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Biotechnology and its applications is an important chapter of science that involves the integration of biological sciences along with advanced technologies. The scope of biotechnology has increased after Covid 19 and vaccine development and gene therapy with the help of biotechnology processes are looking more promising.
The term biotechnology was first introduced in 1919 by Karoly Ereky. It is a vast concept that unveils how technology is making our day-to-day lives active and progressive. The applications of biotechnology class 12 are commonly seen in the fields of medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, vaccine production, environment, and industries.
What is Biotechnology?
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The term biotechnology first appeared in the year 1919. Károly Erecki, a Hungarian engineer, defined the term biotechnology as the branch of science that uses a combined approach of biological processes and technology to develop living products. The biotechnology and its applications are utilized for the development of disease resistant crops.
- According to the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), it is the application of natural science.
- When the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of an organism is modified with the use of biotechnology, then it is called genetic engineering.
- Biotechnology and its applications can be used in genetic alteration mechanisms in microorganisms, plants and animal cells.
- The final products formed through biotechnological processes mostly benefit humans.
- It analyses organisms, cells, parts of cells, and molecular analogues in the creation of products and services.
- In vitro fertilization results in a "test-tube" fetus, synthesizing and using a gene, producing a DNA vaccine.
Principles of Biotechnology
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The branch of modern biotechnology and its applications are based on two main principles: genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering.
1. Genetic Engineering
The genome of an organism is modified by the genetic engineering techniques with the help of biotechnology and its applications. It requires the introduction of new genes into host species to enhance function or trait, thus altering the host organism's phenotype.
- In plant and animal breeding, traditional procedures often result in the inclusion and duplication of undesirable genes.
- The use of techniques such as recombinant DNA, gene cloning, and gene transfer overcomes this restriction.
- Biotechnology and its applications enable the isolation of desirable genes in the target organism without the inclusion of unwanted genes.
2. Bioprocess Engineering
Bioprocess engineering is the method of maintaining sterile conditions to facilitate the growth of large quantities of desired microbes and other eukaryotic cells. It involves the development of new or modified biotechnological products such as antibiotics, enzymes, vaccines, and other biotechnological products. The practical example of bioprocess engineering is sewage-water treatment.
Types of Biotechnology
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Modern biotechnology and its applications are seen in four major branches which are discussed in detail below:
Medical Biotechnology
Medical biotechnology is defined as the use of living organisms and tissues for the betterment of human society. The application of medical biotechnology is mainly seen in the treatment of various diseases and making various types of vaccines for individuals.
Plant Biotechnology
Plant biotechnology is defined as a process of developing genetically modified crops that help in the production output of farmers and storage units. With the implementation of plant biotechnology and its applications, plants can be protected from extreme weather and pests.
Industrial Biotechnology
Industrial Biotechnology is defined as a process of improving industrial purposes and also involves the development of industrial fermentation to improve the efficiency of the industries.
Environmental Biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology is defined as the process of creation of technology that helps in the treatment of waste and prevention of pollution that reduces dependence on methods for land-based disposal.
Cloning in Biotechnology
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Cloning is the method of creating many identical copies of a piece of DNA. It is a process of giving birth to new individuals without the use of fertilisation. Cloning is carried out in vertebrates and lower vertebrates.
This procedure necessitates the use of cloning vectors that meet the following criteria:
- It should be lightweight but capable of carrying a large DNA insert.
- The cloning vector should have a replication origin such that it can replicate independently in the host organism.
- A restriction site should be included.
- To screen recombinant organisms, it should have a selectable marker.
- It should have several cloning sites.
Vectors for Cloning in Plants
Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a pathogen found in various dicot plants, is used as a plant vector. It can deliver a piece of DNA known as T-DNA to turn normal plant cells into tumours.
- Cloning will guide these tumour cells to generate the chemicals that the pathogen requires.
- The gene of interest is inserted into T-DNA to convert plant cells with the appropriate gene.
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens' Tumor Inducing (Ti) plasmid has been transformed into a cloning vector.
- The plasmid's coding genes for cytokinin and auxin function as growth regulators.
- The gene for opiate catabolism codes for a source of energy.
- The right and left borders are required to pass T-DNA into the appropriate host plant cell.
Applications of Biotechnology
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Following are some of the important applications of biotechnology:
- Healthcare
Biotechnology can be used in the field of healthcare by creating vaccines and medicines in pharmaceuticals sector to determine cure for various diseases.
- Biofuels
Biotechnology and its applications is seen in the production of biofuel and energy. It is used to prevent depletion of natural resources. They do not produce harmful gases.
- Nutrient Enchancement
Biotechnology can be used to increase the nutrients level in the crops thus increasing the quality of crops. For example: Golden rice is produced by addition of beta carotene by the process of biotechnology.
- Bioremediation
Bioremediation is an application of biotechnology that help in the development of enzyme bioreactors. It is created by treating industrial and food waste thus keep sewage system clean.
- Fermentation
Fermentation is another application of where sugar is fermented to acid which is used to produce chemical feedstocks for various products.
Things to Remember
- Biotechnology and its applications is a branch of science that uses living cells to develop genetically modified products.
- The technology has been used for more than 6000 years.
- It begins with creating products like bread, cheese, alcohol, etc.
- Genetic engineering and Bioprocess engineering are the two core principles of biotechnology.
- Biotechnology and its applications help in manufacturing various types of vaccines and medicines.
