Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2024: PDF

Preparing for the Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Exam 2024? Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is the first step to success. In this blog, we will break down the important topics in the syllabus and explain the exam pattern. It will help you plan your studies and be well-prepared for the exam. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know!

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Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Exam 2024: Highlights

Download the Scientific Officer Biology Syllabus 2024 PDF

To help you prepare effectively for the Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Exam 2024, we have attached the detailed syllabus PDF. You can access the full syllabus by clicking the link below. Make sure to go through it carefully and plan your study schedule around the key topics mentioned.

Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Exam Pattern 2024

The Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Exam 2024 will follow a clear and structured exam pattern. Understanding this pattern is essential to help you manage your time effectively during the exam and to prepare accordingly.

Here’s an overview of the exam pattern:

• Mode of Exam: Online/OMR-based
• Total Marks: 100 Marks
• Total Questions: 100
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Language: English

Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Syllabus 2024: Detailed

Part I: Botany (50 Marks)

Module I: Taxonomy, Morphology of Angiosperms and Economic Botany (2 marks)

• Systematics: Basic concepts, Importance and Applications, Theories of Biological Classification, Taxonomic characters.
• Five Kingdom Classification, Species concept.
• Anatomy and Palynology.
• Modern Taxonomic Trends:
  • Chemotaxonomy, Cytotaxonomy, Molecular taxonomy, Cladistics, Numerical taxonomy, DNA Barcoding techniques.

Module II: Research Methodology and Biostatistics (6 marks)

• Research Methodology:
  • Basic concepts: Knowledge, Information, and Data.
  • Scientific temper, Empiricism, Rationalism.
  • Types of Research (Descriptive, Analytical, Applied, Fundamental, Quantitative, Qualitative).
  • Research formulation, Observation and Facts, Prediction, Explanation, Induction, Deduction, Hypothesis.
  • Research Design: Features of good design, Data collection techniques, Scientific Documentation and Communication, Information Science.
  • Extension, Ethics, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, Geographical indications, Lab protocols, Safety, and Precautions.
• Biostatistics:
  • Data collection, Types, Sources, Population and Sample, Sampling Methods.
  • Organization and Presentation of Data: Tables, Graphs, Charts, and Diagrams.
  • Statistical Analysis: Bivariate and Multivariate Analysis, Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode), Standard Deviation, Probability Analysis, Chi-Square Test, T-test, ANOVA.

Module III: Biophysics and Instrumentation (5 marks)

• Diffusion and Osmosis: Kinetics of diffusion, Biological significance.
• Microscopy: Types (Light, Phase Contrast, Electron Microscopy, Fluorescence, etc.)
• Chromatography: Paper, Thin layer, Ion exchange, Gas, HPLC, etc.
• Electrophoresis: Types (Agarose Gel, SDS-PAGE, Immunoelectrophoresis, etc.)
• Spectroscopy: UV, X-ray diffraction, NMR, Mass spectroscopy.
• Centrifugation: Principles and types (Differential, Density Gradient, etc.).
• Nanotechnology and Bio-Safety: Nanosensors, PCR, Bio-safety Cabinets, Automatic DNA extraction systems.

Module IV: Biochemistry and Plant Physiology (8 marks)

• Carbohydrates: Classification, Structure, Biological roles.
• Proteins: Amino acids, Structure, Classification, Enzyme action and inhibition.
• Lipids: Classification, Biological roles, Fatty acids, and Prostaglandins.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structure, Biological roles.
• Enzymes: Enzyme kinetics, Inhibition types, Vitamins as co-enzymes.
• Metabolism: Glycolysis, Citric acid cycle, Glycogenesis, Gluconeogenesis, Amino acid metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Nucleic acid metabolism.
• Plant Physiology: Nitrogen metabolism, Photosynthesis (C3, C4, CAM), Stress physiology, Seed germination.

Module V: Cell Biology and Molecular Biology (8 marks)

• Cell Biology: Membrane structure, Diffusion, Active transport, Cell junctions, Intracellular organelles, Chromosomes, Gene structure.
• Molecular Biology: DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Protein synthesis, Genetic code, Mutation types, DNA repair mechanisms.
• Gene Expression: Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Operons, RNA strategies, siRNA, and miRNA.
• Cancer Biology: Tumor suppressor genes, Oncogenes, Cancer treatment strategies.

