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Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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12th

12th - Biology

Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production

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Overview of the Chapter

This chapter discusses various strategies employed to enhance food production to meet the demands of a growing population. It covers topics such as animal husbandry, plant breeding, tissue culture, and single-cell protein production, emphasizing sustainable and scientific approaches to improve yield and quality.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry involves the breeding and raising of livestock for products like milk, meat, eggs, and wool. Key practices include:

  • Dairy farm management for increased milk production.
  • Poultry farming for eggs and meat.
  • Fisheries and aquaculture for fish production.
  • Bee-keeping (apiculture) for honey and wax.
Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the care and breeding of domestic animals.

Plant Breeding

Plant breeding focuses on developing improved crop varieties with higher yield, disease resistance, and better adaptability. Techniques include:

  • Selection of genetically superior parent plants.
  • Hybridization to combine desirable traits.
  • Mutation breeding to induce genetic variations.
Plant breeding is the science of altering plant traits to produce desired characteristics.

Tissue Culture

Tissue culture, or micropropagation, is a technique to grow plants from small tissue samples in a sterile environment. Applications include:

  • Mass production of disease-free plants.
  • Conservation of rare and endangered species.
  • Production of genetically modified plants.
Tissue culture is the growth of plant cells or tissues in an artificial medium under controlled conditions.

Single-Cell Protein (SCP)

Single-cell protein refers to protein derived from microorganisms like algae, fungi, and bacteria. It serves as an alternative protein source for humans and animals. Examples include:

  • Spirulina (cyanobacteria) as a dietary supplement.
  • Yeast and fungi used in animal feed.
Single-cell protein is a microbial biomass used as a protein-rich food source.

All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern

Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.

Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.

Question 1:
Define animal husbandry.
Answer:
Definition: Breeding and caring for farm animals for food and other products.
Question 2:
Name two biofortified crops.
Answer:
  • Golden Rice
  • Atlas 66 Wheat
Question 3:
What is somatic hybridization?
Answer:
Definition: Fusion of protoplasts from two different plant species.
Question 4:
State the role of MOET in animal breeding.
Answer:

MOET enhances reproduction by superovulation and embryo transfer.

Question 5:
List two dairy breeds of cattle.
Answer:
  • Holstein-Friesian
  • Jersey
Question 6:
What is apiculture?
Answer:
Definition: Rearing bees for honey and wax production.
Question 7:
Name a marine fish used in aquaculture.
Answer:

Salmon is commonly farmed in marine aquaculture.

Question 8:
Define tissue culture.
Answer:
Definition: Growing cells or tissues in a nutrient medium.
Question 9:
What is germplasm collection?
Answer:

Preservation of genetic resources for breeding programs.

Question 10:
Name two poultry breeds.
Answer:
  • Leghorn
  • Rhode Island Red
Question 11:
What is inbreeding depression?
Answer:

Reduced fitness due to continuous close breeding.

Question 12:
State the use of biofertilizers.
Answer:

They enrich soil fertility using microorganisms.

Question 13:
Define hybridization in crop improvement.
Answer:
Definition: Crossing two genetically different plants for desired traits.
Question 14:
Name a disease-resistant crop variety.
Answer:

Himgiri Wheat resists leaf and stripe rust.

Question 15:
Name two exotic breeds of cattle used for crossbreeding in India.
Answer:

Two exotic breeds used for crossbreeding in India are Jersey and Holstein-Friesian.

Question 16:
What is the purpose of moist chilling in poultry farming?
Answer:

Moist chilling is used to rapidly cool poultry meat after slaughter to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

Question 17:
List one advantage of composite fish culture.
Answer:

One advantage of composite fish culture is the efficient utilization of different food niches in the pond, leading to higher productivity.

Question 18:
Name a disease-resistant variety of wheat developed in India.
Answer:

Himgiri is a disease-resistant variety of wheat developed in India, resistant to leaf and stripe rust.

Question 19:
What is the role of mycorrhiza in plant nutrition?
Answer:

Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that enhances phosphorus uptake and improves plant growth.

Question 20:
Define somatic hybridization.
Answer:

Somatic hybridization is the fusion of protoplasts from two different plant species to create a hybrid with desired traits.

Question 21:
Name one biofortified crop and its enriched nutrient.
Answer:

Golden Rice is a biofortified crop enriched with beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A).

Question 22:
What is the significance of embryo rescue in plant breeding?
Answer:

Embryo rescue is used to save hybrid embryos from incompatible crosses that would otherwise abort, enabling the development of new plant varieties.

Question 23:
Name a marine fish commonly used in aquaculture.
Answer:

Salmon is a commonly cultured marine fish in aquaculture due to its high market demand.

Question 24:
What is tissue culture?
Answer:

Tissue culture is a technique where plant cells or tissues are grown in a sterile nutrient medium to produce clones of the parent plant.

Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.

