NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 12 — Entrepreneurship
This chapter introduces the concept of Entrepreneurship within the context of Biotechnology. It highlights the significance of recent innovations in the field and the role of entrepreneurs in driving these advancements. The chapter may delve into the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, the process of starting a biotech venture, and the challenges and opportunities in the biotech industry. It aims to equip students with an understanding of how scientific discoveries in biotechnology can be translated into viable businesses, contributing to economic growth and societal well-being. The focus is on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, encouraging them to explore career paths beyond traditional research and development roles within the biotechnology sector.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — Entrepreneurship |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 188 |
Learning outcomes
- Define entrepreneurship in the context of biotechnology.
- Identify key characteristics of a successful biotech entrepreneur.
- Understand the process of starting and managing a biotech venture.
- Recognize the challenges and opportunities in the biotechnology industry.
- Appreciate the link between scientific innovation and business development.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship | The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. |
| Biotechnology | The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of medicines and chemicals. |
| Innovation | A new method, idea, product, etc. |
| Nuclear Transplantation | A laboratory technique in which the nucleus of a cell is transferred into another cell whose nucleus has been removed. |
| Cloning | The process of producing genetically identical individuals of an organism either naturally or artificially. |
| Developmental Biologist | A scientist who studies the process by which organisms grow and develop. |
| Dolly | The first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell. |
| Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) | A type of pluripotent stem cell that can be generated directly from adult somatic cells. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary role of an entrepreneur in the field of biotechnology? Answer: An entrepreneur's primary role is to identify opportunities, innovate, and translate scientific discoveries in biotechnology into viable businesses and products.
- Name the scientist known for pioneering research in nuclear transplantation and cloning, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012. Answer: Sir John Bertrand Gurdon.
- What significant conclusion was drawn from Gurdon's experiment with the tadpole's intestinal cell nucleus? Answer: Gurdon's experiment proved that a mature cell nucleus (from an intestinal cell) carries the required genetic information to develop into a complete organism (a new frog).
- What is the significance of Dolly the sheep in the context of Gurdon's work? Answer: Dolly the sheep was the first successful cloning of a mammal, a feat made possible by the foundational research in nuclear transplantation and cloning pioneered by Gurdon.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who is known for pioneering research in nuclear transplantation and cloning?
Explanation: Sir John Bertrand Gurdon is recognized for his groundbreaking work in nuclear transplantation and cloning.
Q2. In which year was John Bertrand Gurdon awarded the Nobel Prize?
Explanation: John Bertrand Gurdon was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012.
Q3. Gurdon's experiment involved replacing the nucleus of a fertilized egg cell with a nucleus from which type of cell?
Explanation: Gurdon successfully replaced the nucleus of a frog's fertilized egg cell with a nucleus from the intestine of a tadpole.
Q4. Gurdon's work laid the foundation for which major biotechnological advancement?
Explanation: Gurdon's research in nuclear transplantation and cloning was foundational for the development of cloning techniques.
Q5. Who shared the Nobel Prize with John Bertrand Gurdon in 2012?
Explanation: Shinya Yamanaka, who discovered induced pluripotent stem cells, shared the Nobel Prize with John Bertrand Gurdon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 13 in NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology?
Chapter 13 focuses on Entrepreneurship, particularly its role and significance within the field of Biotechnology.
Who is Sir John Bertrand Gurdon and what is he known for?
Sir John Bertrand Gurdon is an English Developmental Biologist known for his pioneering research in nuclear transplantation and cloning, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 2012.
What did Gurdon's experiment with the tadpole's intestinal cell nucleus demonstrate?
It demonstrated that a mature cell nucleus contains the necessary genetic information to develop into a complete organism, challenging previous assumptions.
How is Gurdon's work related to Dolly the sheep?
Gurdon's foundational research in nuclear transplantation and cloning paved the way for the successful cloning of Dolly, the first mammal.
Who else received the Nobel Prize with John Bertrand Gurdon in 2012?
Shinya Yamanaka, for his discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells, shared the Nobel Prize with John Bertrand Gurdon.
What is the significance of 'Entrepreneurship' in the context of Biotechnology?
Entrepreneurship is crucial for translating scientific breakthroughs in biotechnology into practical applications, products, and services that benefit society and the economy.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 12 — Entrepreneurship. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.