Module VI: Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology (6 marks)

• Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA technology, Vectors, PCR, Molecular markers, DNA sequencing.
• Plant Biotechnology: Tissue culture, Somatic embryogenesis, Haploid production, and applications.
• Environmental Biotechnology: Intellectual Property Rights, Biosafety protocols, Bioethics.
• Bioinformatics: Sequence databases, Structural databases, Bioinformatics tools (BLAST, CLUSTAL-X), Applications in genomics, pharmacogenomics, and drug discovery platforms.
• Computational Biology: Software and tools in biology, Computer applications in biostatistics, Online biology resources.

Module VII: Genetics (8 Marks)

Principles of Genetic Transmission

• Mendelian Principles: Dominance, Segregation, Independent Assortment.
• Extension of Mendelian Principles:
  • Allelic Variation and Gene Function: Incomplete dominance, codominance, gene action.
  • Penetrance and Expressivity: How genetic traits are expressed in individuals.
  • Gene Interaction: Epistasis, pleiotropy, genomic imprinting, phenocopy.

Molecular Organization of Chromosomes

• Chromosome Structure:
  • Eukaryotic chromosomes, nucleosome model, chromosome condensation.
  • Euchromatin vs. Heterochromatin.
  • Repetitive nucleotide sequences in eukaryotic genomes.
  • Kinetics of renaturation: Cot and Cot curve, unique vs. repetitive sequences.
  • Mini and Microsatellites: Structure and role in genomes.
  • Molecular structure of centromeres and telomeres.
  • Polytene chromosomes, Lampbrush chromosomes, Chromosome banding techniques.

Gene Fine Structure

• Gene Definition and Structure:
  • Standard genetic code, redundancy, and wobble hypothesis.
  • DNA structure and alternate forms of the double helix.
  • Gene Synthesis: In vitro gene synthesis (Works of Khorana and Kornberg).

Genetic Linkage and Mapping

• Linkage and Recombination:
  • Gene conversion, physical basis of recombination (crossing over).
  • Recombination Mapping: Two-point and three-point test cross in Drosophila.
  • Coincidence, interference, and recombination mapping by tetrad analysis in Neurospora.
  • Mitotic Recombination: Genetic recombination in phage, deletion mapping, conjugation mapping, mapping by interrupted mating.
  • Genetic Mapping with Molecular Markers: Mapping using somatic cells.

Microbial Genetics

• Transduction, Transformation, and Conjugation in bacteria.
• Lysogeny and Lytic Cycle in viruses.
• Operon Concept: Structure and function in bacteria (lac operon).

Epigenetics

• Introduction to Epigenetics:
  • History, chromatin modifications, and histone-code hypothesis.
  • Gene silencing mechanisms, heterochromatin formation in Drosophila and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Quantitative and Population Genetics

• Polygenic Inheritance:
  • Quantitative traits, genetic variation, and natural selection.
  • Molecular Analysis of Quantitative Traits: Phenotypic plasticity and molecular basis of quantitative traits.

Module VIII: Microbiology, Ecology, and Biodiversity Conservation (6 Marks)