Question 1:
Define animal husbandry and mention its importance.
Answer:

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the care, breeding, and management of livestock like cattle, poultry, and fish.
It is important because it ensures a steady supply of high-quality protein (milk, eggs, meat), generates employment, and supports the economy.

Question 2:
Name two exotic breeds of cattle and state their utility.
Answer:

Jersey and Brown Swiss are two exotic cattle breeds.
Jersey is known for high milk fat content, while Brown Swiss is valued for its disease resistance and adaptability.

Question 3:
What is inbreeding depression? How can it be overcome?
Answer:

Inbreeding depression refers to reduced fertility and productivity due to continuous mating among closely related individuals.
It can be overcome by outcrossing (mating unrelated animals) or introducing superior genetic traits from other populations.

Question 4:
Differentiate between outcrossing and crossbreeding.
Answer:
  • Outcrossing: Mating of unrelated animals within the same breed to restore vigor.
  • Crossbreeding: Mating animals of different breeds to combine desirable traits (e.g., Hisardale sheep).
Question 5:
Explain the term apiculture and its economic value.
Answer:

Apiculture is the practice of maintaining bee colonies for honey and wax production.
It has economic value as honey is a nutritive food, beeswax is used in cosmetics, and bees aid in pollination of crops.

Question 6:
List two advantages of composite fish culture.
Answer:
  • Maximizes resource utilization (surface, middle, and bottom feeders coexist).
  • Increases yield per unit area due to diverse feeding habits.
Question 7:
What is MOET? State its application in cattle breeding.
Answer:

MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer) is a technique to induce superovulation in high-yielding cows.
Applications: Produces 6–8 offspring/year from a single cow, accelerating genetic improvement.

Question 8:
Name two biofortified crops and their enriched nutrients.
Answer:
  • Golden Rice: Enriched with Vitamin A (β-carotene).
  • Atlas 66 Wheat: High protein content.
Question 9:
Why is pisciculture important in India? Give two reasons.
Answer:
  • Provides affordable protein to combat malnutrition.
  • Supports livelihoods of coastal and rural communities.
Question 10:
What are somatic hybrids? Give an example.
Answer:

Somatic hybrids are plants formed by fusing protoplasts of two different species.
Example: Pomato (hybrid of potato and tomato).

Question 11:
How does tissue culture aid in plant propagation?
Answer:

Tissue culture allows rapid clonal propagation of disease-free plants using explant cells.
It is useful for conserving rare species and producing genetically identical plants (e.g., orchids).

Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.

Question 1:
Explain the role of tissue culture in enhancing food production.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a biotechnological technique used to grow plant cells, tissues, or organs in a sterile nutrient medium under controlled conditions.

Its role in food production includes:

  • Mass propagation of high-yielding or disease-resistant plant varieties.
  • Production of disease-free plants through meristem culture.
  • Conservation of rare or endangered plant species.
  • Faster multiplication of plants compared to traditional methods.
This technique ensures food security by improving crop quality and yield.

Question 2:
How does somatic hybridization help in crop improvement?
Answer:

Somatic hybridization involves the fusion of protoplasts (cell without cell wall) from two different plant species to create a hybrid.

It aids in crop improvement by:

  • Combining desirable traits from two different species, such as disease resistance and high yield.
  • Overcoming sexual incompatibility barriers in traditional breeding.
  • Creating novel plant varieties with improved characteristics like stress tolerance.
Examples include Pomato (potato + tomato), though it is not commercially viable yet.

Question 3:
Describe the advantages of biofortification in addressing malnutrition.
Answer:

Biofortification is the process of enhancing the nutritional quality of crops through breeding or genetic engineering.

Its advantages include:

  • Increasing vitamin (e.g., Golden Rice with beta-carotene) and mineral content (e.g., iron-rich beans).
  • Providing a cost-effective solution to malnutrition in developing countries.
  • Ensuring sustainable nutrition as biofortified crops can be grown locally.
This method helps combat deficiencies like anemia and vitamin A deficiency.

Question 4:
What is single-cell protein (SCP)? Name two sources and its significance.
Answer:

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to protein derived from microorganisms like algae, fungi, or bacteria grown on industrial scales.

Sources:

  • Spirulina (a cyanobacterium)
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)
Significance:
  • Acts as an alternative protein source for humans and livestock.
  • Requires less land and water compared to traditional agriculture.
  • Helps reduce environmental pollution by utilizing agro-industrial waste as a substrate.

Question 5:
Differentiate between inbreeding and outbreeding in animal husbandry.
Answer:

Inbreeding involves mating closely related animals within the same breed to preserve desirable traits.

Outbreeding involves mating unrelated animals of the same breed or different breeds/species to introduce hybrid vigor.

Key differences:

  • Inbreeding increases homozygosity, while outbreeding increases heterozygosity.
  • Inbreeding may lead to inbreeding depression, whereas outbreeding enhances vigor and productivity.
  • Examples: Inbreeding - Purebred dogs; Outbreeding - Mule (horse + donkey).

