Step 1: Understanding the Green Revolution.
The Green Revolution refers to the period during the 1960s and 1970s when agriculture in India was transformed by the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation methods, and mechanization. This significantly increased agricultural productivity, especially in wheat and rice.
Step 2: Role of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan.
- Dr. Swaminathan, an Indian geneticist and agricultural scientist, collaborated with Norman Borlaug (known as the father of the global Green Revolution) to bring HYV seeds of wheat to India.
- He adapted these seeds to Indian conditions and guided large-scale implementation.
- With his vision and leadership, India moved from a food-deficient country to becoming self-sufficient in food grain production.
Step 3: Impact of the Green Revolution.
- Helped India overcome famine-like conditions during the 1960s.
- Improved food security and reduced dependence on food imports.
- Marked the beginning of modern scientific farming in India.
- However, it also led to environmental concerns such as soil degradation, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and reduced crop diversity.
Step 4: Recognition.
For his immense contribution, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is honored with the title "Father of Green Revolution in India". He also received global recognition and awards for his service in agricultural development and food security.
Answer the following questions:
(a) [(i)] Explain how some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that kill certain insects such as lepidopterans but do not kill the Bacillus.
[(ii)] How is the above mechanism exploited for the production of Bt cotton plant by biotechnologists?
(b) [(i)] Explain how the amplification of gene of interest is done using PCR.
[(ii)] State two applications of the desired amplified fragment of DNA.
The basic scheme of the essential steps involved in the process of recombinant DNA technology is summarised below in the form of a flow diagram. Study the given flow diagram and answer the questions that follow.
(a) What is the technical term used for Step 4 in the above process?
(b) Which of the given two combinations of restriction enzyme should be used in Step 1? Justify your answer.
(i) EcoR I to cut the plasmid and Hind III to cut the alien DNA.
(ii) EcoR I to cut both the plasmid and alien DNA.