Microbiology

1. Bacterial Cell Structure
   • Peptidoglycan: Structure and its role in bacterial cell walls.
   • Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative Cell Walls: Differences in structure and composition.
   • Mechanism of Gram Staining: Steps involved in distinguishing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. External Structures of Bacteria:
   • Pili and Fimbriae: Structure, function, and role in attachment.
   • Capsule and Slime Layers: Their roles in bacterial protection and pathogenicity.
   • Flagella and Motility: Types of flagella and mechanisms of bacterial movement.
3. Microbial Nutrition:
   • Nutritional Requirements: Macronutrients and micronutrients essential for microbial growth.
   • Nutritional Types:
     • Autotrophs (use inorganic carbon),
     • Heterotrophs (use organic carbon),
     • Chemoautotrophs (use chemicals for energy),
     • Phototrophs (use light for energy),
     • Obligate Parasites (require host for survival).
   • Culture Media: Types of media used for growing microbes (e.g., solid, liquid, selective, differential).
   • Mixed Microbial Population vs. Pure Cultures: Importance and methods of isolating pure cultures.
4. Microbial Growth:
   • Growth Curve: Phases of microbial growth (lag, log, stationary, death).
   • Synchronous Growth: All cells divide simultaneously.
   • Continuous Culture: Maintaining a steady state of microbial growth.
   • Environmental Factors Affecting Growth: Temperature, pH, oxygen, and other factors.
   • Measurement of Growth: Techniques like the Petroff-Hauser counting chamber, spread plate, and pour plate.
   • Cell Mass Measurement: Methods like turbidity (optical density) and microbial mass.
5. Utilization of Energy:
   • Biosynthetic Processes: Peptidoglycan and amino acid synthesis.
   • Non-Synthetic Processes: Bacterial motility and nutrient transport mechanisms.
6. Microbial Diseases:
   • Viral Diseases: AIDS, Rabies, Measles, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, SARS.
   • Fungal Diseases: Candidiasis.
   • Bacterial Diseases: Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia.
7. Control of Microorganisms:
   • Disinfectants: Physical (heat, filtration, radiation), Chemical agents (phenol, alcohols, halogens, aldehydes).
   • Antibiotics: Types and mechanisms (Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Chloramphenicol, Tetracyclines).
   • Microbial Drug Resistance: Causes and mechanisms of resistance.
8. Microbial Fermentation:
   • Lactic Acid Fermentation: Homolactic and heterolactic fermenters, products like cheese and yogurt.
   • Alcoholic Fermentation: Processes involved in the production of ethanol.
9. Environmental Microbiology:
   • Microbiological Analysis of Drinking Water: Techniques for detecting contaminants.
   • Microbial Bioremediation: Use of microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants.

Ecology

1. Ecosystem Monitoring:
   • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Application in ecosystem monitoring.
   • Remote Sensing: Physics and role in ecology (detecting environmental changes).
   • GPS: Use in ecosystem mapping and monitoring.
   • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Tools, techniques, and its role in environmental decision-making.
   • Ecosystem Modelling: Simulating ecosystems for better management.
2. Applied Ecology:
   • Environmental Pollution: Types, causes, and consequences (air, water, soil pollution).
   • Solid Waste Management: Concept of waste, types of waste (including e-waste), and management techniques (aerobic vs. anaerobic).
   • Bioreactors: Use of bioreactors in solid waste management.
   • Liquid Waste and Sewage Treatment: Methods like activated sludge process, and bioremediation of liquid waste.
   • Bioremediation: Scope and techniques (e.g., phytoremediation, bio-augmentation, biofilms).
   • Energy Audit: Analyzing energy use and improving efficiency.
   • Green Technology: Sustainable development practices.
   • Ecological Footprint and Carbon Footprint: Concepts of sustainability and environmental impact.
   • Carbon Credits and Ecotaxes: Economic tools for promoting environmental protection.
3. Deforestation and Climate Change:
   • Deforestation Effects: Impact on surface albedo, global temperature, and greenhouse gases.
   • Greenhouse Gas Concentrations: Changes in atmospheric gases and their impact on climate.
   • Physical Evidence for Climate Change: Historical data, glacier retreat, ice cores, pollen analysis, and sea-level rise.
   • Human Influence on Climate: Evidence and implications of human activity on global climate.
4. Toxicology:
   • Principles of Toxicology: Types of toxicants, their dose-response relationship, and effects.
   • Heavy Metal Toxicity: Sources and effects of heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic.

Biodiversity Conservation

1. Biogeography and Conservation:
   • Principles of biogeography and their relevance to conservation.
   • Major Approaches to Conservation: In situ vs. ex situ conservation, conservation genetics, habitat preservation.
   • Environmental Management: Approaches to managing natural resources sustainably.
2. International Conservation Efforts:
   • Role of UN-Conventions and Protocols: UNFCCC, IPCC, and international climate change efforts.
   • Country-Specific Laws (India):
     • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 1991).
     • Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
     • Air and Water Pollution Acts.
   • Intergovernmental and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs):
     • Role of IUCN, WCMC, WWF, Greenpeace, and local conservation NGOs in India.
     • Importance of collaboration for effective biodiversity conservation.

