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Questions and Answers
What is a consequence of not adhering to genetic engineering regulations?
What is a consequence of not adhering to genetic engineering regulations?
What does biopiracy involve?
What does biopiracy involve?
What is one benefit of biodiversity for human well-being?
What is one benefit of biodiversity for human well-being?
What led to international disputes regarding Basmati rice?
What led to international disputes regarding Basmati rice?
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How has India sought to protect its traditional knowledge?
How has India sought to protect its traditional knowledge?
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What is the main purpose of bioremediation?
What is the main purpose of bioremediation?
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Which of the following is a method of bioremediation?
Which of the following is a method of bioremediation?
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What benefit does Bt technology provide in genetically modified crops?
What benefit does Bt technology provide in genetically modified crops?
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Which genetically modified crop is designed to tackle vitamin A deficiency?
Which genetically modified crop is designed to tackle vitamin A deficiency?
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What is a characteristic of passive bioremediation?
What is a characteristic of passive bioremediation?
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Which of the following genetically modified crops can produce a toxin to resist bollworms?
Which of the following genetically modified crops can produce a toxin to resist bollworms?
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What potential impact do genetically modified (GM) crops have on pesticide use?
What potential impact do genetically modified (GM) crops have on pesticide use?
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What is a consequence of genetically modifying tobacco?
What is a consequence of genetically modifying tobacco?
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What is a primary advantage of using genetically modified crops?
What is a primary advantage of using genetically modified crops?
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Golden rice is developed for enhancing which nutrient?
Golden rice is developed for enhancing which nutrient?
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What is the main function of RNA interference (RNAi) in cells?
What is the main function of RNA interference (RNAi) in cells?
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What role do genetically modified bacteria play in biotechnology?
What role do genetically modified bacteria play in biotechnology?
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Which technology is used for amplifying specific DNA sequences in a laboratory?
Which technology is used for amplifying specific DNA sequences in a laboratory?
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What are monoclonal antibodies primarily used for?
What are monoclonal antibodies primarily used for?
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What is one ethical concern related to stem cell therapy?
What is one ethical concern related to stem cell therapy?
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How does gene therapy address genetic disorders?
How does gene therapy address genetic disorders?
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What is a primary application of molecular diagnostics?
What is a primary application of molecular diagnostics?
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What is the goal of genetic engineering?
What is the goal of genetic engineering?
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What is one application of RNA interference in agriculture?
What is one application of RNA interference in agriculture?
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What is a primary concern regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
What is a primary concern regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
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What is an important advantage of biotechnological human insulin over traditional insulin?
What is an important advantage of biotechnological human insulin over traditional insulin?
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What is the purpose of gene testing in genetic engineering?
What is the purpose of gene testing in genetic engineering?
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Study Notes
Biotechnology and its Applications
- Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their parts to create products or processes that benefit humans.
Applications of Biotechnology
- Rapid diagnostics for disease detection.
- Genetic modification of crops for improved characteristics like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and nutritional value.
- Food production using biotechnology, including creating new food sources or enhancing existing ones.
- Bioremediation which uses living organisms to clean up pollution and environmental contaminants.
Bioremediation
- Bioremediation involves using living organisms, like bacteria or fungi, to break down pollutants and toxins.
- Methods include active bioremediation (adding microorganisms) and passive bioremediation (relying on natural microorganisms).
- An example is using microorganisms to digest oil in oil spills.
Genetically Modified Crops
- Examples include Bt Cotton (resistant to bollworms), Bt Rice (insect-resistant), and Golden Rice (increased vitamin A).
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Technology
- Bt toxin targets specific insect pests, reducing pesticide use.
- Bt genes are inserted into crops, producing a toxin that disrupts insect digestive systems.
Genetically Modified Tobacco
- GM tobacco has been developed with reduced nicotine content.
- Reduced nicotine can benefit public health by decreasing tobacco dependence.
Impact of Genetically Modified Crops
- Reduced pesticide use minimizes environmental pollution and health risks.
- Increased yields contribute to food security.
- Post-harvest losses are reduced due to increased crop resistance to spoilage.