Check here: Biotechnology & Its Applications: Important Questions
Sample Questions
Ques. What are the principles of Biotechnology?(2 marks)
Ans. The modern biotechnology has started with the help of two significant technologies which are,
- Genetic engineering: Genetic Engineering is used to alter the cells of living organisms by modifying the genetic characteristics of an individual. It requires the introduction of new genes into host species to enhance function or trait, thus altering the host organism's phenotype.
- Bioprocess engineering: Bioprocess engineering is the process that is used to maintain sterile conditions which is used to facilitate the growth of large quantities of desired microbes.
Ques. What do you understand by the concept of gene cloning?(4 marks)
Ans. Gene cloning which is also known as DNA cloning is the process where a gene of interest is copied out of the DNA extracted from an organism. This procedure necessitates the use of cloning vectors that meet the following criteria:
- It should be lightweight, but capable of carrying a large DNA insert.
- The cloning vector should have a replication origin such that it can replicate independently in the host organism.
- A restriction site should be included.
- To screen recombinant organisms, it should have a selectable marker.
- It should have several cloning sites.
Ques. What are the steps involved in the process of recombinant DNA technology?(3 marks)
Ans. The following are the steps involved in recombinant DNA technology:
- The genetic material is segregated. There are many methods for extracting DNA from a bacterial, plant, or animal cell. Lysozyme (Bacteria), Cellulase (Plant Cell), and Chitinase are enzymes that are used to break down cell walls (fungus).
- Ribonucleases break down RNA, while proteases break down proteins.
- DNA is cut at a precise spot. To cut DNA at particular sites, restriction enzymes or molecular scissors are used.
- PCR analysis of the gene of interest. Multiple copies of genes of interest are synthesized in this stage.
Ques. What is the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in the transformation of plants?(4 marks)
Ans. Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a pathogen found in a variety of dicot plants, is used as a plant vector. It can deliver a piece of DNA known as T-DNA to turn normal plant cells into tumors and guide these tumor cells to generate the chemicals that the pathogen requires.
- To convert plant cells with the appropriate gene, the gene of interest is inserted into T-DNA.
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens' Tumor Inducing (Ti) plasmid has been transformed into a cloning vector that is no longer pathogenic to plants.
- The plasmid's coding genes for cytokinin and auxin function as growth regulators.
- The gene for opiate catabolism codes for a source of energy.
- To pass T-DNA into the appropriate host plant cell, the right and left borders are required.
Ques. What is biotechnology all about? Does it have a good scope?(2 marks)
Ans. Biotechnology is the application of technology to the advantage of living organisms. This includes all systems that use living organisms/microorganisms to help people live healthier lives.
- The “prevention, diagnosis, and cure” of diseases is a very simple example of biotechnology that you can see in your everyday life.
- It involves creation, modification, and production of useful products for human purposes.
- It helps us to minimize or eliminate waste products
Ques. What are the applications of biotechnology?(3 marks)
Ans. Biotechnology is something that we can apply in our daily life. It educates you beyond the classroom. Even during this pandemic, the one word that we hear frequently is Vaccine and RT-PCR kits are used by the technology.
- It is used for creation of antibiotics, medicines, vaccines, and artificial harmonies using plants.
- Biotechnology is used for creation of crops that have anti-pest characteristics.
- It is used for creation of chemicals, detergents, paper and pulp.
Ques. What are various benefits of biotechnology? (3 marks)
Ans. The various benefits of biotechnology are as follows:
- It can produce crops and fruits that have better flavours and textures.
- The products that are obtained from biotechnology are less vulnerable to diseases.
- It will help in creation of medicines that help in treatment of diseases.
- Biotechnology will help in the creation of green plants that will grow in non-habitable areas.
Ques. What are the reason for creation of transgenic animals? (4 marks)
Ans. The reasons for creation of transgenic animals are as follows:
- It will help study about different type of diseases.
- The process is used to test the safety and toxicity of products before tested on actual animals.
- It is used for production of biological items for animals.
- The process help in the regulation of genes of animals.
- It determines the affect of normal functioning of the body and its development of animals.
Ques. What is the process for gene cloning? (4 marks)
Ans. The process of gene cloning are as follows:
- First isolation of DNA fragment or gene take place.
- Next it will select the appropriate vector.
- It will incorporate the DNA fragment that are isolated into vector.
- Recombination vector is transformed into the host cell.
- Lastly the host cells are isoloated.
Ques. How many colour biotechnology are used in real-life? (4 marks)
Ans. There are four biotechnology used in real-life which are as follows:
- Red Biotechnology: Red Biotechnology refers to the pharmaceutical and medical industry. It is used for the creation of antibiotics, regenerative therapies and vaccines.
- Green Biotechnology: Green biotechnology refers to the agricultural industry. It is used for the nourishment of crops and protect against pest and extreme weather conditions.
- White Biotechnology: White biotechnology refers to industrial process. It is used for creation of living cells that will help in the improvement of manufacturing processes,
- Blue Biotechnology: Blue biotechnology refers to arine industry. It is used to preserve marine species and ecosystems.
Ques. What are disadvantages of biotechnology? (3 marks)
Ans. The various disadvantages of biotechnology are as follows:
- The profileration of crops that affect the balance of ecosystems.
- There are times it will inject posion in living organisms.
- It help in escape of diseases from laboratory.
- The process of modification of the human genome is a matter of social discussions.
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