Module IX: Recent Developments in Botany (1 Mark)

• Plant Biotechnology: Advances in genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and plant tissue culture.
• Plant Pathology: Recent discoveries in plant diseases and resistance mechanisms.
• Ecological Botany: New insights into plant-environment interactions, climate change effects on plant biodiversity, and conservation strategies.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Techniques for improving crop yields, organic farming, and agroecology.
• Phytochemistry: New findings in plant-based bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications.

PART II : Zoology – (50 Marks)

Module I: Animal Diversity and Evolution (5 Marks)

Animal Diversity

1. Lower Metazoans:
   • Porifera: Sponge-like organisms, their simple structure, and functions.
   • Cnidaria: Polymorphism in jellyfish, corals, etc., and the different forms they take in their life cycle (e.g., medusa, polyp).
   • Ctenophora: Comb jellies and their unique features.
   • Acoelomata: Animals without a body cavity (e.g., flatworms).
   • Placozoa: Simple, asymmetrical, multicellular organisms.
   • Mesozoa: A group of microscopic parasitic animals.
   • Pseudo-coelomata: Animals with a pseudocoelom (e.g., roundworms).
2. Echinoderms:
   • Classification: Starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc.
   • Unique Features: Radial symmetry, water vascular system, and calcareous exoskeleton.
3. Hemichordates:
   • Position in the Animal Kingdom: Transitional group between invertebrates and chordates (e.g., acorn worms).
4. Chordates:
   • Cephalochordates (e.g., amphioxus) and Urochordates (e.g., tunicates): Features and evolutionary significance.
5. Vertebrate Phylogeny:
   • Agnatha: Jawless fishes (e.g., lampreys, hagfish).
   • Ostracoderms: Armored jawless fishes.
   • Gnathostomes: Jawed vertebrates, including Placoderms and Acanthodians.
   • Chondrichthyes: Cartilaginous fishes (e.g., sharks, rays).
   • Osteichthyes: Bony fishes, distinguishing features.
6. Adaptations of Fishes:
   • Structural and functional adaptations to aquatic life (e.g., gills, swim bladder, fins).
7. Terrestrial Vertebrates:
   • Tetrapod Phylogeny: Evolution of four-limbed animals from aquatic ancestors.
   • Amphibians: Modern diversity, distribution, ecological status, and conservation concerns.
   • Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals: Overview of their diversity and adaptations to terrestrial life.
8. Class Mammalia:
   • Prototheria (Monotremes): Egg-laying mammals like the platypus.
   • Metatheria (Marsupials): Mammals with pouches, e.g., kangaroos.
   • Eutheria (Placental Mammals): Mammals with advanced placentation, e.g., humans, elephants, etc.
9. Phylogeny of Mammalian Orders:
   • Classification of mammals based on evolutionary relationships.
10. Scientific and Common Names:
    • A list of organisms under various phyla (e.g., Homo sapiens for humans, Canis lupus for wolves).

Evolution

1. The First Cell:
   • Origin of life and the transition from abiotic to biotic forms.
2. Evolution of Prokaryotes:
   • Origin of prokaryotic life forms (bacteria, archaea).
   • Origin of Eukaryotic Cells: Endosymbiotic theory explaining the evolution of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic ancestors.
3. Evolution of Unicellular Eukaryotes:
   • Early protists and their role in the evolutionary timeline.
4. Geological Timescale:
   • Major evolutionary events, mass extinctions, and the development of life on Earth.
5. Mass Extinction:
   • Causes, consequences, and examples from Earth’s history.
6. Fossilization:
   • Process of fossil formation, types of fossilization, and their significance in studying evolution.
7. Population Genetics:
   • Gene Pool: Total genetic diversity within a population.
   • Gene Frequency: Changes in allele frequency over time.
   • Hardy-Weinberg Law: Equilibrium conditions for gene frequency stability.
   • Natural Selection, Migration, and Genetic Drift: Mechanisms driving evolutionary change.
   • Founder Effect: Genetic differences resulting from small founding populations.
8. Cytogenetic and Molecular Basis of Human Evolution:
   • African Origin of Modern Humans: Theory of Homo sapiens’ origin.
   • Mitochondrial Eve and Y-Chromosomal Adam: Evidence for human origins from mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome markers.

