Gene Cloning:
(i) The carbon copy of an individual is often called a clone. However, more appropriately, a clone means to make a genetically exact copy of an organism.
Techniques involved in gene cloning:
(i) In gene cloning, a gene or a piece of DNA fragment is inserted into a bacterial cell where DNA will be multiplied (copied) as the cell divides.

A brief outline of the basic steps involved in gene cloning are:
(i) Isolation of desired DNA fragment by using restriction enzyme
(ii) Insertion of the DNA fragment into a suitable vector (Plasmid) to make rDNA
(iii) Transfer of rDNA into bacterial host cell (Transformation)
(iv) Selection and multiplication of recombinant host cell to get a clone
(v) Expression of cloned gene in host cell.
(vi) Using this strategy several enzymes, hormones and vaccines can be produced.

(i) Biofortification is the scientific process of developing crop plants enriched with high levels of desirable nutrients like vitamins, proteins and minerals.
(ii) Production of Bio fortification crops help in removing hidden hunger.
Examples:
(i) Protina, Shakti and Rathna are lysine rich maize hybrids (developed in India).
(ii) Atlas 66, a protein rich wheat variety.
(iii) Iron rich fortified rice variety.
(iv) Vitamin A enriched carrots, pumpkin and spinach.
(v) So in this way, Biofortification may help in removing hidden hunger.

Mutation:
(i) Mutation is defined as the sudden heritable change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA in an organism.
(ii) It is a Process by which genetic variations are created which in turn brings about changes in the organism.
(iii) The organism which undergoes mutation is called a mutant.
(iv) The factors which induce mutations are known as mutagens or mutagenic agents.
(v) Mutagens are two types namely physical mutagens and chemical mutagens.
(i) Physical mutagens:
Radiations like X-rays, α, β and γ-rays, UV rays, temperature, etc. which induce mutations are called physical mutagens.
(ii) Chemical mutagens:
(i) Chemical substances that induce mutations are called chemical mutagens.
(ii) Eg: Mustard gas and nitrous acid. The utilization of induced mutation in crop improvement is called mutation breeding. Achievements of mutation breeding:
Achievements of mutation breeding:
(i) Sharbati Sonora wheat produced from Sonora-64 by using gamma rays.
(ii) Atomica 2 rice with saline tolerance and pest resistance.
(iii) Groundnuts with thick shells.

Polyploldys are characterised by gigantism
An organism having more than two sets of chromosomes is called polyploid. It causes increase in size. Polys = Many + aploos = One fold + eidos = Form (E.g) Watermelon

A breeder will incorporate the following characters:
(i) Tallness and profuse branching are desirable characters for fodder crops.
(ii) Dwarfness is desirable in cereals, so that less nutrients are consumed by these crops.