
- Nutritional enhancement
Biosafety of Transgenic Plants
- Risk assessment procedures
- Environmental impact studies
- Regulatory frameworks
- Public concerns and solutions
Chapter 3: Animal Cell Culture and Applications 10 Marks
Introduction and Culture Techniques
- Animal cell culture principles
- Primary and continuous cell lines
- Culture media and supplements
- Aseptic techniques for animal cells
Applications of Animal Cell Culture
- Vaccine production
- Monoclonal antibody production
- Recombinant protein expression
- Drug testing and toxicity studies
- Cancer research applications
Stem Cell Technology
- Types of stem cells
- Embryonic vs adult stem cells
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Therapeutic applications
- Ethical considerations
Practical Work (30 Marks)
HANDS-ON LEARNING - 30% of Total Marks
Practical Assessment Structure
Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 30
Two Experiments: 12 marks (6+6, one computer-based)
Project Work: 10 marks (5 write-up + 5 viva)
Practical Record: 4 marks | Viva: 4 marks
Laboratory Experiments
Experiment 1
Use of special equipment
Learn advanced biotechnology instruments and their applications
Experiment 2
Isolation of bacterial plasmid DNA
Extract and purify plasmid DNA from bacterial cultures
Experiment 3
Detection of DNA by gel electrophoresis
Separate and analyze DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis
Experiment 4
Estimation of DNA by UV spectroscopy
Quantify DNA concentration using UV-Vis spectrophotometry
Experiment 5
Isolation of bacteria from curd & staining
Culture bacteria and perform differential staining techniques
Experiment 6
Cell viability assay using Evans blue dye
Determine cell viability using dye exclusion method
Experiment 7
Data retrieval and database search using NCBI
Download and analyze DNA/protein sequences from databases
Experiment 8
Reading DNA sequencing gel
Interpret DNA sequencing results and determine sequences
Experiment 9
Project work
Independent research project on current biotechnology topics
Practical Work Guidelines
- Maintain detailed laboratory records with observations and interpretations
- Follow safety protocols and biosafety guidelines strictly
- Understand the theoretical basis of each practical experiment
- Develop skills in handling sophisticated biotechnology equipment
- Practice data analysis and result interpretation
- Complete project work on contemporary biotechnology applications
- Prepare for comprehensive viva-voce examination
- Connect practical experiences with theoretical concepts
Examination Pattern (March 2026)
Question Paper Design
Total Marks: 70 | Duration: 3 Hours
Subject Code: 045
| Question Type | Cognitive Level | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remembering and Understanding | Knowledge & Comprehension | 28 | 40% |
| Applying | Application | 21 | 30% |
| Analysing, Evaluating and Creating | Higher Order Thinking | 21 | 30% |
| Total Theory + Practical | 100 | 100% | |
Assessment Features
- Higher emphasis on Unit V (Protein and Gene Manipulation) with 40 marks
- Application-based questions on recombinant DNA technology
- Case studies on protein engineering and biotechnology applications
- Bioinformatics and genomics analysis questions
- Cell culture technique interpretation and problem-solving
- Ethical and biosafety considerations in modern biotechnology
- Integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications
- Current developments in biotechnology research and industry
Download NCERT Books & Resources
Access official CBSE textbooks and laboratory manuals for comprehensive preparation
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Preparation Strategy
- Focus more on Unit V (40 marks) while maintaining balance with Unit VI (30 marks)
- Master laboratory techniques through hands-on practice and understanding
- Stay updated with current developments in biotechnology and genetic engineering
- Practice drawing and labeling molecular biology processes and pathways
- Understand applications of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, and industry
- Learn to interpret data from bioinformatics databases and analysis tools
- Complete project work throughout the year with regular teacher guidance
- Practice previous year question papers and understand question patterns
- Connect theoretical concepts with practical laboratory experiences
- Prepare for comprehensive viva-voce on both theory and practical work
- Study ethical implications and biosafety aspects of modern biotechnology
- Understand regulatory frameworks governing biotechnology applications
Career Opportunities
Research & Development
- Biotechnology Research Scientist
- Molecular Biology Research
- Genetic Engineering Specialist
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Protein Engineering Research
- Drug Discovery Research
- Agricultural Biotechnology
Industry & Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Quality Control Analyst
- Production Manager
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Biotech Product Development
Medical & Healthcare
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Genetic Counselor
- Medical Biotechnologist
- Diagnostic Lab Manager
- Tissue Culture Specialist
- Stem Cell Research
- Gene Therapy Research
Environmental & Agriculture
- Environmental Biotechnologist
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Food Biotechnology
- Biofuel Research
- Environmental Consultant
- Biosafety Officer
- Sustainable Technology Developer
Academic & Teaching
- Biotechnology Professor
- Research Guide/Supervisor
- Academic Researcher
- Science Communication
- Curriculum Developer
- Educational Technology
- Science Writer/Journalist
Entrepreneurship & Business
- Biotech Startup Founder
- Business Development Manager
- Technology Transfer Specialist
- Patent Analyst
- Biotech Consultant
- Investment Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
Important Resources
Official CBSE Resources
- A Text Book of Biotechnology - Class XII (CBSE)
- A Laboratory Manual of Biotechnology - Class XII (CBSE)
- CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26
- Previous Year Question Papers
- CBSE Marking Schemes
- Official Practical Assessment Guidelines
Online Databases & Tools
- NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
- UniProt Protein Database
- GenBank Sequence Database
- BLAST Search Tools
- PDB (Protein Data Bank)
- ExPASy Bioinformatics Tools
Scientific Journals & Publications
- Nature Biotechnology
- Science Magazine
- Current Science
- Indian Journal of Biotechnology
- Biotechnology News Articles
- Research Publication Updates
Educational Videos & Simulations
- Molecular Biology Animations
- Laboratory Technique Videos
- Bioinformatics Software Tutorials
- Virtual Lab Simulations
- Scientific Documentary Films
- Expert Lecture Series
Laboratory Equipment & Suppliers
- PCR Machine Operations
- Gel Electrophoresis Equipment
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- Microscopy Techniques
- Cell Culture Equipment
- Safety Equipment Guidelines
Professional Organizations
- Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE)
- Society for Biological Chemists (India)
- Indian Science Congress Association
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- International Biotechnology Organizations
Important Timeline & Dates
| Event | Timeline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Practice Sessions | July - December 2025 | Complete all 9 practical experiments with proper documentation |
| Project Topic Selection | August - September 2025 | Choose current biotechnology topic with teacher guidance |
| Project Research & Development | October - December 2025 | Conduct research, collect data, and prepare project report |
| Project Submission | January 2026 | Submit completed project with proper formatting and references |
| Practical Assessment | February 2026 | Practical examination with experiments and project viva |
| Theory Examination | March 2026 | 3-hour comprehensive theory paper covering both units |