NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 10 — 1 Historical Perspective
This chapter, "Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing," introduces students to the use of living organisms and biological processes for producing household and industrial products. It explains the classification of metabolites into primary and secondary, detailing their roles and applications in pharmaceuticals, dyes, and food additives. The chapter highlights the necessity of bioprocessing for commercial-scale production of these biochemicals, especially when natural quantities are insufficient. It emphasizes the development of bioreactors for large-scale culture processing (100–10,000 litres). The historical perspective traces the evolution of bioprocessing from Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928, underscoring the collaborative efforts of scientists and institutions to enhance its production. This paved the way for bioprocessing as a new field, integrating biological systems with chemical engineering for commercial product development. The chapter concludes by noting that industrial bioprocesses are conducted in fermenters or bioreactors, especially after the advent of rDNA technology.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 10 — 1 Historical Perspective |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 407 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the difference between primary and secondary metabolites and their applications.
- Recognize the importance of bioprocessing for commercial production of biochemicals.
- Learn about the role of bioreactors in large-scale bioprocessing.
- Trace the historical development of bioprocessing, starting from the discovery of penicillin.
- Identify the integration of biological systems and chemical engineering in bioprocessing.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Metabolites | Chemical compounds produced by metabolic processes in living organisms. |
| Primary metabolites | Compounds directly produced by essential metabolic pathways for growth and development. |
| Secondary metabolites | Indirect products from secondary metabolic pathways, often involved in defence or other specialized functions. |
| Bioprocessing | A series of steps involving biological systems and chemical engineering to obtain desired products at a commercial level. |
| Bioreactors | Vessels used for large-scale production where biological or chemical processes are carried out under controlled conditions. |
| Fermenter | A type of bioreactor, often used for microbial processes. |
| rDNA technology | Recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid technology, involving the manipulation of genes. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two main classifications of metabolites? Answer: Primary metabolites and secondary metabolites.
- Give examples of applications for secondary metabolites. Answer: Pharmaceuticals, dyes, food additives, enzymes, vitamins.
- Why is bioprocessing necessary for commercial production? Answer: Because the quantities produced naturally are often not sufficient for commercial demand.
- What is the typical volume range for cultures processed in bioreactors? Answer: On an average, 100–10,000 litres.
- Who discovered Penicillin and in what year? Answer: Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1928.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following are directly produced out of primary metabolic pathways?
Explanation: Primary metabolites are compounds produced directly from essential metabolic pathways associated with cellular functions like growth and development.
Q2. Secondary metabolites are elaborated by:
Explanation: Secondary metabolites are products of entirely different metabolic pathways called secondary metabolic pathways.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a typical application of secondary metabolites?
Explanation: Fertilizers are not typically listed as direct applications of secondary metabolites; their uses are more in areas like medicine, industry, and food.
Q4. What is the primary function of bioreactors in bioprocessing?
Explanation: Bioreactors are required for large-scale production, processing large volumes of culture (100–10,000 litres) to obtain desired products.
Q5. The emergence of bioprocessing as a new area was significantly influenced by the discovery of:
Explanation: Alexander Fleming's breakthrough discovery of Penicillin in 1928 highlighted the significance of products from biological systems and spurred efforts in bioprocessing.
Q6. At the industrial stage, bioprocesses are carried out in vessels called:
Explanation: Industrial or commercial stage bioprocesses are conducted in specialized vessels known as fermenters or bioreactors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between primary and secondary metabolites?
Primary metabolites are directly involved in essential cellular functions like growth, while secondary metabolites are indirect products with diverse roles such as defence, attraction, or stress tolerance.
Why are bioreactors important in biomanufacturing?
Bioreactors are crucial for processing large volumes of culture (typically 100–10,000 litres) under controlled conditions to produce biochemicals at a commercial scale.
What historical event significantly boosted the field of bioprocessing?
The discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 demonstrated the potential of biological products and spurred efforts to enhance their production through systematic processes.
What are some common applications of secondary metabolites?
Secondary metabolites find applications as pharmaceuticals, dyes, food additives, enzymes, and vitamins.
How is bioprocessing defined in the context of industrial production?
Bioprocessing involves using biological systems or their components along with chemical engineering processes to obtain desired products at a commercial level.
What vessels are used for industrial bioprocesses?
Industrial bioprocesses are carried out in vessels called fermenters or bioreactors.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 10 — 1 Historical Perspective. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.