Questions and Answers
What is one of the uses of transgenic animals?
Which committee in India is responsible for decisions regarding the validity of GM research?
What defines biopiracy?
What are the requirements for obtaining a patent?
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Why is the manipulation of microbes, plants, and animals controversial?
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What is a key application of biotechnology related to crops?
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What is the function of the 'cry' gene in bacillus thuringiensis?
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Which of the following therapeutic applications is NOT associated with biotechnology?
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What does RNA interference (RNAi) primarily achieve in cellular processes?
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What is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primarily used for?
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Which genetically modified crop protein is effective against corn borer?
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One of the notable benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is to:
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What is ELISA primarily used for in medical diagnostics?
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Study Notes
Biotechnology Overview
- Biotechnology involves the genetic modification of living organisms (microbes, plants, animals) to create useful products.
- Key applications include therapeutics, diagnostics, genetically modified crops, food processing, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- GMOs are created by altering the genetic material of organisms.
- Advantages of genetically modified crops:
- Increased tolerance to abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salinity).
- Enhanced mineral uptake efficiency.
- Reduced post-harvest losses.
Bio-pesticides and Bt-toxin
- Bacillus thuringiensis produces Bt-toxin, which serves as a bio-pesticide for plants.
- The Bt-toxin gene is insect-specific, encoded by the ‘cry’ gene:
- cryIAc and cryIIAb proteins protect against cotton bollworms.
- cryIAb protein protects against corn borers.
RNA Interference (RNAi)
- RNAi is a gene-silencing process that inhibits the translation of mRNA.
- Functions as a defense mechanism within the cell.
Applications in Medicine
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Recombinant DNA Technology:
- Production of genetically engineered insulin.
- Gene therapy: Inserting genes into cells to correct genetic disorders, first used in 1990 to treat adenosine deaminase deficiency.
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Diagnostic Techniques:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies specific gene segments for mutation detection.
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Detects infectious diseases, notably AIDS, using antigen-antibody interaction.
Transgenic Animals
- Transgenic animals carry foreign genes intentionally introduced into their genomes (e.g., mice, sheep, cows, fish, rabbits).
- Uses include:
- Gene regulation studies.
- Disease development research.
- Production of biological products.
- Vaccine safety testing.
- Drug toxicity testing.
Ethical Issues and Regulatory Bodies
- The genetic manipulation of organisms raises ethical concerns.
- The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in India evaluates GM research and the safety of GMOs.
Biopiracy and Patents
- Biopiracy refers to the unauthorized appropriation of biological resources.
- Patents grant exclusive rights for inventions (products or processes) that provide innovative solutions or improvements.
- Criteria for patenting include novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of biotechnology, including the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their advantages. It also covers the role of bio-pesticides like Bt-toxin and the concept of RNA interference (RNAi) in modern genetic manipulation. Test your knowledge on these crucial topics!
