Genetics and Biotechnology Overview

GMOs and Hybrids

• GMO (Genetically Modified Organism): Organism with altered genetic material.
• Hybrid: Organism resulting from cross-breeding of different varieties or species.
• Key difference: GMOs use lab techniques to change the genetic material, while hybrids involve natural mating.

ELISA

• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Immunoassay technique to detect and quantify substances (e.g., antibodies, hormones).

Biopiracy

• Biopiracy: Unauthorized use and commercial exploitation of genetic resources of other countries for profit.

Basmati Patent

• Argument against patent: Basmati rice has deep cultural significance to India.

Transgenic Cow

• First transgenic cow: Rosie.
• Inserted gene: Gene for increased milk production.

GEAC

• GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee): Indian committee regulating the release of genetically modified organisms.
• Objectives: Ensuring safety and environmental impact assessment of genetically modified organisms.

Patented Rice Variety

• Patented Indian rice variety: An Indian Rice variant

Insulin before rDNA Technology

• Insulin source: Slaughtered animals.

GMO Disadvantages

• Potential downsides: Environmental risks, health concerns, and ethical issues.

Patent Bill Amendment

• Reason for amendment: To clarify patent procedures, particularly pertaining to biological inventions.

Patent Definition

• Patent: Exclusive right granted for an invention, allowing its use and commercialization for a set period.

"Cry" vs "CRY"

• "cry" and "CRY": "cry" is often a reference to a gene/protein, while "CRY" might label a corresponding mRNA/protein sequence. Context is crucial.

Recombinant Vaccines

• Recombinant Vaccines: Vaccines made using recombinant DNA technology (modifying DNA to create vaccines).
  • Examples: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Molecular Diagnostics using Probing

• Molecular diagnostics using probe: Technique using labeled DNA or RNA sequences (probe) to detect specific genes or DNA sequences responsible for the disease.

RNA Control of Gene Expression

• RNA's role in gene expression control: RNA molecules (e.g., microRNA) can regulate the process of creating proteins from genes.

ELISA Principle

• ELISA principle: Detecting substance using interaction of antibodies/antigens and labeled enzymes.

First Gene Therapy Patient

• First gene therapy patient: Individual treated for a specific inherited condition.
• Recurrence in nature: In some biological contexts, conditions can appear/occur naturally but have very different levels of severity or frequency of occurrence.

Foreign DNA Transfer

• Foreign DNA transfer: Methods using vectors, transfection, and other techniques are used to introduce foreign DNA into a host cell.

Antigens and Antibodies

• Antigens: Molecules eliciting an immune response.
• Antibodies: Proteins produced by immune cells to neutralize antigens.
  • Diagnostic Kits: Examples include pregnancy tests antibody-based ELISA ( enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

Treatment Differences (Genetic vs Infectious)

• Treatment disparity: Genetic diseases call for therapies distinct from those employed for infectious ailments.

Plant Genetic Modifications' Applications

• Four areas of plant genetic modifications:
  • Improved crop yield
  • Pest resistance
  • Herbicide tolerance
  • Enhanced nutritional value

Bt-cotton Pest Resistance

• Bt-cotton: Resistance mostly against lepidopteron, dipterans, coleopterans pests from genetically engineering traits.

Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Treatment

• Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Treatment: Gene therapy: Introduction of functional gene into the host cells to replace or complement the defective gene.

Transgenic Animals

• Transgenic animals: Animals with foreign genes introduced to their genome.
• Applications:
  • Improved livestock traits
  • Disease modeling
  • Production of human proteins
  • Drug manufacturing

Biotechnology Impacts

• Five areas of biotechnology impacts:
  • Medicine (therapeutics)
  • Agriculture (crop improvement)
  • Industry (production of useful chemicals)
  • Environment (waste management)
  • Food production (quality enhancement)

Recombinant Insulin Advantages

• Recombinant insulin: Advantages include: Safety (absence of animal-derived contaminants), Consistency (predictable quality), and Availability of the hormone.

Insulin Production Drawbacks (Traditional)

• Insulin sources drawbacks: Animal-source insulin posed risks of contamination and allergic reactions, and availability/supply problems.

Explore the essential concepts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), hybrids, and biopiracy. Learn about specific techniques like ELISA, the significance of patents in agriculture, and the role of regulatory committees like GEAC. This quiz delves into the intricacies of genetic engineering and its impact on society.