Question 6:
Explain the concept of embryo transfer technology in cattle breeding.
Answer:

Embryo transfer technology (ETT) is a method to improve cattle breeds by transferring embryos from high-yielding donors to surrogate mothers.

Process:

  • A high-quality cow (donor) is hormonally stimulated to produce multiple eggs (superovulation).
  • Eggs are fertilized in vitro or naturally and collected.
  • Embryos are implanted into surrogate cows for gestation.
Benefits:
  • Rapid multiplication of elite breeds.
  • Preservation of endangered species.
  • Cost-effective compared to importing high-yielding cattle.

Question 7:
Describe the significance of biofortification in improving crop nutritional quality.
Answer:

Biofortification is the process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value.

Its significance includes:

  • Enhancing the levels of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins in staple crops.
  • Addressing malnutrition, especially in developing countries.
  • Providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution to nutrient deficiencies.
Examples include Golden Rice fortified with vitamin A and iron-rich beans.

Question 8:
How does somatic hybridization contribute to crop improvement?
Answer:

Somatic hybridization involves the fusion of protoplasts from two different plant species to create hybrid cells.

It contributes to crop improvement by:

  • Combining desirable traits from two species, such as disease resistance and high yield.
  • Overcoming sexual incompatibility barriers in traditional breeding.
  • Creating novel plant varieties with enhanced characteristics.
For example, Pomato (a hybrid of potato and tomato) was developed using this technique.

Question 9:
What are the advantages of using micropropagation in agriculture?
Answer:

Micropropagation is the large-scale production of plants from small plant tissues under sterile conditions.

Its advantages include:

  • Producing a large number of genetically identical plants in a short time.
  • Ensuring disease-free planting material.
  • Preserving rare and endangered plant species.
  • Facilitating the rapid introduction of new varieties into the market.
This technique is widely used for crops like bananas, orchids, and potatoes.

Question 10:
Explain the concept of single cell protein (SCP) and its importance in food production.
Answer:

Single cell protein (SCP) refers to protein derived from microorganisms like algae, fungi, or bacteria.

Its importance in food production includes:

  • Providing a high-protein alternative to traditional animal and plant sources.
  • Utilizing waste materials (e.g., molasses) as a substrate for microbial growth.
  • Requiring less land and water compared to conventional agriculture.
Examples include Spirulina (a cyanobacterium) and Quorn (a fungal protein).

Question 11:
How does mutational breeding help in developing improved crop varieties?
Answer:

Mutational breeding involves inducing mutations in plants to create genetic variability.

It helps in developing improved crop varieties by:

  • Introducing new traits such as disease resistance or drought tolerance.
  • Enhancing yield, quality, or nutritional content of crops.
  • Using physical (e.g., radiation) or chemical mutagens to accelerate the process.
For example, Red Rio grapefruit and Sharbati Sonora wheat were developed through mutational breeding.

Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.

Question 1:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plants, highlighting its steps, advantages, and applications in enhancing food production.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plants under sterile conditions from small tissue explants. It is widely employed in agriculture to enhance food production by producing disease-free, high-yielding plants rapidly.

Steps involved in tissue culture:
1. Selection of explant: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip, leaf, or root) is taken from a healthy parent plant.
2. Sterilization: The explant is sterilized using chemicals like sodium hypochlorite to remove contaminants.
3. Inoculation: The sterilized explant is placed on a nutrient-rich culture medium containing growth hormones (auxins and cytokinins).
4. Incubation: The culture is kept in a controlled environment with proper light, temperature, and humidity for growth.
5. Subculturing: The developing callus or shoots are transferred to fresh medium for further growth.
6. Acclimatization: The regenerated plantlets are gradually adapted to natural conditions before transplantation.

Advantages of tissue culture:

  • Rapid multiplication of plants in a short time.
  • Production of disease-free and genetically uniform plants.
  • Conservation of rare or endangered plant species.
  • Ability to produce plants year-round, independent of seasons.

Applications in food production:

  • Mass propagation of high-yielding crop varieties like banana, potato, and sugarcane.
  • Development of disease-resistant strains through somaclonal variation.
  • Production of secondary metabolites for medicinal or nutritional use.
  • Creation of hybrid plants through protoplast fusion.

This technique has revolutionized agriculture by ensuring food security and sustainable farming practices.

Question 2:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plant breeding, highlighting its advantages and applications in enhancing food production.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used in plant breeding to produce large numbers of genetically identical plants (clones) from a small piece of plant tissue or cells under sterile conditions. The process involves the following steps:

  • Selection of explant: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip, leaf, or root) is selected as the explant.
  • Sterilization: The explant is sterilized using chemicals like sodium hypochlorite to remove contaminants.
  • Culture initiation: The sterilized explant is placed on a nutrient-rich culture medium containing growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins) to induce cell division and differentiation.
  • Multiplication: The cells divide to form a mass of undifferentiated cells called callus, which is then transferred to a fresh medium to promote shoot and root development.
  • Acclimatization: The developed plantlets are transferred to soil after hardening them under controlled conditions.

