NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 11 — Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty
This chapter introduces Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty, an Indian American microbiologist renowned for developing genetically engineered organisms through plasmid transfer. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Calcutta in 1965, he pursued higher studies in the United States. His significant contribution was the creation of a genetically engineered Pseudomonas strain in 1971, capable of degrading oil, which he termed "multi-plasmid hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas." This breakthrough led to the first patent for a recombinant microbe, a landmark achievement that was challenged and ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in the "Diamond v. Chakrabarty" case, paving the way for patenting living organisms. His later research explored cupredoxin proteins and their role in cancer biology. Professor Chakrabarty also served as an expert on intellectual property rights and was honored with the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2007. This chapter highlights his pioneering work in genetic engineering and its legal implications.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 218 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the contributions of Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty to microbiology and biotechnology.
- Learn about the development of genetically engineered organisms for biodegradation.
- Recognize the significance of the "Diamond v. Chakrabarty" Supreme Court case.
- Appreciate the implications of patenting recombinant microbes and living organisms.
- Gain insight into Chakrabarty's later research on cupredoxin proteins and cancer biology.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Microbiologist | A scientist who studies microorganisms. |
| Genetically engineered | Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. |
| Plasmid transfer | The process of transferring plasmids (small, circular DNA molecules) between bacteria. |
| Biodegradation | The process by which organic substances are broken down by living organisms. |
| Hydrocarbon-degrading | Capable of breaking down hydrocarbons (organic compounds found in oil and natural gas). |
| Recombinant microbe | A microorganism that has had its genetic material altered by the insertion of foreign DNA. |
| Patent | A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention. |
| Cupredoxin | A type of small blue copper-containing protein. |
| Intellectual property rights | Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions and literary and artistic works. |
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Practice questions
- Who is Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty and what is he known for? Answer: Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty was an Indian American microbiologist known for developing genetically engineered organisms using plasmid transfer, particularly for oil biodegradation.
- What specific type of microbe did Chakrabarty engineer, and what was its capability? Answer: Chakrabarty engineered a Pseudomonas strain capable of using oil as a nutrient for its growth, thus digesting hydrocarbons found in oil spills.
- What was the significance of the "Diamond v. Chakrabarty" Supreme Court case? Answer: This case made it possible to patent microbes or higher organisms, establishing a legal precedent for patenting living organisms.
- What award did Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty receive from the Indian government? Answer: He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2007.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty is credited with developing genetically engineered organisms using which technique?
Explanation: Chakrabarty is known for his work in developing genetically engineered organisms using plasmid transfer.
Q2. In which year did Chakrabarty develop a genetically engineered Pseudomonas strain capable of digesting oil?
Explanation: He developed the genetically engineered Pseudomonas strain in 1971.
Q3. The famous Supreme Court trial involving Chakrabarty's work was known as:
Explanation: The landmark Supreme Court case was "Diamond v. Chakrabarty".
Q4. What was the primary capability of the "multi-plasmid hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudomonas" developed by Chakrabarty?
Explanation: These microbes were developed to digest most of the hydrocarbons found in oil spills.
Q5. Chakrabarty's later research group did pioneer work with which type of proteins?
Explanation: His research group did pioneer work with cupredoxin proteins.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty?
Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty was an Indian American microbiologist renowned for his work in developing genetically engineered organisms, particularly for degrading oil.
What is the main achievement Chakrabarty is known for?
He is known for developing a genetically engineered Pseudomonas strain that could digest hydrocarbons in oil spills, and for being the first to get a patent for a recombinant microbe.
What was the outcome of the "Diamond v. Chakrabarty" Supreme Court case?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Chakrabarty, making it possible to patent microbes or higher organisms.
What did Chakrabarty's later research focus on?
His later research focused on cupredoxin proteins and their role in cancer biology.
When did Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty receive the Padma Shri award?
He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2007.
What is plasmid transfer?
Plasmid transfer is a process where plasmids, small circular DNA molecules, are moved between microorganisms, often used in genetic engineering.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 11 — Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.