Summary of "Biotechnology and its Applications (Part 01) - Simplified | Drishti IAS English"
Summary of "Biotechnology and its Applications (Part 01) - Simplified | Drishti IAS English"
Main Ideas and Concepts:
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Introduction to Biotechnology
- Biotechnology involves using biological systems or living organisms to develop technological advances.
- Genetic engineering, developed in the 1970s, accelerated biotechnology research by enabling modification of organisms' DNA.
- Biotechnology is used for industrial-scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biological products using genetically modified microbes, fungi, plants, and animals.
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Important Genetic Terms
- Gene: Basic unit of inheritance; a DNA segment controlling traits passed from parents.
- Genome: Complete set of genes/genetic material in a cell or organism; like a recipe book for growth and development.
- Genome Organization: Linear order of DNA elements divided into chromosomes; also refers to 3D chromosome structure and DNA positioning in the nucleus.
- Gene Editing: Technique to make precise changes in DNA sequences using tools like CRISPR-Cas9, which uses engineered nucleases to cut DNA at specific sites.
- Genome Sequencing: Reading the order of nucleotide bases (A, T, C, G) in DNA or RNA to interpret genetic information. Human genome has over 3 billion bases.
- Viruses may have DNA or RNA genomes (e.g., coronavirus has RNA).
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Applications of Biotechnology
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Agriculture
- Genetically Modified (GM) crops as alternatives to conventional farming to increase yield and reduce chemical use.
- GMOs (plants, bacteria, fungi, animals) have altered genes for beneficial traits.
- Benefits include:
- Tolerance to abiotic stresses (salt, heat).
- Pest resistance reducing pesticide use.
- Improved nutrient use efficiency preventing soil fertility loss.
- Enhanced nutritional value (e.g., Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A).
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Genetically Modified Bio-pesticides
- Bt toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria cloned into plants to provide insect resistance.
- Bt crops include cotton, corn, rice, tomato, potato, soybean.
- Bt produces proteins toxic to specific insect pests, reducing chemical insecticide use.
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Pest Resistant Plants
- RNA interference (RNAi) used to combat nematode infestations in plants.
- RNAi silences specific mRNA to prevent translation, acting as a cellular defense mechanism.
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Medicine
- Recombinant DNA technology allows mass production of safe, effective therapeutic drugs with fewer immunological reactions.
- Genetically Engineered Insulin:
- Insulin composed of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bridges.
- DNA technology helps produce mature, functional insulin for diabetes management.
- Gene Therapy:
- Corrects hereditary diseases by inserting functional genes into patient cells.
- Example: Treatment of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency, an immune system disorder.
- Gene-corrected lymphocytes are cultured and reintroduced to patients.
- Potential for permanent cures if gene introduced at embryonic stages.
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Molecular Diagnosis
- Early disease diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Techniques include:
- Recombinant DNA technology.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Amplifies nucleic acids to detect pathogens at low concentrations.
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Detects pathogen antigens or antibodies.
- PCR used for HIV detection and identifying genetic mutations in cancer and other disorders.
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CRISPR Technology
- A genome editing tool adapted from bacterial immune defense.
- Allows precise DNA sequence alteration and gene function modification.
- Used in research on diseases like cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
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Agriculture
Detailed Bullet Point Summary of Methodologies and Applications:
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Gene Editing with CRISPR-Cas9:
- Uses engineered nucleases to cut DNA at specific sequences.
- DNA can be inserted, deleted, or modified at targeted locations.
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Genome Sequencing Process:
- DNA bases (A, T, C, G) are sequenced in short stretches.
- RNA genomes (like coronavirus) are also sequenced similarly.
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Agricultural Biotechnology:
- Develop GM crops with traits:
- Abiotic stress tolerance (salt, heat).
- Pest resistance.
- Enhanced nutrient efficiency.
- Improved nutritional content (e.g., Golden Rice).
- Use Bt toxin genes from bacteria to create bio-pesticides in plants.
- Apply RNA interference to silence pest-related genes in plants.
- Develop GM crops with traits:
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Medical Biotechnology:
- Produce recombinant therapeutic drugs with reduced immunogenicity.
- Manufacture Genetically Engineered Insulin with proper assembly.
- Perform Gene Therapy by:
- Culturing patient cells.
- Introducing functional genes via viral vectors.
Category
Educational