- Nutritional enhancement, such as increased vitamin A in Golden Rice.
- Concerns include potential risks to biodiversity and the need for safety assessments.
Transgenic Technology
- Transgenic organisms carry genes from other species.
- This involves transferring a gene into a recipient organism, allowing it to express the introduced gene's traits.
Genetically Modified Potato
- GM potatoes are engineered for increased resistance to insect pests and diseases.
Genetically Modified Tomato
- GM tomatoes are designed to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
Genetically Modified Soybeans
- GM soybeans are often engineered for herbicide resistance or to produce specific proteins.
RNA Interference (RNAi)
- RNAi is a natural mechanism regulating gene expression by blocking mRNA translation.
- Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is introduced, processed into short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which bind to matching mRNAs and lead to mRNA degradation.
- Applications include disease treatment and agricultural pest control.
Human Insulin Production Using Biotechnology
- Traditional insulin production used animal sources (pigs, cows).
- Biotechnological production involves inserting human insulin genes into bacteria, producing purified human insulin for diabetes treatment.
- Advantages include greater purity and consistency, and reduced allergic reactions.
Gene Therapy
- Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent genetic diseases by delivering therapeutic genes into cells.
- Defective or missing genes are replaced or supplemented with healthy copies using vectors (often viruses).
Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Deficiency
- ADA Deficiency is a genetic immune system disorder.
- Gene therapy is a potential treatment.
Genetically Modified Bacteria
- Genetically modified bacteria produce various products like insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines.
Genetic Engineering
- Genetic engineering manipulates genes to introduce, remove, or alter specific genes.
- Applications include disease diagnosis (genetic testing), and drug development (improved drug efficacy and safety).
Molecular Diagnosis
- Molecular diagnostics use DNA or RNA technology to identify diseases or genetic mutations at the molecular level.
- Advantages include early disease detection and improved accuracy.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- PCR is a lab technique to amplify specific DNA sequences.
- Applications include disease diagnosis (identifying pathogens) and gene analysis.
Hybridoma Technology
- Hybridoma technology produces monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
- B-cells (antibody-producing cells) are fused with myeloma cells, producing a hybridoma cell line that produces a single type of antibody.
- Applications include therapeutic antibodies (cancer, autoimmune diseases) and diagnostic tools.
Stem Cell Therapy
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into various cell types.
- Applications include tissue regeneration and disease treatment (blood cancers).
- Ethical considerations, particularly regarding embryonic stem cells (ESCs), exist. Adult stem cells (ASCs) offer alternatives.
Bioethics
- Bioethics addresses the ethical implications of biological research and applications.
- Concerns include genetic screening (discrimination), gene editing (unintended consequences), and animal welfare.
Genetic Engineering
- Involves modifying genes for desired phenotypes.
- Examples include creating new crop varieties and developing pharmaceuticals.
Regulations and Ethical Considerations
- Government permission or approval is required for genetic engineering.
- Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences including imprisonment.
- Regulations aim to protect biodiversity and avoid unintended consequences.
Biopiracy
- Biopiracy is the unauthorized commercial exploitation of biological resources (traditional knowledge, resources).
- Taking resources from a country or community without permission violates intellectual property rights, causing economic and cultural losses.
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, including different species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.
- Valuable resources for human well-being (food, medicine, climate regulation) are provided by biodiversity.
India's Biodiversity
- India is rich in biodiversity with a wide range of plant and animal species.
- Examples of India's crops include Basmati rice, turmeric, and neem.
Case of Basmati Rice
- Basmati rice is a distinctive variety known for long grains and aroma.
- Its qualities were refined over centuries.
- The genetic makeup originates from India.
International Disputes
- The unique qualities of Basmati rice and turmeric have caused international disputes. The use of "Basmati" by a U.S. company for a different rice variety was challenged by India in international court.
- India endeavors to protect indigenous knowledge and traditional practices legally, highlighting the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge and biodiversity.
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Description
Explore the fascinating field of biotechnology and its diverse applications, including diagnostics, genetic modification, food production, and bioremediation. Understand how living organisms contribute to solving environmental issues and enhancing agricultural practices.