Class 9 · Science and Technology · 10 Aug 2026

Q.1 MCQ [3 marks]

(a)

Which of the following best defines biotechnology in the context of modern biological sciences?

[1 mark]

(a) The exclusive study of ancient fossil records and evolutionary timelines.

(b) The integration of natural science and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services.

(c) The mechanical cultivation of crops using traditional irrigation methods in rural India.

(d) The chemical synthesis of inorganic fertilizers in industrial manufacturing plants.

(b)

Which of the following statements correctly evaluates the relationship between retroviruses (such as HIV) and host cell machinery during infection?

[2 marks]

(a) Retroviruses use host ribosomes directly to replicate their DNA without an RNA intermediate.

(b) Retroviruses integrate their viral DNA into the host genome using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, synthesizing DNA from an RNA template.

(c) Retroviruses kill host cells immediately upon entry by direct enzymatic lysis of the cell wall.

(d) Retroviruses rely exclusively on bacterial conjugation to transfer viral particles between host cells.

Q.2 Match the Pairs [4 marks]

(a)

Match the following biotechnological applications with their correct commercial products or uses:

[2 marks]

Column A	Column B
1. Humulin	a. Genetically engineered human insulin
2. Bt toxin	b. Insect-resistant crop protection
3. Gene therapy	c. Correction of adenosine deaminase deficiency
4. RNA interference	d. Silencing of specific mRNA in nematodes

Answer: __________________________________________

(b)

Match the transgenic organism or biotechnology product in Column A with its primary application in Column B.

[2 marks]

Column A	Column B
1. Bt Cotton	a. Pest resistance against bollworms
2. Humulin	b. Treatment of diabetes mellitus
3. Golden Rice	c. Biofortification for Vitamin A
4. RNA interference (RNAi)	d. Pest resistance in tobacco plants

Answer: __________________________________________

3.

In recombinant DNA technology, the enzyme used to join two DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds is DNA _____.

[1 mark]

4.

Define the term 'antibiotics' in the context of useful microorganisms.

[2 marks]

Q.5 Short Answer [4 marks]

(a)

Define fermentation. Name the specific microorganism and the main gas released during this process in the preparation of idli batter.

[2 marks]

(b)

State two major ethical concerns associated with genetic modification of food crops in India.

[2 marks]

6.

Describe the key steps involved in recombinant DNA technology to produce a human protein (such as insulin) in a bacterial host like Escherichia coli. Discuss how restriction enzymes and ligation are vital to this process.

[4 marks]

7.

A biotechnology firm in Bengaluru is producing recombinant human insulin in E. coli. If 5,000 litres of fermentation broth yield 150 grams of pure insulin crystals, calculate the yield of insulin in milligrams per litre. If a single diabetic patient requires an average of 40 units (where 1 mg equals approximately 28 international units) of insulin per day, estimate how many patient-days of supply are produced in one batch.

[4 marks]

Q.8 Diagram Labeling [8 marks]

(a)

Diagram AI visual

Identify the four key structural or process stages in a biogas plant labeled A, B, C, and D in standard textbook setups used in rural India.

[4 marks]

Label the following: 1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________ 4. ___________________

(b)

Diagram AI visual

Identify the key components of a typical cloning vector plasmid shown in the conceptual schematic below.

[4 marks]

Label the following: 1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________ 4. ___________________