Module II: Biophysics (3 Marks)

1. Microarrays:
   • Use of microarrays in studying gene expression and the significance of proteomics in drug design and systems biology.
2. Systems Biology:
   • Integration of data from genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand biological systems.
3. Radiation Biophysics:
   • Ionizing Radiation: Types and sources (alpha, beta, gamma radiation).
   • Interaction of Radiation with Matter: Effects on nucleic acids, proteins, and other cellular components.
   • Radiation Dosimetry: Measurement of radiation exposure and effects.
   • Radioactive Isotopes: Applications in research and medicine (e.g., tracers, radiotherapy).
4. Cellular Effects of Radiation:
   • Somatic and Genetic Effects: Impact on cell function and heredity.
   • Autography and Scintillation: Techniques for detecting radiation.
5. Flow Cytometry:
   • Technique to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells.
6. Fluorescence:
   • Fluorescence techniques for studying cell structures and functions.

Module III: Animal Physiology (12 Marks)

Nutrition

1. Constituents of a Normal Diet:
   • Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water.
   • Daily nutrient requirements and the physiological calorie value of foods.
2. Antioxidant Nutrients:
   • Role of antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E) in preventing oxidative stress.
3. Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Movements:
   • Deglutition: Swallowing mechanisms.
   • Gastric Motility and Emptying: Regulation of stomach functions.
   • Intestinal Motility and Defecation: Processes involved in digestion and elimination.
4. Absorption Mechanisms:
   • Monosaccharides, Amino Acids, Lipids, Vitamins: Absorption mechanisms in the intestines.
5. Hormonal and Neurotransmitter Regulation:
   • How hormones like insulin and neurotransmitters regulate digestion.
6. Energy Balance and Obesity:
   • Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and its significance.
   • Causes and consequences of obesity.

Excretory System

1. Types of Excretory Organs:
   • Flame cells (in flatworms), Green Glands (in crustaceans), Malpighian Tubules (in insects).
2. Mammalian Kidney and Nephron Structure:
   • Functional anatomy of the nephron, including glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion.
3. Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance:
   • Countercurrent mechanism and urine concentration.
4. Urine Formation:
   • Detailed description of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion.
5. Renal Clearance:
   • Definition, importance, and example of clearance values (urea, creatinine).

Respiratory System

1. Major Respiratory Organs:
   • Tracheal system, book lungs, gills, and ctenidia in different animal groups.
2. Pulmonary Ventilation:
   • Mechanisms of inspiration and expiration.
3. Gas Exchange:
   • Partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the factors affecting oxygen binding to hemoglobin.
4. Regulation of Respiration:
   • Neural and chemical regulation by respiratory centers.

Nervous System

1. Brain Structure and Functions:
   • Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brain Stem.
   • Cortical Functional Areas: Motor cortex, Broca’s area, sensory areas (visual, auditory, olfactory, etc.).
2. Protection of the Brain:
   • Meninges, cerebrospinal fluid, and the blood-brain barrier.
3. Diseases of the Brain:
   • Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
4. Reflex Action:
   • Reflex arc, types of reflexes (monosynaptic, polysynaptic).

Special Senses

1. Vision:
   • Structure of the eyeball, retinal layers, and the photochemistry of vision.
2. Taste and Smell:
   • Mechanisms of taste and olfaction.
3. Touch and Pain:
   • Mechanoreceptors and nociceptors.

Cardiovascular System

Cardiac Function:

Cardiac cycle, heart regulation by neural and hormonal factors.

Blood Pressure and Blood Volume:

Physiological regulation of blood pressure and volume.

Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology

Endocrinology

1. Invertebrate and Vertebrate Endocrine Systems:
   • Invertebrate Endocrine System: Endocrine organs in invertebrates (e.g., corpora allata, prothoracic glands) and their functions in regulating development and reproduction.
   • Vertebrate Endocrine System: Endocrine glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads (testes and ovaries) that secrete hormones for growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.
2. Endocrine Glands:
   • Glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads (testes and ovaries) regulate physiological processes through hormone secretion.
3. Hormone Synthesis, Physiological Role, Control:
   • Hormone Synthesis: Peptide, steroid, and amine hormones are synthesized and secreted by different glands.
   • Physiological Role: Hormones regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stress.
   • Control and Mechanism of Hormone Action: Mechanisms of hormone regulation (negative/positive feedback loops) and their action through specific receptors on target cells.
4. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Hormone Action:
   • The hypothalamus releases releasing/inhibiting hormones that regulate the pituitary gland, which in turn controls other endocrine glands.
   • Neurotransmitters and hormones interact to regulate physiological functions.
5. Disorders of Hormonal Imbalance:
   • Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone imbalances).
   • Diabetes mellitus (insulin dysfunction).
   • Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison’s disease (insufficient cortisol).
   • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (hormonal imbalance in women).

Reproductive Physiology

1. Anatomy and Histology of the Testis and Ovary:
   • Testis: Seminiferous tubules, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and their roles in sperm production and testosterone secretion.
   • Ovary: Follicles, oocytes, granulosa cells, theca cells, and the hormonal regulation of oogenesis (egg production).
2. Reproductive Cycles of Mammals:
   • Menstrual Cycle (in humans): Phases (menstrual, proliferative, luteal) controlled by hormonal changes (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone).
   • Estrous Cycle (in non-primate mammals): Phases (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, diestrus).
3. Hormonal Control of Reproductive Cycles:
   • Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis: GnRH from the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH, regulating the gonads.
4. Physiology of Pregnancy, Implantation, and Parturition:
   • Implantation: The embryo attaches to the uterine wall, and hormonal support is provided by progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
   • Pregnancy: Development of the embryo/fetus, secretion of hormones like hCG, estrogen, and progesterone.
   • Parturition (Childbirth): Uterine contractions induced by oxytocin and prostaglandins lead to delivery.
5. Lactation:
   • Secretion of milk by mammary glands controlled by prolactin, oxytocin, and other hormones.

Environmental Physiology

1. Thermoregulation:
   • Comfort Zone: The range of external temperatures where the body can maintain normal physiological function.
   • Normal Body Temperatures:
     • Oral Temperature: 36.1–37.2°C.
     • Skin Temperature: Varies based on environmental conditions.
     • Core Temperature: Around 37°C.
2. Temperature Regulating Mechanisms:
   • Hot Conditions: Vasodilation, sweating, and behavioral changes to increase heat loss.
   • Cold Conditions: Vasoconstriction, shivering, and metabolic adjustments to conserve heat.
   • Role of Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, detecting changes in core temperature and initiating appropriate responses.
   • Thyroid and Adrenal Glands: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic rate, and adrenal hormones (e.g., cortisol, adrenaline) play a role in stress responses that influence thermoregulation.

Module IV: Immunology (10 Marks)

