Biology Grade 12 New Textbook PDF

BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY Unit 1 Applications of Biology in day to day Life https://t.me/Ethiopian_Digital_Library 1...

BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY Unit 1 Applications of Biology in day to day Life https://t.me/Ethiopian_Digital_Library 1 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 1. Applications of Biology in day to day Life Unit learning outcomes At the end of this unit, the learner will be able to: A. Explain the application of biological knowledge in day to day lives B. Discuss the role of biology in enhancing their livelihood C. Determine List the contribution of biologists for the society D. Determine Enumerate the benefits of biology for the society E. Appreciate nature as a source of biological knowledge 1.2. Appreciation of nature After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: 1. Define nature. 2. Explain the relationship between nature and biology 3. Describe the role of Biology in nature protection. 4. Appreciate the beauty of nature. Self-Assessment questions A. What is the relationship between nature and living organisms? B. How can you explain the beauty of nature? C. How can you express the beauty of nature? D. Why is nature so important to us? Nature is the phenomena of the physical world including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth (Figure1.1). As a field of science, biology helps us understand the living world and how various species (including humans) function, 2| MoE,ETHIOPIA  BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY evolve and interact. Nature provides us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink and irrigate our crops. In addition, we also rely on it for numerous other goods and services, for our health, happiness and prosperity. We benefit from viewing the scenes of nature to reduce anger, fear and stress and increase pleasant feelings. Overall, we learn and appreciate the beauty of nature through: A. Planting a tree. B. Hugging a tree. C. Making a garden. D. Going for hiking trails. E. Watching sunrises & sunsets. F. Protecting nature. G. Reducing pollution. Figure 1.1. The beauty of nature. 1.3. Conservation of natural resources Source: After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: 1. Define natural resources. 2. Identify renewable and non-renewable resources. 3. Classify natural resources as renewable and non-renewable. 4. Describe the role of conservation in protecting and preserving our natural environment. 5. Discuss the role of Biology in the conservation of natural resources https://t.me/Ethiopian_Digital_Library 3 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Key Words Natural resources: actual and potential resources supplied by nature Renewable: capable of being produced indefinitely, not used up Non-renewable: once used, cannot be easily made or replaced Extinct: no longer in existence Conservation: the act of preserving, guarding or protecting resources Conservation is the careful maintenance and wise use of natural resources to prevent them from Self- questioning disappearing. Natural resources are physical supplies A. what can you do to that exist in nature. These include soil, water, air, conserve natural resources? plants, animals, and energy. Ethiopia has many natural B. Why should you conserve resources, such as),gold, platinum, potash, limestone, natural resources? natural gas, coal, etc. (Figure 1.2 b). We have timber and many different crop plants and coffee plantations (Figure 1.2 & 1. 3). We have many different species of animals and plants, which make up rich ecosystems and many different breeds of domestic animals. Natural resources can be classified as renewable or non- renewable. Renewable resources are mainly living things and their products. When managed carefully, they can be used, reused and replaced. Examples of renewable resources are crop plants, trees, cattle and chickens. Non- renewable resources are not living things, and when they are used, they cannot be replaced. Examples of non-renewable resources include metals such as gold and iron and fossil fuels such as gas, coal and gas oil. Even renewable resources can be lost if we do not manage them carefully. Trees can produce new trees and forests can last for about thousands of years. However, if all the trees are cut down and used for timber at once, the forest will not be able to renew itself and all the species within it will be lost. Similarly, if an animal is hunted until there are no more of that species left (extinction) or its habitat is destroyed it can no longer feed or breed. As a result, other natural resources will be lost forever when the species become extinct. Species may be lost in 4| MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY a particular area, or they may be lost everywhere in the world when they are extinct. Therefore, biology plays a vital role in creating awareness on the natural resources conservation, development, and genetic resources conservation. Awassa Lake Volcanoes with sulfur deposits in Ethiopia (Ertale) Figure 1.2. Natural landscapes in Ethiopia Oromia Region To protect our natural resources (Fig.1.3), both here in Ethiopia and around the world, people have become more aware of the need for conservation. Conservation is the protection and preservation of our natural environment so that non-renewable resources are used sparingly and renewable resources are managed properly so that they can last for a long period of time in the future. https://t.me/Ethiopian_Digital_Library 5 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK a a b c Figure 1.3. Some important renewable resources in Ethiopia: Coffee (a), Walia Ibex (Capra walie) (b), Sunlight as a source of energy (c), Ethiopian Bush crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni). Activity 1.2: Natural resources of Ethiopia Have a brainstorm and think of as many natural resources of Ethiopia as you can. Then, classify them into renewable resources and nonrenewable resources. Make a poster or collage to show these natural resources. Divide the poster into renewable and non-renewable resources. You can draw the living or non-living things, take a pictures of available resources and stick them on, collect fur or feathers from animals, use your imagination to make your poster as interesting as possible to show people the great varieties of our natural resources. 6| MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY 1.4. Food security After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: A. Define food security. B. Practice school-based gardening as one strategy of addressing food security. Food security, as defined by the United Nations' Committee on World Food Security, is a state in which when all the people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life at all times. However, food insecurity is often rooted in poverty and has long-term impacts on the potential of families, communities and countries to develop and prosper. Prolonged undernourishment stunts growth (Figure 1.4 & 1.5), slows cognitive development and increases susceptibility to illness. Self-Questioning A. What is the difference between chronic and transitory food insecurity? B. Which biological application is important for maintaining food security? Therefore, food security is ensured only if: enough food is available for all in a county; when all individuals have the capacity to buy food of acceptable quality, and when there is no barrier to access food. Biology plays a key role in producing high-nutrient staple crops and developing new products that can combat malnutrition, and thereby improving food utilization. Biotechnologists design the manufacturing processes and machinery used to produce food and drink. This allows products to have consistent flavor, color and texture to be produced in large quantities. 7 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.5. Stunting is a consequence of poor Figure 1.4. Chlorine deficient tomato; leaf edges roll upward Activity 1. 3a: Group work Make a group of 5-10 students to grow different vegetables in the school compound on the ground/in pots to easily demonstrate how one can secure food in a small area. Activity 1.3b. Individual work. By referring on electronic sources/the internet or different books, write a short notes on the following questions. A. What factors influence food availability? B. What is the difference between food security and food insecurity? 1.5. Creating conscious citizens and ensuring sustainable development After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: D. Define conscious citizen. E. Explain the role of biology in creating a conscious citizen. F. Describe the meaning of a conscious global citizen. 8| MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY A conscious citizen is one who places value on being fully human while connecting with a higher purpose; one who values human life and the relationship with all living things, and one who takes the responsibility for transforming skills into action through ethical decision making, to ultimately improve life and living on the planet. Biology has a vital role in creating conscious citizen by expanding awareness of the social, global, and environmental conditions, by empowering people to assume personal responsibility, by engaging in, by being committed to and initiating positive impact. Nowadays, the interplay of biology and technology or biotechnology has become vital in working sparingly on the sustainable development and diminution of degradation of nature. These are achieved through developing innovative and cost effective bio-based technologies which consume fewer resources, incorporate recycling, reuse components and reduce production of wastes, and use strategies/methods for sustaining greener earth and improving production. Activity 1.3.c Make a group of 5-10 students, and discuss on how a student like you can be a global citizen. After the discussion, prepare a report and present it to the class. According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 2006), the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) are represented either as pillars, embedded circles or in the popular Venn diagram of three overlapping circles. Figure 1.6. A model for sustainable development. 9 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK 1.5.1. Development of careers After the successful completion of this Self-Assessment question section, the student will be able to: A. How will sustainable development be achieved? A. Define development of career. B. Why do we need to be conscious B. Explain the benefits of career global citizens? C. How can we become a development for the individual and for conscientious citizen? the country. D. How do we promote responsible citizenship? C. Explore the role of biology in career development. Career development is about setting goals and acquiring the skills to achieve those goals or personal improvement, which one undertakes to, achieve their career plan. It enables employees to learn the better aspects of their work and improve their capabilities. In an organization, there are different types of development programs to enrich different skills of human resource. These include organization development, employee development, management development, and career development. Therefore, Biology graduates are prepared to pursue many career paths including academic research and teaching, medical and public health, biotechnology, industrial research, environmental sciences, and agricultural research. Activity 1.4 Self- questioning Make a group and discuss on the A. What is career development and why is it importance of carrier important? developments. Explain career B. How does biology help in career development and finally, summarize your discussion result development? and report to the class. C. What are career development strategies? 