Advantages of tissue culture:

  • Allows rapid multiplication of disease-free plants.
  • Enables conservation of rare and endangered plant species.
  • Facilitates the production of genetically modified crops with desired traits.

Applications in food production:

  • Used to propagate high-yielding crop varieties like banana, potato, and sugarcane.
  • Helps in developing pest-resistant and drought-tolerant crops.
  • Supports large-scale production of uniform and high-quality planting material.

This technique has revolutionized agriculture by ensuring food security and sustainability.

Question 3:
Explain the role of tissue culture in enhancing food production. Discuss its advantages and limitations with suitable examples.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plant cells, tissues, or organs in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions. It plays a crucial role in enhancing food production by enabling rapid multiplication of high-yielding, disease-resistant, and genetically uniform plants.

Advantages of tissue culture:

  • Micropropagation: Allows mass production of elite plant varieties (e.g., banana, sugarcane) in a short time.
  • Disease-free plants: Meristem culture helps eliminate viruses (e.g., potato, strawberry).
  • Conservation: Rare or endangered species (e.g., orchids) can be preserved.
  • Genetic uniformity: Clonal propagation ensures identical traits (e.g., coffee, teak).
  • Season independence: Plants can be grown year-round in labs.

Limitations:

  • High initial cost for lab setup and skilled personnel.
  • Risk of somaclonal variations due to genetic instability.
  • Contamination risks (bacterial/fungal) can ruin entire batches.
  • Not all crops respond equally (e.g., cereals are harder to culture than dicots).

Example: Tomato hybrids developed through tissue culture show higher yield and resistance to pests, addressing food security challenges.

Question 4:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plant breeding, highlighting its steps, advantages, and applications in enhancing food production.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to produce large numbers of genetically identical plants (clones) from a small piece of plant tissue under sterile conditions. It plays a crucial role in enhancing food production by enabling rapid multiplication of high-yielding or disease-resistant crops.

Steps involved in tissue culture:

  • Selection of explant: A healthy and disease-free plant part (e.g., shoot tip, leaf, or root) is selected as the explant.
  • Sterilization: The explant is sterilized using chemicals like sodium hypochlorite to remove contaminants.
  • Inoculation: The sterilized explant is placed on a nutrient-rich culture medium containing growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins).
  • Incubation: The culture is kept in a controlled environment with proper light, temperature, and humidity for cell division and growth.
  • Subculturing: The developing callus or shoots are transferred to fresh medium for further growth.
  • Hardening: The plantlets are acclimatized to natural conditions before transplanting to fields.

Advantages:

  • Rapid multiplication of elite plant varieties.
  • Production of disease-free plants (e.g., banana, potato).
  • Conservation of rare or endangered plant species.
  • Allows genetic modification and hybridization at a cellular level.

Applications in food production:

  • Mass propagation of high-yielding crops like sugarcane, tomato, and rice.
  • Development of disease-resistant varieties (e.g., virus-free potato).
  • Production of uniform and high-quality planting material for farmers.

Thus, tissue culture is a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Question 5:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plants, highlighting its significance in enhancing food production. Support your answer with a labeled diagram.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plants from small tissue samples under sterile conditions. It plays a crucial role in enhancing food production by enabling rapid multiplication of high-yielding, disease-resistant crops.

The process involves the following steps:

  • Explant selection: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip or leaf) is carefully selected from a healthy parent plant.
  • Surface sterilization: The explant is treated with disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite to remove contaminants.
  • Culture medium preparation: The sterilized explant is placed on a nutrient-rich agar medium containing growth regulators like auxins and cytokinins.
  • Incubation: The culture is kept in controlled conditions (light, temperature) to promote cell division and formation of a callus (undifferentiated mass of cells).
  • Differentiation: The callus is transferred to a new medium to stimulate shoot and root development, forming a complete plantlet.
  • Hardening: The plantlet is gradually acclimatized to natural conditions before transplantation.

Significance in food production:

  • Allows mass propagation of elite varieties in a short time.
  • Produces disease-free plants through meristem culture.
  • Enables conservation of rare or endangered plant species.
  • Facilitates genetic modification for improved traits.

(Diagram description: A labeled diagram showing explant isolation, callus formation, shoot/root development, and plantlet transplantation.)

Question 6:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plants, highlighting its steps, advantages, and applications in crop improvement.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plants under sterile conditions from small tissue explants. It plays a crucial role in crop improvement by producing disease-free, genetically identical plants rapidly.

Steps involved:

  • Selection of explant: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip, leaf, or root) is selected from a healthy parent plant.
  • Sterilization: The explant is treated with disinfectants (like sodium hypochlorite) to remove contaminants.
  • Inoculation: The sterilized explant is placed on a nutrient-rich culture medium containing growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins).
  • Incubation: The culture is kept in a controlled environment with proper light, temperature, and humidity for cell division and differentiation.
  • Subculturing: The growing tissue is transferred to fresh medium periodically to promote further growth.
  • Acclimatization: The developed plantlets are transferred to soil after hardening in greenhouses.

