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Q11(c):
Explain briefly
(c) Chitinase
Solution :
1. Definition and Biological Origin
Chitinase ($\text{EC 3.2.1.14}$) is a specific class of hydrolytic enzymes capable of catalyzing the degradation of chitin. Chitin is a long-chain polymer of $N$-acetylglucosamine, a derivative of glucose. It serves as the primary structural component in the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods (crustaceans, insects), and the radulae of mollusks [Per Enzyme Nomenclature Commission].
2. Mechanism of Action
The enzyme functions by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the $\beta$-1,4-glycosidic bonds between $N$-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitin. The reaction follows the general chemical pathway:
$(C_{8}H_{13}O_{5}N)_{n} + nH_{2}O \xrightarrow{\text{Chitinase}} n(C_{8}H_{15}O_{6}N)$
[By Biochemical Hydrolysis Principle]
3. Role in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
In the context of recombinant DNA technology, Chitinase serves as a critical tool for the isolation and extraction of genetic material from organisms possessing recalcitrant cell walls. The application follows these sequential steps:
- Step 1: Cell Lysis: Fungal cells (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Aspergillus species) are encased in thick chitinous walls which act as a physical barrier to chemical lysis buffers.
- Step 2: Enzymatic Digestion: The addition of Chitinase breaks down the structural integrity of the cell wall, exposing the plasma membrane.
- Step 3: Nucleic Acid Retrieval: Once the membrane is accessible, detergent-based lysis (using SDS or CTAB) can successfully rupture the cell to release DNA or RNA for downstream processes such as PCR, cloning, or transformation.
4. Visual Representation of Enzymatic Action
5. Comparative Significance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Chitin (Poly-$\beta$-1,4-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) |
| Biotech Utility | Fungal protoplast preparation; Genomic DNA extraction |
| Specificity | High specificity for glycosidic linkages in structural polysaccharides |
Final Solution: Chitinase is a glycosyl hydrolase that degrades chitin by breaking $\beta$-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Its primary application in biotechnology is the enzymatic degradation of fungal cell walls to facilitate the release of DNA for recombinant procedures, serving as an essential reagent in genomic library construction and industrial fermentation processes.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Biotechnology: Principles and Processes EXERCISES
- Q1: Can you list 10 recombinant proteins which are used in medical practice? Find out where they are used as therapeutics (use the internet).
- Q1: Can you list 10 recombinant proteins which are used in medical practice? Find out where they are used as therapeutics (use the internet).
- Q2: Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA and the product it produces.
- Q2: Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA and the product it produces.
- Q3: From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?
- Q3: From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?
- Q4: What would be the molar concentration of human DNA in a human cell? Consult your teacher.
- Q4: What would be the molar concentration of human DNA in a human cell? Consult your teacher.
- Q5: Do eukaryotic cells have restriction endonucleases? Justify your answer.
- Q5: Do eukaryotic cells have restriction endonucleases? Justify your answer.
- Q6: Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?
- Q6: Besides better aeration and mixing properties, what other advantages do stirred tank bioreactors have over shake flasks?
- Q7: Collect 5 examples of palindromic DNA sequences by consulting your teacher. Better try to create a palindromic sequence by following base-pair rules.
- Q7: Collect 5 examples of palindromic DNA sequences by consulting your teacher. Better try to create a palindromic sequence by following base-pair rules.
- Q8: Can you recall meiosis and indicate at what stage a recombinant DNA is made?
- Q8: Can you recall meiosis and indicate at what stage a recombinant DNA is made?
- Q9: Can you think and answer how a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker?
- Q9: Can you think and answer how a reporter enzyme can be used to monitor transformation of host cells by foreign DNA in addition to a selectable marker?
- Q10(a): Describe briefly the following: (a) Origin of replication
- Q10(a): Describe briefly the following: (a) Origin of replication
- Q10(b): Describe briefly the following: (b) Bioreactors
- Q10(b): Describe briefly the following: (b) Bioreactors
- Q10(c): Describe briefly the following: (c) Downstream processing
- Q10(c): Describe briefly the following: (c) Downstream processing
- Q11(a): Explain briefly (a) PCR
- Q11(a): Explain briefly (a) PCR
- Q11(b): Explain briefly (b) Restriction enzymes and DNA
- Q11(b): Explain briefly (b) Restriction enzymes and DNA
- Q11(c): Explain briefly (c) Chitinase
- Q12(a): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (a) Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA
- Q12(a): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (a) Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA
- Q12(b): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (b) RNA and DNA
- Q12(b): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (b) RNA and DNA
- Q12(c): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (c) Exonuclease and Endonuclease
- Q12(c): Discuss with your teacher and find out how to distinguish between (c) Exonuclease and Endonuclease
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Organisms and Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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