- A Mainly the routine cloning and propagation of naturally occurring genes from existing organisms generally in routine practice overall
- B Designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems not found in nature (BioBricks, synthetic genomes, minimal cells)
- C Applications that are restricted mainly to agricultural crop improvement and pest resistance generally in most cases under typical conditions
- D Applications that are restricted mainly to human medical therapeutics and diagnostics largely alone according to standard textbooks
Correct answer: B. Designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems not found in nature (BioBricks, synthetic genomes, minimal cells)
Explanation: Synthetic biology: applies engineering principles to biology. Designs synthetic genetic circuits (toggle switches, oscillators), minimal genomes (JCVI syn1.0), biosensors, and metabolic pathways for novel functions.
Concept context
GM crops, transgenic animals, gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and bioethics. Frequent 2–3 mark questions in NEET.