10 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY 1.6. Medicine After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: Self-Assessment question D. Define health and wellbeing. A. Describe the application of biology in E. Explain the role of biological different areas of medicine. technologies in the community health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, which is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. For this, the application of biology in medicine and other health sciences (for example, Fast diagnosis tools, drug and vaccine production, gene therapy, immuno-diagnosis, immunotherapy, transplantation, medicinal plants, etc.) have a big role. Biotechnology contributes much towards the growing public and global health needs. It has revolutionized the lives of humankind since its existence. It has provided effective diagnostics, prevention and treatment measures including the production of novel drugs and recombinant vaccines. It gives effective drug delivery approaches, new methods for therapeutics, nutritionally enriched and genetically modified crops and efficient methods for environmental cleanup. Accordingly, life quality and expectancy have been increased worldwide through the services provided by biotechnology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Figure 1.6, PCR result) is a broadly applied laboratory test for the diagnosis of a wide variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including genetic and autoimmune diseases, malignant neoplasms, and infections. 11 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.6. Amplification of DNA by the PCR technique. Source: David and Hernández, 2013). Infectious diseases like Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis (TB) have been diagnosed rapidly at relatively low cost. Molecular diagnostic tools including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), recombinant antigens and monoclonal antibodies have been used for this purpose. Biotechnology has also offered modern diagnostic test kits, rickettsial, bacterial, and viral vaccines along with radiolabeled biological therapeutics for imaging and analysis (Figure 1.7). Vaccination by making recombinant vaccines has the potential to eradicate non-communicable diseases like cancer. Naked DNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines and plant-derived vaccines are found to be the most effective against a number of bacterial and viral diseases. A. List the biosensor devices used to detect COVID-19 and describe the ways it detect the presence or absence of the virus? 12 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY Figure 1.7. Bio sensing device for detection of Coronavirus. Source: Behera et al., 2020). Activity 1.5: group work 1. Discuss in your groups and prepare a presentation on: B. The application of biology in biological organ transplantation & the care to be taken during transplant. C. Plant and microbial metabolites as sources of medicine. 1.7. Waste treatment Biotechnological processes are used for wastewater treatment and reuse. This area involves engineers, biologists, chemists. Appropriately designed waste management system can be utilized to remove hazardous wastes from the environment and to produce of renewable energy such as bio- fuels and hydrogen (Fig 1.8). Particularly, for preventing environmental pollution through environmental engineering, activated sludge process, trickling filters, bio-trickling filters, oxidation ponds, anaerobic treatment, composting units and biogas reactors are used extensively among the waste treatment technologies. 13 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.8. Biogas Generation system in Ethiopia. Source: OBN, 2022) Bio-mining is also one area of interest where chemical mining that can efficiently extract minerals from natural ores is substituted by microorganisms. Note that chemical mining generates many pollutants in the environment. 1.8. Biotechnology After the successful completion of this section, the student will be able to: A. Define biotechnology. B. Explain traditional and modern uses of biotechnology. C. Discuss the significance of biotechnology. D. Biotechnology is the "science and technology of harnessing the natural and biological capabilities of plants, animals, and microbes for the benefit of people". This means the application of biological knowledge, techniques and use of living organisms to make a product or run a process for human use (Figure 1.9). Generally, biotechnology is divided into traditional and the new or modern biotechnologies. Traditional applications of biotechnology involve the domestication and traditional fermentations (brewing beers, making wines, making bread, and making cheese and yoghurt). Modern applications of biotechnology include using genetic engineering to change crops and animals; producing new medicines; and helping to provide new energy sources. It has enormous significance in helping people to improve and control their lives. 14 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY Microbes a common inhabitants of soil, water, food, and animal intestines, as well as in more extreme settings such as rocks, glaciers, hot springs, and deep-sea vents. Microbial biotechnology, enabled by genome studies, will lead to breakthroughs such as improved vaccines and better disease-diagnostic tools, improved microbial agents for biological control of plant and animal pests, modifications of plant and animal pathogens for reduced virulence, development of new industrial catalysts and fermentation organisms, and development of new microbial agents for bioremediation of soil and water contaminated by agricultural runoff. Activity 1.6: Group work 1. Discuss in group the type of biotechnology used and processes in making the following fermentation products. i). Making “Injera” ii). Making “Areki” iii). Making “Tej” iv). Making “Tella” v). Making Yogurt 2. List microorganisms used in each fermentation product and explain why? 3. What types of metabolites or bio-products are produced by those microorganisms? 15 4. What is back slopping traditional food fermentation? Can you give one example? Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK A. Technology Biological engineering, is the application of principles of biology and the tools of engineering to create usable, tangible, economically viable products. Biological engineering employs knowledge and expertise from a number of pure and applied sciences such as organ transfer, biocatalysts, bioinformatics, separation and purification processes, bioreactor design, and polymer science. Bioengineers can apply their expertise to other applications of engineering and biotechnology, including genetic modification of plants/animals (Figures 1.10 & 1.11) and microorganisms, bioprocess engineering, and bio-catalysis. Working with doctors, clinicians and researchers, bioengineers use traditional engineering principles and techniques and apply them to solve real-world biological and medical problems. Self-Questioning A. List other technological application of biology and discuss with your classmate. B. Why bioengineering for developing countries like Ethiopia? C. Why bioreactor is important for microorganisms to able to perform their desired function with limited production of impurities Keywords Bio-process engineering: is the planning, construction, execution, and revision of the biological and mechanical processes required to create new products within the life sciences. Bioinformatics: is a sub-discipline of biology and computer science concerned with the acquisition, storage, analysis, and dissemination of biological data, most often DNA and amino acid sequences. Bio-catalysis: is the use of enzymes that have been isolated or enzymes that still reside inside living cells to perform chemical conversions of organic compounds. A bioreactor: are any manufactured device or system that supports a biologically active environment. 16 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY Figure 1.10. Method of selecting recombinant bacteria plant (Source: Tortora et al., 2016). 17 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.11. Techniques for Genetic modification in plant (Source: Tortora et al., 2016) Activity 1.7: Group work  Discuss the application of genetic engineering in improving and increasing agricultural production. B. Soil fertility, tissue culture, animal breeding and transgenic animals, plant, and disease, and pest management Food supply for the fast growing population has mainly been constrained by the loss of soil fertility and diseases of crops and animals. In addition, lack of advanced tool has remained a problem. The multiple applications of biology in agriculture have substantially improved the production and supply of food for human as well as animals. The following are some of the few examples of the advancements of agricultural production integrating knowledge of biology and technology. 18 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY 1. Soil fertility Soil fertility management practices using biological knowledge include the use of organic fertilizers (bio-fertilizers) (Figure 1.12), vermicomposting, crop rotation with legumes and the use of improved germplasm, combined with the knowledge on how to adapt these practices to local conditions. a b Figure 1.12. Vermicomposting from Water hyacinth, Earthworm rearing (a); compost produced (b) 2. Tissue culture Plants can be propagated quickly and in large quantity by tissue culture technique. Plants produced in large amount using this technique include palm trees, orchids, bananas, and carrots. Using this technology large quantity of food with desired quality can be produced in reasonably little area. Genetic Engineering has produced seedless fruits such as watermelon, papaya, orange and grape. This will significantly reduce the crop cycle. Moreover, farmers used to plant crops traditionally using conventional tools. With the advancement of biology and technology, they can now plant crops along with more efficient cultivation methods in many different cultivation ground (Figure 1.13). 19 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.13. Tissue culture 3. Animal breeding and transgenic animals, and plants and disease, and pest management Animal breeding addresses the genetic value of livestock. Selecting for breeding animals with superior traits in growth rate, egg, meat, milk, or wool production, or with other desirable traits has revolutionized the livestock and plant production throughout the entire world (Figure 1.14). Animals can also begenetically modified (transgenic animals) for valuable traits. There are many potential applications of transgenic methodology in developing new and improved strains of livestock. Practical applications of transgenic technology in livestock production include enhancing the prolificacy and reproductive performance, increasing feed utilization and growth rate, improving carcass composition, improving milk production and/or composition, modification of hair or fiber, and increasing disease resistance in animals. The development of transgenic farm animals will allow more flexibility in the direct genetic manipulation of livestock. Gene transfer is a relatively rapid way-of altering the genome of domestic livestock. Figure 1.14. Biotechnology improves the quality of breeds 20 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY The use of these tools will have a great impact toward improving the efficiency of livestock production and animal agriculture in a timelyand more cost-effective manner. Such effective means of increasing food production are promising for the ever-increasing world population and changing climate conditions. Applications of animals in research are also another area of animal biotechnology. Biomedical research involving the use of animals has been the cornerstone of medical progress for the past several centuries, but ethical concerns about the use of vertebrates, which are more commonly understood to be Activity 1.8: Individual work (Assignment) sentient animals, have led researchers, veterinarians, and List the model organisms in research and describe their importance. (E.g. Microorganisms, invertebrates, others in laboratory animal and plant species etc. Prepare a table, list the sciences to search for organisms and application areas. alternatives. Hence, invertebrates