1. Hematopoiesis:
   • Formation of blood cells from stem cells in the bone marrow.
   • Differentiation into lymphoid (T cells, B cells, NK cells) and myeloid (red blood cells, granulocytes, monocytes) lineages.
   • Regulation by hematopoietic growth factors such as erythropoietin (EPO) and colony-stimulating factors.
2. Immunoglobulins (Antibodies):
   • Structure: Composed of heavy and light chains with variable and constant regions.
   • Function: Antibodies recognize and neutralize pathogens.
   • Generation of Antibody Diversity: Through somatic recombination and gene rearrangement.
   • Isotypes: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM, each with distinct functions.
3. Monoclonal Antibodies:
   • Produced using hybridoma technology.
   • Used in clinical applications like diagnosis (e.g., cancer markers) and therapeutics (e.g., cancer immunotherapy).
4. Immune Responses:
   • Humoral Immunity: Antibodies produced by B cells.
   • Cellular Immunity: T-cell mediated responses, including the activation of cytotoxic T cells.
   • Cytokines: Small proteins that regulate immune responses (e.g., IL-2, TNF-α).
   • Cytokine-Related Diseases: Examples include septic shock, Chagas disease, and lymphoid cancers.
5. Complement System:
   • Activation: Through three pathways—classical, alternative, and lectin.
   • Functions: Lysis of pathogens, opsonization, and inflammation.
   • Complement Deficiencies: Can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
6. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC):
   • MHC Class I and II molecules present antigens to T cells.
   • MHC Inheritance: Highly polymorphic, inherited from both parents.
   • Antigen Presentation: Both exogenous (via MHC Class II) and endogenous (via MHC Class I) pathways.
7. Transplantation Immunology:
   • Types of Grafts: Auto grafts, allografts, isografts, and xenografts.
   • Graft Rejection: Mediated by T-cells against foreign MHC molecules.
   • Bone Marrow Transplantation: Used in the treatment of cancers like leukemia.
8. Hypersensitivity Reactions:
   • Type I: IgE-mediated (allergic reactions).
   • Type II: Antibody-mediated cytotoxicity (e.g., hemolytic anemia).
   • Type III: Immune complex-mediated (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus).
   • Type IV: Delayed-type hypersensitivity (e.g., tuberculosis).
9. Vaccines:
   • Active Immunization: Involves exposure to antigens through vaccines.
   • Types of Vaccines: Whole organism, recombinant vector, DNA vaccines, synthetic peptide vaccines.

Module V: Animal Biotechnology (8 Marks)

1. 1. Cell and Tissue Culture:
      • Basic Techniques: Disaggregation of tissues, primary cultures, and maintenance of cell cultures.
      • Growth Media: Natural (e.g., serum) and artificial media for culturing cells.
      • Cryopreservation: Process of preserving cells and tissues at low temperatures for long-term storage.
   2. Transfection Methods:
      • Techniques like electroporation, lipofection, and microinjection for introducing foreign genes into cells.
      • Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): Reproductive and therapeutic cloning.
   3. Gene Knockout and Knock-in Technology:
      • Used to study gene function by silencing or inserting genes in animal models.
   4. Biotechnology in Healthcare:
      • DNA Vaccines for disease prevention.
      • Therapeutic Proteins (e.g., insulin) and RNA interference (RNAi) for gene silencing.
        • Gene Therapy for treating genetic disorders.
      • Biotechnology in Agriculture:
        • Transgenic Plants: Crops engineered for pest resistance and improved shelf life.
        • Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents for sustainable farming.

Module VI: Developmental Biology and Human Genetics (10 Marks)

Developmental Biology (8 Marks)

1. Basic Concepts of Development:
   • Cell Fate and Potency: Differentiation from totipotent stem cells to specialized cell types.
   • Genomic Equivalence: All somatic cells contain the same genetic information, but gene expression varies.
2. Gametogenesis:
   • Spermatogenesis (formation of sperm) and Oogenesis (formation of eggs).
   • Fertilization: Sperm-egg recognition, capacitation, acrosome reaction, and prevention of polyspermy.
3. Early Development:
   • Cleavage and blastula formation.
   • Gastrulation: Formation of germ layers.
4. Gene Regulation in Development:
   • Transcription Factors and Signal Transduction pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, BMP).
5. Teratogenesis:
   • Malformations due to teratogenic agents (e.g., alcohol, drugs).
6. Cloning:
   • Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) for creating genetically identical organisms.

Human Genetics (2 Marks)

1. Karyotyping and Pedigree Analysis:
   • Chromosomal analysis to detect abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome).
2. Blood Group Systems:
   • ABO, Rh, and MN blood group systems.

Module VII: Recent Developments in Zoology (2 Marks)

• Recent Developments in Zoology:

How to Download Kerala PSC Scientific Officer Biology Syllabus 2024

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