Advantages:

  • Rapid multiplication of plants (micropropagation).
  • Production of disease-free and genetically uniform plants.
  • Conservation of rare or endangered species.
  • Allows genetic modification and hybridization.

Applications in crop improvement:

  • Used to develop high-yielding and pest-resistant varieties.
  • Enables the production of somaclonal variants with improved traits.
  • Helps in the propagation of elite plant varieties like banana, sugarcane, and orchids.

This technique has revolutionized agriculture by ensuring food security and sustainable farming practices.

Question 7:
Explain the tissue culture technique in detail, highlighting its significance in crop improvement programs. Provide examples of crops where this technique has been successfully applied.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plant cells, tissues, or organs in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions. The process involves the following steps:

  • Selection of explant: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip, leaf, or root) is taken from a healthy parent plant.
  • Sterilization: The explant is sterilized using chemicals like sodium hypochlorite to remove contaminants.
  • Inoculation: The sterilized explant is placed in a culture medium containing nutrients, growth regulators (auxins and cytokinins), and agar.
  • Incubation: The culture is kept in a controlled environment with proper light, temperature, and humidity to promote growth.
  • Subculturing: The growing tissue is transferred to fresh medium periodically to avoid nutrient depletion.
  • Acclimatization: The developed plantlets are transferred to soil after hardening them in a greenhouse.

Significance in crop improvement: Tissue culture allows rapid multiplication of disease-free, genetically identical plants (somaclones). It is useful for conserving rare or endangered species and producing hybrids. Examples of successful applications include banana, sugarcane, potato, and orchids, where high-yielding, pest-resistant varieties have been developed.

Question 8:
Describe the role of animal husbandry in enhancing food production. Discuss two modern practices that have revolutionized livestock management.
Answer:

Animal husbandry is the scientific management of livestock to improve their productivity and ensure sustainable food supply. It plays a crucial role in enhancing food production by:

  • Providing high-quality milk, meat, eggs, and wool.
  • Improving genetic traits through selective breeding.
  • Ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare to increase yield.

Two modern practices revolutionizing livestock management:

  1. Artificial Insemination (AI): This involves the introduction of semen from high-quality male animals into female reproductive tracts artificially.
    Advantages:
    • Enhances genetic quality of offspring.
    • Prevents transmission of diseases.
    • Allows breeding across geographical barriers.
  2. Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT): High-yielding female animals are hormonally stimulated to produce multiple eggs, which are fertilized in vitro and implanted into surrogate mothers.
    Advantages:
    • Increases the number of offspring from elite females.
    • Accelerates genetic improvement.
    • Reduces the gestation period for high-value breeds.

These practices have significantly improved livestock productivity, ensuring food security and economic benefits.

Question 9:
Explain the tissue culture technique in plants, highlighting its advantages and applications in food production.
Answer:

Tissue culture is a modern biotechnological technique used to grow plant cells, tissues, or organs under sterile conditions on a nutrient medium. The process involves the following steps:

  • Selection of explant: A small piece of plant tissue (e.g., shoot tip or leaf) is selected.
  • Sterilization: The explant is sterilized to remove contaminants.
  • Inoculation: The explant is placed on a nutrient-rich medium containing growth regulators like auxins and cytokinins.
  • Incubation: The culture is kept under controlled light and temperature conditions.
  • Subculturing: The callus or shoots are transferred to fresh medium for further growth.
  • Acclimatization: The developed plantlets are transferred to soil after hardening.

Advantages:

  • Rapid multiplication of plants in a short time.
  • Production of disease-free plants.
  • Conservation of rare and endangered species.
  • Allows genetic modification and hybridization.

Applications in food production: Tissue culture is used to produce high-yielding and pest-resistant crop varieties, such as banana, potato, and sugarcane, ensuring food security.

Question 10:
Describe the role of animal husbandry in enhancing food production, with examples of improved livestock practices.
Answer:

Animal husbandry is the scientific management of livestock to enhance food production. It involves breeding, feeding, and disease control to improve the quality and quantity of animal products. Key practices include:

  • Selective breeding: Crossing high-yielding breeds to produce superior offspring, e.g., Jersey and Holstein cows for high milk yield.
  • Artificial insemination: Using semen from high-quality bulls to improve genetic traits in cattle.
  • Poultry farming: Raising improved breeds like Leghorn for eggs and Broiler for meat.
  • Fish farming (aquaculture): Cultivating fish like Catla and Rohu in ponds for protein-rich food.
  • Veterinary care: Vaccination and deworming to prevent diseases like foot-and-mouth disease.

Role in food production: Animal husbandry ensures a steady supply of milk, meat, eggs, and fish, meeting the nutritional demands of a growing population. It also supports farmers economically by increasing productivity and reducing losses.

Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.