can serve as replacements for their vertebrate counterparts in many areas of research, testing, and education. Keywords A model organism: is an organism suitable for studying a specific trait, disease, or phenomenon due to its short generation time, characterized genome, or similarity to humans; examples are a fly, fish, rodent or pig whose biology is well known and accessible for laboratory studies. C. Food, brewery, pharmaceuticals, tannery, and textile, single cell production, preservation Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology is the modern use and application of biotechnology for the sustainable production and processes of bio-products such as food substances, chemicals, biomaterials and fuels from renewable sources using living cells and/or their enzymes. Primarily, the enormous capability of microorganisms and their enzymes are 21 utilized for the production of food supplements such as vitamin B2, many other Page pharmaceuticals such as drugs and vaccines, bioplastics such as polylactic acid, energy carriers STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK such as biogas and bioethanol (Figure 1.15), detergents, pulp and paper, quality textiles fibers, and many agricultural products. Most importantly, single cell proteins (SCP) can be produced from wide range of microorganisms. Best examples are mushroom, spirulina, yeast, green algae. SCP technology is a promising area in alleviating food security in ever-growing population. Extractio Sugar cane Saccharificatio Fermentati Corn Sugars Must Hydrolysis Distillatio Pre- Lignocellulose Hemicellulose and Ethanol 90% Drying Ethanol 99% Figure 1.15. General steps used for the production of ethanol from the principal raw plant materials Food preservation is another area of industrial biotechnology whose processes helps to stop food spoilage due to microbial action. The biological methods of food preservation have become increasingly important. These consist of adding cultures of innocuous microorganisms of high purity to the food. The cultures have an inhibitory effect on the undesirable decomposition of microorganisms. Key words Single-cell proteins (SCP) or microbial proteins refer to edible unicellular microorganisms. The biomass or protein extract from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeasts, fungi or bacteria may be used as an ingredient or a substitute for protein-rich foods, and is suitable for human consumption or as animal feeds. D. Forensic science Forensic biologists inspect crime scenes t o examine potential sources of evidence using blood,saliva, and hair, and then they analyze the specimens in a laboratory, focusing on DNA analysis (Figure1.16). Additionally, fingerprints are also important tools to investigate crime 22 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY and determine the paternity case of a child. This is because each individual has unique fingerprints that do not change throughout life. Based on their investigations, forensic biologists write up their findings in technical reports and are called upon to testify in court. Finally, this data is used to investigate the related transgression, and then these facts are put forward in the court that‘s quite helpful iin order to castigate the criminal. These days 'bioinformatics is widely acceptable in the field of forensic science because, with the help of computational tools, it has become quite easer and reliable to gather evidence regarding a particular crime scene. Figure 1.16. PCR as a forensic science tool When examining the variability at 5-10 different Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) loci, the odds that two random individuals would share the same genetic pattern by chance can be approximatel1y 1 in 10 billion. In the case shown here, individuals A and C can be eliminated from further enquiries whereas individual B remains a clear suspect for committing 23 the crime. A similar approach is now routinely used for paternity testing. The gel Page electrophoresis results of two-suspected paternity tests (Figure 1.17) STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Figure 1.17. PCR in forensic application Therefore, suspect 2 is the father of the baby (victim). Activity 1.9 Group work Make a group and discuss the role of biological knowledge in forensic science. E. Biological warfare Biological warfare (BW) also known as germ warfare is the use of biological toxins or Self-Questioning infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and A.What is biological warfare? fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate B. Why the use of biological warfare is humans, animals or plants as an act of war. not allowed? Biological weapons include any microorganism (such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi) or toxin (poisonous compounds produced by microorganisms) found in nature that can be used to kill or injure people. The act of bioterrorism can range from a simple hoax to the actual use of these biological weapons, also referred to as agents. A number of nations have or are seeking to acquire biological warfare agents, and there are concerns that terrorist groups or individuals may acquire the technologies and expertise to use these destructive agents. Biological agents 24 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY may be used for an isolated assassination, to cause incapacitation or death to thousands. If the environment is contaminated, a long-term threat to the population could be created. 