Class 12 Biology – Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production

One of the major topics of biology that students come across in Class 12 are strategies for enhancement in food production — a sub-branch of agriculture, directly related to food security. Herein, some key questions have been explained with insightful answers for students’ understanding.

Important Questions on Class 12 Biology – Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production

1) Define Single-cell Proteins about Spirulina. State its importance.

Ans – With the help of microorganisms (SCP), a protein-rich meal named Single termed protein has been created and also Spirulina is a protein-enriched bacteria. A rapid way of protein synthesis is conducted for the higher speed in micro-organisms creation resulting in a meal containing a higher quantity of protein.

2) Define MOET. State it’s procedure.

Ans – The full form of MOET is Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer, which gives rise to the following procedure:

  1. Follicular motivation and ovulation occur due to the hormones injected into the cows.
  2. The cow performs coitus with the chosen bull.
  3. At the 8-32 stage of the cell, the fertilized eggs are rejuvenated and reach the surrogate mother.

3) Define germplasm and state its necessity.

Ans – The germ cells maintaining their hierarchy pass the genetic material known as Germplasm, which further serves as an epitome of the countability of genes in an individual used by the breeders for better crops.

Preventing genetic variation in specific plant types or stocking genetics for future use is what germplasm does.

Necessities of germplasm:

  1. Preserve several plant cells and tissue cultures for years before they are needed.
  2. Preservation of plant components from extinct species.
  3. Antibiotics (cell cultures producing secondary metabolites) are preserved for a long period.
  4. Seeds lose viability after being stored. i.e. Recalcitrant seeds are also held for preservation.
  5. Healthy plant materials are frozen and breaded as it’s necessary.
  6. Somaclonal differences are preserved, throughout generations.
  7. Somatic hybridization forming rare germplasms with forms of manipulation be saved.

4) Define inbreeding depression. State the reason behind the self-pollinated crops not showing any side effects.

Ans – Reducing biological fitness in the members of the population due to the result of breeding is called inbreeding depression. Thus, it is the dropping down of fitness and strength in the inbreeding. This inbreeding depression is due to the mating of relatives in a small group, reducing the chances of endurance and reproduction.

The number of plants affected by inbreeding depression exceeds the quantity of self-pollination. The reduced capacity of providing strength and fertility extends the breeding lime maximum to three to four generations. Example: Alfalfa in the pea family and carrots.

5) Explain mutation and its importance in plant bleeding. Provide an example of a cultivated plant that is disease-resistant and is induced by mutation.

Ans – A change in the nucleotides in the gene results in a sudden inheritable change in the behavior of the organisms is called a mutation. The behavioral pattern produced by the new character (by mutation) varies from the parental type. For example, gamma radiation-like mutation affects it. Plant elements create new variants like yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew resistance.

6) How is biofortification the most practical means to improve public health?

Ans – With the task of enhancing the number of vitamins, minerals, higher proteins, and better fats in crops, biofortification is a plant breeding program that enhances the food quality too, avoiding hidden hunger. The fortified crops are as mentioned:

  1. Double the quantity of lysine & tryptophan in a regular maze created by the new maze hybrid.
  2. With an enhanced protein level comes Atlas 66 wheat.
  3. Rice pertains five times more quantity of iron. Massive quantities of vitamin and mineral-rich crops are purchased by IARI Delhi. The increasing rate of the consumption of biofortified foods is directly proportional to their health.

7) State the steps to be followed for enhancing the quality and quantity of the milk production.

Ans – Genetic composition, nourishment, and environmental factors are the three necessities for improving the quality and quantity of milk production.

The steps needed to be undertaken to fulfill this necessity are:

  1. Shed: Includes a well-kept, well-ventilated shed with a pucca floor and a drainage channel.
  2. With the right quantity of carbs, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water, a balanced diet is maintained which is further divided into two parts: Initially, fodder, hay, straw, and silage as roughage then broken forage crops, grains, cereals, mullets, cotton, and seeds.
  3. Water should be clear of any germs or microorganisms.
  4. Organize enough assessment & necessary documentation during a health inspection.

8) Elaborate the procedure involved in Plant breeding.

Ans – The procedures involved in Plant breeding are:

  1. Variation Collection: This includes the amalgamation of all wild variations, species, and relatives of farmed species.
  2. Germplasm Evaluation & Parent Selection: Searching for plants with certain traits is germplasm further multiplied to use.
  3. Selected Parent Hybridization: Selected breeding produces suitable offspring pertaining only to certain chosen characteristics.
  4. Selection and Testing of Superior Recombinants: Particular individuals are chosen from all the offspring sufficing particular traits that can surpass their parents later on.
  5. Testing, Release, and Commercialization of New Cultivars: The plants are nurtured, observed, and recorded during irrigation, fertilizer usage & other agricultural techniques. The plants once selected are grown for 3 consecutive seasons in the farmer’s field, followed by being certified and published in a variety.