Biology for Engineers – Question Bank

Module 1:

1. Explain Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes with simple diagram. Differentiate between Prokaryotes
and Eukaryotes.
2. Describe how Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated the concept of chemical evolution of
life.
3. Give an illustrated account of the fine structure of an animal cell and describe the function of
any two cell organelles.

4. Explain any six fundamental properties of Cells.

Ans: Cells Are Highly Complex and Organized, All Cells Store Their Hereditary Information,
Cells Are Capable of Producing More of Themselves, Cells Acquire and Utilize Energy, Cells
Carry Out a Variety of Chemical Reactions, Cells Engage in Mechanical Activities, Cells Are
Able to Respond to Stimuli. (Any other)

5. Explain mitosis cell division with diagrammatic representation.

6. What are biomolecules? Mention the function of proteins.
7. Explain the structure, function & significance of Carbohydrates.
8. Explain the structure, function & significance of Proteins.
9. Compare the characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cell.
Ans:
Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells are present as either
This cells are always unicellular
unicellular or multicellular.
The size of cell is generally range from 0.2 Eukaryotic cells range from 10 to 100
micrometers to 2.0 micrometers in diameter micrometers in diameter.
In prokaryotic cells, the cell wall is present Eukaryotic cells have cell walls very rarely, if
and it is very complex in nature. present they have simple chemical nature.
In this cells true nucleus absent, instead
True nucleus is present.
nucleotide is present
DNA is arranged in circular shape DNA is linear in shape
In prokaryotic cells, cytoplasm is present, but In eukaryotic cells, it consists of both
it is lacking in most cell organelles. cytoplasm and organelles, both are present.
Mitochondria is present and it is a
Mitochondria is absent
powerhouse of cells.
Ribosomes are present, and they are small in Ribosomes are present but they are
size and shape is spherical comparatively large and linear in shape.

10. What is central dogma? With neat diagram explain DNA replication, transcription and
translation.
11. Explain the postulates and fundamental propositions of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
 Module 2:

1. Elucidate the importance of biomechanics in sports.

Ans: Biomechanics uses techniques including mathematical modelling, computer simulations,
and measurements to enhance sport performance and reduce injury. It can be applied to a wide
variety of sport and exercise activities in order to:
 Identify optimal movement patterns to improve sport-specific techniques.
 Analyse muscular recruitment and loading to determine the safest method of performing a
particular task/movement.
 Assist in developing proper movement habits which can be maintained long term
(maximising performance and minimising injury risk).
 Analyse sport and exercise equipment eg. shoes, surfaces, racquets, etc.
 Improves sports performance,
 Technique improvement,
 Improved sports equipment development,
 Improve in training techniques,
 prevents sports injuries,
 helps in understanding human body, etc.

2. Write a note on:

a) Force time principle, b) Force Motion principle, c) Range of Motion,
d) Segmental Interaction, e) Optical projection, f) Spin & Inertia
3. Explain the applications of Newton’s laws in biomechanics.
4. What is a biosensor? What are the types of biosensors?
5. Explain with neat diagram the principle and working of a bio-sensor.
6. Discuss the applications of bio-sensors.
7. What are the advantages of Biosensors?

Module 3:

1. What are biomaterials?

2. Explain the types of biomaterials:
Ans: Types of biomaterials viz., Metal based biomaterials, Polymer based biomaterials,
ceramic based biomaterials, Natural biomaterials

b) Oxide and non-oxide ceramics and composites for joint replacement: processing,
mechanical properties, durability, biocompatibility; Ceramics, glasses and glass
ceramics for dental applications: processing, mechanical properties, optical properties,
joining, surface treatments; Ceramics, glasses and composites for bone replacement, bone
healing or tissue engineering, including cements, organic-inorganic composites, drug-
loaded materials; Ceramic and glass coatings for improved biological interactions: new
processes, innovative compositions, coatings on metals or polymers; Ceramic
nanoparticles for biological applications: drug delivery devices, contrast agents ----- 5
marks

c) Polymer-based biomaterials have replaced other materials such as metals, alloys, and
ceramics because of their low cost, chemical stability, easy processability and re-
processability, and better corrosion resistance. The polymer-based biomaterials have been
extensively used in medicine, biotechnology, food, and cosmetic industries. The use of
polymeric biomaterials in various medical applications includes vascular grafts, implants,
wound dressing, sutures, catheters, meshes, stents, ligament repair, tendon repair, and
valves used for cardiac surgeries.. For use in biomedical applications, polymeric materials
are generally classified into synthetic, natural, or a combination of both polymers. Natural
 polymers are derived from plant and animal sources and mainly include silk, wool,
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), cellulose, and proteins.

3. What are biomaterials? How are they classified? Give example for each.
4. Write a note on synthetic biomaterials.
5. Write a note on natural biomaterials.
6. What are Natural biomaterials? List in detail the applications of any four natural
biomaterials.
7. Explain the role of ceramics as biomaterials Or Describe how ceramics are used as
biomaterials in the field of medicine.
Ans:
Ceramics show numerous applications as biomaterials due to their physico-chemical properties –
(1) They have the advantage of being inert in the human body, and their hardness and resistance to
abrasion makes them useful for bones and teeth replacement.
(2) Some ceramics also have excellent resistance to friction, making them useful as replacement
materials for malfunctioning joints.
(3) Properties such as appearance and electrical insulation are also a concern for specific biomedical
applications.
(4) Some bioceramics incorporate alumina (Al2O3) as their lifespan is longer than that of the
patient's.
(5) The material can be used in middle ear ossicles, ocular prostheses, electrical insulation for
pacemakers, catheter orifices and in numerous prototypes of implantable systems such as cardiac
pumps.
(Any other relevant application)

8. Write a note on polymer based biomaterials.

9. Discuss the importance of biomaterials in medical field.
Ans: Doctors, researchers, and bioengineers use biomaterials for the following broad
range of applications:
• Medical implants, including heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial joints, ligaments,
and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants; and devices that stimulate nerves.
• Methods to promote healing of human tissues, including sutures, clips, and staples for
wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.
• Regenerated human tissues, using a combination of biomaterial supports or scaffolds,
cells, and bioactive molecules. Examples include a bone regenerating hydrogel and a
lab-grown human bladder.
• Molecular probes and nanoparticles that break through biological barriers and aid in
cancer imaging and therapy at the molecular level.
• Biosensors to detect the presence and amount of specific substances and to transmit
that data. Examples are blood glucose monitoring devices and brain activity sensors.
• Drug-delivery systems that carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target. Examples
include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer
patients.