The following Topics and Sub-Topics are covered in this chapter and are available on MSVgo:
The following Topics and Sub-Topics are covered in this chapter and are available on MSVgo:
Introduction
Biotechnology refers to the modification of living organisms or biological systems to develop products. An example of natural biotechnology is the use of yeast in the production of bread. Here yeast is used in its natural form or is bred in order to make bread. However, modern biotechnology involves 1) a more complex and advanced modification of living organisms and biological systems, 2) in order to create products 3) at an industrial scale. Biotechnology is a production-oriented enterprise, the key purpose of which is to improve the quality of life of human beings. Application of Biotechnology is seen in areas like agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, production of antibiotics, environment-related issues, creation of transgenic animals, and creation of industrial products. In this section, you will read about Biotechnology and its Applications in the fields of agriculture, medicine, the production of transgenic animals and aquaculture.
The primary purpose of the application of biotechnology in agriculture is to increase agricultural yield. Agro-chemical based agriculture increases yield with the help of pesticides and fertilizers. However, in developing countries, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are unaffordable for most farmers, and these chemicals also harm the environment.
If you have paid attention to what you eat, you will notice that with time newer varieties of fruits and vegetables appear in the market. For instance, “disco” papayas emerged in the market some years ago; they are genetically-modified papayas and were more expensive than the regular native variety. Now they’re available in abundance, round the year and are cheaper than native papayas. So the alternative to chemical-based agriculture is the use of genetically modified crop-based agriculture. The benefits of genetically-modified crops are:
One of the most profitable applications of biotechnology is in the field of medicine. In the medical field, biotechnology is used in the development of medicines and therapies. The technology that has had a tremendous impact on the field is recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. As the name suggests, recombinant DNA technology combines molecules of DNA from two distinct species to generate new genetic combinations used in the production of better and safer drugs. DNA can be used from any living organism. Human DNA can be combined with plant DNA, or bacterial DNA can be combined with dog DNA.
The first application of rDNA technology that went into industrial production and wide clinical use was genetically manufactured insulin. Here bacteria are modified genetically to produce human insulin. Type 1 diabetics cannot produce insulin and have to be injected with insulin from pigs for their entire lives. Insulin from pigs, however, is not as effective as insulin from humans.
Additionally, to address the problem of manufacturing insulin for the millions of diabetics in the world, the gene that makes insulin from a person’s DNA was taken and placed into a bacteria. Assuming the gene as its own, the bacteria manufacture the insulin as if it is one of its proteins. This bacteria will reproduce millions of times, passing on the insulin gene each time. Since it reproduces asexually, billions of bacteria will be available for producing human insulin.
Another area in which the application of biotechnology is seen is gene therapy. Gene therapy addresses the problem of correcting hereditary disease. Gene therapy involves injecting a normal gene into the embryo to take over the function of the defective gene or to balance the effect of the non-performing gene.
Application of biotechnology is especially useful in the early detection of disease. rDNA technology, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) are the techniques used for early detection. PCR, for instance, amplifies the minutest of DNA in the blood by making innumerable copies, thereby providing enough material for analysis. This method can detect a disease in its early stages before the pathogens have had the chance to multiply and take over the body.
Transgenic animals are those animals whose genetic make-up has been modified. This is done by injecting a foreign gene into their genome or by modifying their genetic material. This is done using rDNA technology. Mice, rabbits, sheep, pigs, cows and pigs have been turned into transgenic animals, the most common being mice. The various purposes for doing this are: 1) studying the role of the genes in the functioning of normal physiological processes and the development of the body 2) studying the contribution of genes in the development of disease 3) safe and quick testing of vaccines 4) creation of biological products 5) Toxicity testing.
The farming of aquatic life is called aquaculture. All phases of farming–growth, nutrition, health and reproduction–can be supported and enhanced using biotechnology..
The increase in the demand for aquatic creatures and depletion of marine habitats has propelled the use of biotechnology to create gene combinations to increase the desired fish population and better their quality.
The first question that perhaps comes to or should come to the mind of any individual introduced to the idea of biotechnology is: what right do we have to modify the genetic structure of living organisms? The second question that is likely to raise its head is: is it safe to use this technology? To address these issues in India, the GEAC, or the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has been set up.
In a high stakes industry, there are bound to be malpractices. Biopiracy is the unethical use of bio-resources by high stakes organizations; that is, it refers to the use of resources without the permission of countries or people who own them and without making due payment for their use.
We have offered here a brief overview of Biotechnology and its Applications. From addressing the food problem of the world to providing cures for congenital defects, to studying the human body, to cleaning up the environment, biotechnology serves the human race in innumerable ways. The ethics of biotechnology and the malpractices it encourages and will continue to encourage are, however, ever-looming dark clouds that hover over the field and that demand our attention.
For a better understanding of the subject and supplementary material, refer to MSVgo: CBSE, ICSE Class 6-12 Video Learning App–a video library that explains concepts through visuals and animation or visit www.MSVgo.com! for more details!