1.9. Promises of biology to the society Biology is an important science in dealing with the issues of overpopulation, food security, environmental wellbeing, health care, biodiversity and others. It is particularly more relevant in Ethiopia where the country needs to address the problem in a scientific way. Thus, practical biological knowledge is of special relevance to Ethiopia, and hence special attention should be given for education in biology. A. The biological wealth of Ethiopia is rich but its knowledge is limited. Good understanding of the diverse flora, fauna and microbial resources together with the underlying biological principles is required for the development and sustained use biological wealth. B. Along with biological resources, there is a wealth of indigenous biological knowledge that could be systematically introduced into the modern science. This can be achieved by training army of competent biologists and introducing biological literacy campaign. C. Effective control of land degradation, biodiversity loss, diseases and other menaces, as well as the development of the biological and agricultural potentials needs to be used. D. Biologists take positions in different fields including in teaching/education, research, agriculture, medical areas, fisheries, conservation, industry, natural resource development biodiversity and genetic resources conservation and the control of pests and diseases. E. Much contribution to the growth and advancement of biological knowledge is expected, since the country has important biological materials regarding human evolutionary history and crop domestication, the pattern and abundance of species distribution especially endemic plant and animal species. The endemic plants, animals (mammals and birds) are known to date and crop genetics have demonstrated interesting biological processes helpful for developing the biological sciences. 25 Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK Activity 1.8: (group work) Describe some ways by which advancement in biology could resolve Ethiopia’s critical problems. In addition, write a paper not more than 5 pages and present it to the class for discussion. 1.10. Unit summary Nature, refers to the phenomena of the physical world and life in general. It ranges from the subatomic to the cosmic. It encompass living plants and animals, geological processes, weather, and physics, such as matter and energy. Conservation is the careful maintenance and upkeep of a natural resource to prevent it from disappearing. A natural resource is the physical supply of things that exist in nature. These include, soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Sustainable development is an economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources. It is an organizing principle for meeting human development goals while simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services on which the economy and the society depend. A conscious citizen is one who places value on being fully human while connecting with a higher purpose; one who values human life and the relationship with all living things, and takes responsibility for transforming skill into action through ethical decision making, to ultimately improve life and living on the planet. Conscious citizenship is developed by expanding awareness of the social, global, and environmental conditions while being empowered to assume personal responsibility by engaging in, committing to, and initiating positive impact. A conscious citizen of the world sees the interconnection of one’s actions and their consequences. A conscious citizen is continuously in a state of becoming and ideally reaches a developmental, emotional, and spiritual level of being in harmony with life. Career Development is the process an individual may undergo to evolve their occupational status. It is the process of making decisions for long term learning to align with the personal 26 | MoE,ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 UNIT 1: APPLICATION OF BIOLOGY needs of physical or psychological fulfillment with career advancement opportunities. Health and wellbeing-is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Waste treatment is the activities required to ensure that waste has the least practicable impact on the environment. The technology that we use in waste management systems (such as biological and thermal treatment technology) has effective overall waste management systems. Biotechnology is technology based on biology – biotechnology harnesses cellular and bio- molecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products. Applications of Biotechnology: biotechnology is applied for, Nutrient supplementation, Abiotic stress resistance, Industrial product processing, Biofuels, Healthcare, Food processing, Fuel from waste, etc. 1.11. Review questions A. Choose the correct answer for the following questions A. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource? A. Timber B. Gold C. Coffee D. Khat 2. Which of the following is a renewable resource? A. Oil B coal C gas D wood 3. Write about the natural resources of Ethiopia and why we need to take care of them. B. Discuss in group on the following questions A. Explain the relation between nature and biology B. Discuss the role of Biology in the conservation of natural resources C. Discuss the significance of biology in social, cultural, and economic development in 27 a different context. Page STUDENT TEXTBOOK FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA BIOLOGY GRADE 12 STUDENT TEXTBOOK D. What is the role of Biological knowledge in supporting the community lives (career, health and wellbeing) E. Explore Biological applications in your surroundings (agriculture, industry, medicine, waste treatment plants, etc.) and report to the class. F. Discuss the traditional and modern applications of Biotechnology in your localities. G. Interview a Biologist and search through the internet and come up with a possible list of the promises of Biology to the society. H. Describe the principles behind gene therapy, immuno-diagnosis and immunotherapy. I. Discuss the principles behind transplantation incompatibility J. What is the difference between antibiotics and vaccines in combating diseases? K. Outline how insulin is produced by microorganisms or animals. L. How do you advice the Ethiopian government to include single cell protein technology infood security program. M. Study a typical solid waste or waste water treatment system and describe the major phases and their purposes. N. Have you ever heard the term “Bacterial Cement” what is it and how and where is it applied? 28 | MoE,ETHIOPIA