Biochemistry

Biopiracy involves the unauthorized use of biological resources or traditional knowledge without fair compensation. Three examples: 1. Neem (Azadirachta indica): US and European companies patented neem-based products (e.g., pesticides) in the 1990s, exploiting India’s traditional knowledge of neem’s medicinal and insect-repellent properties. India successfully challenged the patents, citing prior art. 2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): In 1995, a US patent was granted for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a practice long documented in Indian Ayurveda. India’s CSIR contested and revoked the patent, proving traditional use. 3. Basmati rice: In 1997, a US company patented a hybrid basmati rice strain, claiming novelty. India and Pakistan opposed, as basmati is a traditional variety from the Indian subcontinent. The patent was partially revoked after protests.

Water exhibits unique properties critical for life: 1. High specific heat: Absorbs large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change, stabilizing environmental and organismal temperatures. 2. Universal solvent: Polar nature dissolves many ionic and polar substances, facilitating biochemical reactions. 3. High surface tension: Due to hydrogen bonding, allows insects to walk on water and supports capillary action in plants. 4. Anomalous expansion: Density decreases below 4°C, so ice floats, insulating aquatic ecosystems. 5. High latent heat of vaporization: Requires significant energy to evaporate, aiding cooling via perspiration or transpiration. 6. Cohesive and adhesive properties: Cohesion (water molecules stick together) and adhesion (stick to other surfaces) enable capillary movement in plants.

Biotechnology impacts human health in multiple ways: 1. Diagnostics: Enhanced techniques like PCR and genetic screening for early disease detection (e.g., cancer, genetic disorders). 2. Therapeutics: Production of recombinant proteins (e.g., insulin, monoclonal antibodies) for treating diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. 3. Vaccines: Development of safer, effective vaccines (e.g., mRNA vaccines for COVID-19). 4. Gene therapy: Correcting genetic defects (e.g., treating SCID, cystic fibrosis). 5. Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on genetic profiles. 6. Ethical concerns: Issues like genetic privacy, designer babies, and unequal access to biotechnological advances.

Step 1: Understanding histones.
Histones are proteins that play a key role in DNA packaging and gene expression. They are rich in basic amino acids like lysine and arginine, which help them bind to the negatively charged DNA.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Lysine and Arginine: This is the correct answer. These amino acids are abundant in histones, aiding in DNA binding.
(2) Serine and Leucine: This is incorrect. These amino acids are not significantly present in histones.
(3) Leucine and Methionine: This is incorrect. Histones do not primarily contain leucine and methionine.
(4) Phenylalanine and Lysine: Incorrect. While lysine is present, phenylalanine is not abundant in histones.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1) Lysine and Arginine as these are the amino acids most abundant in histones.

Step 1: Understanding Biofortification.
Biofortification refers to the process of increasing the nutritional content of food crops through conventional breeding or genetic modification. This is done to improve the nutrient value of crops, especially in regions where deficiencies are common.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Biofortification improves the nutrient profile of plants, such as increasing the content of vitamins and minerals.
ii. Mention one example each of fortification with reference to –
a. Amino acid content
Solution:
Step 1: Example for Amino Acid Content.
An example of fortification to increase amino acid content is the fortification of maize with lysine and tryptophan.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Fortification of maize with lysine improves the nutritional content by enhancing the amino acid profile.
b. Vitamin-C content
Solution:
Step 1: Example for Vitamin-C Content.
An example of fortification for Vitamin-C content is the enhancement of potatoes with increased Vitamin-C levels.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Biofortification of potatoes increases Vitamin-C content, helping to combat deficiencies in certain populations.