NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 5 — Stanley Norman Cohen 17 February 1935—present
This chapter introduces Stanley Norman Cohen, a pivotal figure in biotechnology. Born in 1935, Cohen pursued his medical education at Rutgers College and the University of Pennsylvania, eventually joining Stanford University in 1968. His significant contributions lie in his pioneering work with plasmids and recombinant DNA technology, developed in collaboration with Herbert Boyer. Their groundbreaking 1973 publication detailed the first successful transplantation of genes between different living organisms, laying the foundation for modern genetic engineering. Cohen's accolades include membership in the National Academy of Sciences and prestigious awards like the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award and the National Medal of Science. His innovations are fundamental to genetic engineering and biotechnology studies for Class 12 students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Stanley Norman Cohen 17 February 1935—present |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 139 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the biographical details of Stanley Norman Cohen.
- Identify Cohen's key contributions to biotechnology, particularly recombinant DNA technology.
- Recognize the collaboration between Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer.
- Appreciate the significance of gene transplantation in genetic engineering.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plasmids | Small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria, often used as vectors in genetic engineering. |
| Recombinant DNA technology | Techniques that allow the creation of new combinations of DNA molecules, often by joining DNA from different sources. |
| Gene transplantation | The process of transferring a gene from one organism to another. |
| Genetic engineering | The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. |
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Practice questions
- Who is Stanley Norman Cohen and what is his primary field of work? Answer: Stanley Norman Cohen is a Professor of Genetics at Stanford University, well-known for his innovation with recombinant DNA technology.
- What fundamental discovery is Stanley Cohen credited with, alongside Herbert Boyer? Answer: They were the first scientists to transplant genes from one living organism to another, a fundamental discovery for genetic engineering.
- In which year did Cohen and Boyer publish their work on recombinant DNA technology? Answer: They published their work in 1973.
- Name two awards received by Stanley Norman Cohen. Answer: Stanley Norman Cohen received the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award and the National Medal of Science.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Stanley Norman Cohen is primarily known for his work in:
Explanation: Stanley Cohen is well-known for his innovation with Herbert Boyer of recombinant DNA technology.
Q2. Cohen began experimenting with plasmids at which university?
Explanation: He accepted a position at Stanford University's Medical School in 1968 and began experimenting with plasmids.
Q3. Who was Stanley Cohen's collaborator in the development of recombinant DNA technology?
Explanation: Stanley Cohen is well-known for his innovation with Herbert Boyer of recombinant DNA technology.
Q4. The publication of Cohen and Boyer's work in 1973 was significant because it described:
Explanation: Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer were the first two scientists to transplant genes from one living organism to another, a fundamental discovery for genetic engineering.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT an award received by Stanley Norman Cohen?
Explanation: The text mentions the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, the National Medal of Science, and membership in the National Academy of Sciences, but not the Nobel Prize.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Stanley Norman Cohen?
Stanley Norman Cohen is an American geneticist and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University, renowned for his pioneering work in recombinant DNA technology.
What is recombinant DNA technology?
Recombinant DNA technology involves techniques to combine DNA from different sources, enabling the transfer of genes between organisms, which is fundamental to genetic engineering.
When did Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer publish their key findings?
They published their groundbreaking work on recombinant DNA technology in 1973.
What was the significance of Cohen and Boyer's 1973 publication?
It detailed the first successful transplantation of genes from one living organism to another, a crucial step for genetic engineering.
What are some of the major awards and recognitions received by Stanley Norman Cohen?
Stanley Norman Cohen is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has received the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award (1980) and the National Medal of Science (1988).
Where did Stanley Cohen conduct his research on plasmids?
He began experimenting with plasmids after accepting a position at Stanford University's Medical School in 1968.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 5 — Stanley Norman Cohen 17 February 1935—present. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.