Question 1:
A farmer in Punjab uses tissue culture to propagate disease-free banana plants. Explain how this method ensures genetic uniformity and high yield compared to traditional methods.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Tissue culture involves growing plant cells in a sterile medium, ensuring genetic uniformity as all plants are clones of the parent.

Theoretical Application
  • Meristem culture eliminates viruses, producing disease-free plants.
  • Mass propagation in labs accelerates yield, unlike slow seed-based methods.
Critical Evaluation

Our textbook shows banana yields increase by 30-40% with tissue culture, but high setup costs limit small farmers.

Question 2:
Analyze how somatic hybridization helped create 'Pomato' by fusing potato and tomato protoplasts. Discuss two advantages and one limitation of this technique.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Somatic hybridization combines genomes of two species, creating hybrids like Pomato with traits of both.

Theoretical Application
  • Advantage 1: Combines disease resistance (tomato) with tuber yield (potato).
  • Advantage 2: Bypasses sexual incompatibility.
Critical Evaluation

Limitation: Pomato lacked commercial viability due to poor fruit quality, as noted in NCERT examples.

Question 3:
Compare inbreeding and outbreeding in cattle using the example of 'Gir' cows. How does MOET enhance success rates in both strategies?
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Inbreeding increases homozygosity in Gir cows, while outbreeding introduces hybrid vigor.

Theoretical Application
  • MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer) yields 6-8 embryos/cow, accelerating both strategies.
  • Example: Gir cows show improved milk yield (inbreeding) or heat tolerance (outcrossing).
Critical Evaluation

We studied that MOET reduces generation interval but requires hormonal precision.

Question 4:
A study shows biofortified wheat 'Atlas 66' has 50% higher zinc. Explain how conventional breeding achieved this and its impact on hidden hunger in India.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Conventional breeding crossed high-zinc wild wheat with domestic varieties over generations.

Theoretical Application
  • Impact 1: Reduces hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency) in 40% of Indian children.
  • Impact 2: Cost-effective compared to GM crops.
Critical Evaluation

NCERT data shows biofortification addresses anemia but requires farmer awareness for adoption.

Question 5:
A farmer in Punjab observed that his hybrid cattle were not yielding expected milk production despite proper feed. Analyze the possible reasons and suggest scientific interventions to improve productivity.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

The low yield could stem from genetic limitations or improper feed management. Hybrid cattle may lack optimal traits for high lactation.

Theoretical Application
  • Use artificial insemination with superior breeds like Holstein-Friesian.
  • Implement balanced ration with proteins and minerals.
Critical Evaluation

Our textbook shows cross-breeding indigenous cows with exotic breeds enhances yield. For example, Gir cows crossed with Jersey show 20% higher productivity.

Question 6:
In a poultry farm, sudden bird mortality was reported. Link this to biosecurity measures and propose a mitigation plan.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Mortality may arise from pathogenic infections like Avian Influenza due to poor sanitation.

Theoretical Application
  • Isolate infected birds and disinfect sheds with quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Vaccinate flocks against common poultry diseases.
Critical Evaluation

We studied that ventilation and vaccination schedules prevent outbreaks. For example, farms in Tamil Nadu reduced losses by 30% after adopting strict biosecurity protocols.

Question 7:
Explain how tissue culture can address banana crop losses due to Fusarium wilt. Include steps and advantages.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Fusarium wilt is soil-borne and destroys banana plantations. Meristem culture can produce disease-free clones.

Theoretical Application
  • Excise apical meristems and culture on MS medium with cytokinins.
  • Acclimate plantlets in greenhouses before field transfer.
Critical Evaluation

Our textbook highlights somatic embryogenesis in bananas, like the Grand Naine variety, which resists wilt. Kerala farmers reported 90% survival rates using this method.

Question 8:
Compare inland fisheries and marine fisheries in India using sustainable practices. Support with data.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Inland fisheries rely on ponds/rivers, while marine fisheries exploit oceanic resources. Overfishing threatens both.

Theoretical Application
  • Promote composite fish culture (e.g., Catla, Rohu) in inland waters.
  • Enforce monsoon fishing bans to protect marine breeding cycles.
Critical Evaluation

Data shows Andhra Pradesh increased inland yield by 40% using polyculture, while Gujarat’s marine catch rose 15% post-regulation.

Question 9:
A farmer observed that his hybrid cattle showed higher milk yield but required more care. Analyze the strategies he should adopt for sustainable dairy farming.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

The farmer's hybrid cattle exhibit heterosis, enhancing milk production but demanding better management.

Theoretical Application
  • Adopt balanced rationing with high-protein feed like Berseem.
  • Implement preventive healthcare through regular vaccination (e.g., Foot-and-Mouth disease).
Critical Evaluation

While hybrids boost yield, our textbook shows indigenous breeds like Gir are disease-resistant. Combining both strategies ensures sustainability.

Question 10:
In a poultry farm, sudden bird mortality occurred due to avian influenza. Propose a biosecurity plan to prevent future outbreaks.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Avian influenza spreads via contaminated equipment or wild birds, causing high mortality.

