Biotechnology Overview and Applications

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.
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 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.

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 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.