Theoretical Application
  • Install disinfection tunnels at farm entry points.
  • Use all-in-all-out systems to break disease cycles.
Critical Evaluation

Our NCERT highlights quarantine protocols as vital. For example, H5N1 outbreaks in Kerala (2022) were controlled through strict isolation.

Question 11:
Compare tissue culture and conventional breeding for banana propagation, citing two advantages each.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Banana is vegetatively propagated, making both methods viable but with distinct outcomes.

Theoretical Application
  • Tissue culture: Disease-free clones (e.g., G9 cultivar), faster multiplication.
  • Conventional breeding: Preserves genetic diversity, lower infrastructure cost.
Critical Evaluation

We studied how Kerala farmers use tissue culture for Grand Naine, but traditional methods maintain local varieties like Nendran.

Question 12:
Analyze how biofortified crops like Golden Rice address micronutrient deficiencies in India.
Answer:
Case Deconstruction

Golden Rice contains beta-carotene, addressing Vitamin A deficiency prevalent in 70% Indian children.

Theoretical Application
  • Direct nutritional intervention without dietary changes.
  • Cost-effective compared to supplements (e.g., UNICEF’s Vitamin A syrup).
Critical Evaluation

Our textbook cites ethical concerns over GMOs, but WHO data shows biofortification reduces night blindness cases by 30%.

Question 13:

A farmer in Punjab observed that his wheat crop was frequently attacked by pests, leading to significant yield loss. He consulted an agricultural scientist who suggested the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Based on this case:

(a) Explain how biofertilizers enhance soil fertility.
(b) Name one commonly used biopesticide and describe its mode of action.

Answer:

(a) Biofertilizers contain living microorganisms like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, or blue-green algae, which enrich the soil by:

  • Fixing atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms (e.g., Rhizobium in root nodules of legumes).
  • Solubilizing phosphorus, making it available to plants.
  • Producing growth-promoting substances like auxins.
They improve soil health sustainably without chemical residues.

(b) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used biopesticide. Its mode of action:

  • Produces Cry proteins toxic to insect larvae (e.g., caterpillars).
  • When ingested, the alkaline gut of pests activates the toxin, causing cell lysis and death.
  • Safe for non-target organisms like humans and beneficial insects.

Question 14:

In a village, dairy farmers reported low milk yield due to poor cattle health. A veterinarian recommended animal husbandry practices like selective breeding and proper feed management. Based on this scenario:

(a) How does selective breeding improve cattle quality?
(b) List two essential components of cattle feed and their significance.

Answer:

(a) Selective breeding involves choosing high-yielding or disease-resistant cattle (e.g., Murrah buffalo for milk) as parents to:

  • Enhance desirable traits like milk production or draught power.
  • Reduce genetic disorders through controlled mating.
  • Improve overall herd quality over generations.

(b) Two key cattle feed components:

  • Roughage (e.g., hay): Provides fiber for healthy digestion and rumen function.
  • Concentrates (e.g., oilseeds): High-energy supplements with proteins, vitamins, and minerals for growth and milk synthesis.
Balanced feed ensures optimal health and productivity.

Question 15:

A farmer in Punjab observed that his wheat crop was suffering from a fungal disease, leading to significant yield loss. He consulted an agricultural scientist who suggested the use of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents instead of chemical fungicides.

(a) Explain how the use of biofertilizers can enhance soil health and crop productivity.
(b) Name one biocontrol agent effective against fungal pathogens and describe its mode of action.

Answer:

(a) Biofertilizers contain living microorganisms that enrich the soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or solubilizing soil phosphorus.
They improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and promote sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.
For example, Rhizobium forms symbiotic associations with legume roots, fixing nitrogen, while Azotobacter and Azospirillum are free-living nitrogen fixers.

(b) Trichoderma is a biocontrol agent effective against fungal pathogens.
It acts by:

  • Competing with pathogens for space and nutrients.
  • Secreting enzymes like chitinase to degrade fungal cell walls.
  • Stimulating the plant's immune response (systemic resistance).
This method is eco-friendly and avoids chemical residues in crops.

Question 16:

In a village, dairy farmers were struggling with low milk production due to poor cattle health. A veterinarian introduced them to artificial insemination and MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer) techniques to improve cattle breed quality.

(a) How does artificial insemination help in enhancing cattle breeds?
(b) Briefly describe the steps involved in the MOET procedure.

Answer:

(a) Artificial insemination involves the introduction of semen from a high-quality bull into the reproductive tract of a female cow.
Benefits include:

  • Access to superior genetic traits (e.g., high milk yield, disease resistance).
  • Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Enables breeding without physical mating, reducing logistical challenges.

(b) Steps in MOET:
1. A high-yielding cow is administered hormones (FSH) to induce superovulation (release of multiple eggs).
2. The cow is artificially inseminated with semen from a superior bull.
3. Fertilized embryos are collected non-surgically after a week.
4. Embryos are transferred to surrogate mothers for development.
This technique accelerates genetic improvement in herds.

Question 17:

In a village, farmers observed that their cattle were suffering from frequent diseases, leading to reduced milk production. A veterinary doctor suggested cross-breeding with a high-yielding exotic breed to improve resistance and productivity.

a) Name one exotic breed of cattle used for such purposes and its native country.
b) Explain how cross-breeding helps in enhancing milk production and disease resistance.

Answer:

a) One exotic breed is Jersey, native to the Island of Jersey (United Kingdom).

b) Cross-breeding combines desirable traits from two breeds:

  • High milk yield: Exotic breeds like Jersey or Holstein-Friesian contribute to increased productivity.
  • Disease resistance: Indigenous breeds (e.g., Sahiwal) adapt better to local conditions, reducing susceptibility.

This hybrid vigor (heterosis) improves overall health and performance, ensuring sustainable dairy farming.

Question 18:

A farmer grows a crop that often gets infected by a soil-borne pathogen, reducing yield. Scientists recommended tissue culture to produce disease-free planting material.

a) Name the tissue culture technique used for this purpose.
b) Describe the steps involved in developing pathogen-free plants using this method.

Answer:

a) The technique is meristem culture, as the meristematic tissue is typically free of pathogens.

b) Steps:

  • Selection: Isolate shoot apical meristem (0.1–0.5 mm) from a healthy plant.
  • Sterilization: Treat with ethanol or sodium hypochlorite to remove surface contaminants.
  • Culture: Grow in a nutrient medium with auxins and cytokinins for differentiation.
  • Testing: Use ELISA or PCR to confirm pathogen elimination.
  • Hardening: Acclimate plantlets to field conditions gradually.

This ensures disease-free, genetically identical clones for higher yields.

Question 19:

In a village, farmers observed that their cattle were suffering from low milk yield and poor health. A veterinary doctor suggested cross-breeding local cows with a high milk-yielding exotic breed. However, some farmers were concerned about the adaptability of the hybrid offspring to local conditions.

a) Name the exotic breed used for cross-breeding and explain its advantages.
b) How can the adaptability issue of hybrid cattle be addressed? Suggest two measures.

Answer:

a) The exotic breed used is likely Holstein-Friesian, known for its high milk production and efficient feed conversion. Advantages include:

  • Produces 10,000–12,000 liters of milk per lactation cycle.
  • Adaptable to intensive dairy farming systems.

b) Adaptability issues can be addressed by:
1. Gradual acclimatization: Introduce hybrids to local conditions in phases to reduce stress.
2. Selective breeding: Cross-breed hybrids with local breeds over generations to retain disease resistance and climate tolerance.

Question 20:

A farmer grew a crop variety resistant to pests but noticed stunted growth due to poor soil fertility. An agricultural scientist recommended biofertilizers over chemical fertilizers.

a) Name two biofertilizers and their respective roles.
b) How does using biofertilizers align with sustainable agriculture? Explain.

Answer:

a) Two biofertilizers are:

  • Rhizobium: Fixes atmospheric nitrogen in legume roots.
  • Azospirillum: Enhances root development and nutrient uptake in cereals.

b) Biofertilizers support sustainability by:
1. Reducing chemical use: Minimizes soil and water pollution.
2. Improving soil health: Adds organic matter and promotes microbial activity for long-term fertility.

Question 21:

In a village, farmers observed that their cattle were suffering from a disease causing reduced milk production. A veterinary doctor diagnosed it as mastitis and suggested selective breeding of cows with resistance to this disease. Based on this case:

(a) Explain how selective breeding can help in enhancing milk production.

(b) Name one other method to improve cattle breed and briefly describe it.

Answer:

(a) Selective breeding involves choosing cows with desirable traits like disease resistance and high milk yield for reproduction. Over generations, this enhances the overall herd quality by:

  • Increasing the frequency of beneficial genes.
  • Reducing susceptibility to diseases like mastitis.
  • Improving productivity and economic value.

(b) Another method is artificial insemination:

  • Semen from a high-quality bull is collected and injected into a female's reproductive tract.
  • This ensures genetic improvement without physical mating, allowing widespread use of superior breeds.

Question 22:

A farmer wants to increase the yield of his wheat crop. He learns about tissue culture and hybridization techniques. Based on this scenario:

(a) How can tissue culture help in producing disease-free wheat plants?

(b) Differentiate between intervarietal and interspecific hybridization with an example of each.

Answer:

(a) Tissue culture involves growing plant cells in a sterile medium to produce clones:

  • Meristem culture eliminates viruses as meristems are often virus-free.
  • Produces genetically identical, high-yielding, disease-resistant plants rapidly.

(b) Differences:

  • Intervarietal hybridization: Cross between two varieties of the same species (e.g., high-yielding wheat × disease-resistant wheat).
  • Interspecific hybridization: Cross between two different species (e.g., Triticum aestivum × Triticum durum to improve grain quality).

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