Biotechnology | Science & Technology | Enliven

Have you ever heard about Microbial Fuel Cell? Or about a new bacterium called Ralston eutropha? Don't worry if you don't know about them.

I strongly believe you must have heard about our friendly neighbourhood superhero Spider-Man. Spiderman is a miracle of biotechnology where a radioactive spider bites Peter Parker, adding new genes and giving him spider tingling senses.


Similarly, The microbial fuel cell is a type of bioelectrochemical fuel cell system that generates electricity by diverting electrons produced by breaking down substrates with the help of microbes. Whereas bacterium Ralston eutropha inhales CO2 and hydrogen and excretes fuel alcohols, isn't it amazing??


These and many more exceptional discoveries creating an amalgamation of natural science and technology has been made possible only by Biotechnology


The European Federation of Biotechnology [ EFB ] defines biotechnology as "The Integration of natural sciences and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services".


● The present day biotechnology consist of two principles :

a] Genetic Engineering ⇒ It's the technique to alter the genetic make-up ( DNA or RNA ).


b] Bioprocess Engineering ⇒ Creating a contamination-free environment and allowing only desired organisms to grow is called bioprocess engineering.


The first artificial recombinant DNA molecule was produced by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer. In 1972 the two scientists isolated antibiotic resistance gene from bacterium Salmonella Typhimurium and with the help of vector and restriction enzyme cloned antibiotic resistance e-coli.


●  The major steps in Biotechnology and in creation of recombinant DNA are ⇒ 

1) Isolation of Genetic Material [ DNA ] ⇒ In this step the cell membrane is destroyed with the help of enzymes e.g. lysozyme for the bacterial cell. The precipitation of DNA is done by Chilled Ethanol


2) Cutting of DNA at specific locations ⇒  In this process the get electrophoresis is applied, DNA is negatively charged moves to the positively charged anode. Hence, this way desired DNA fragment is cut.


3) Amplification of gene of interest ⇒ Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify the gene of interest in vitro using two sets of primers. 30 cycles of PCR can create about 1 billion copies.


4) Insertion of Recombinant DNA in the host cell ⇒ The recombinant DNA can be inserted into a host by (i) microinjection, (ii) biolistic or gene gun, (iii) Infection of disarmed pathogens or (iv) treatment with divalent cation


5) Obtaining the foreign gene product ⇒ The culturing of the host organism in bioreactors increase the production and this way a large amount of recombinant protein is obtained.


6) Downstream Processing ⇒ The process of separation and purification of a gene product is collectively called downstream processing.


● Application of Biotechnology :

1) Creation of genetically modified organisms ⇒ This includes Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato, potato, soybean etc.

# Bt cotton = Bacillus thuringiensis produces a toxic insecticidal protein, which when introduced in cotton makes it insect free.

 

2) Pest Resistant Plants ⇒ Using RNA interference technology the manifestation of disease-causing proteins can be stopped.


3) Genetically Engineered Insulin ⇒ It is one of the most important applications, where an insulin protein can be produced and given as injections and tablets to a diabetic person.


4) Gene Therapy ⇒ It is the method of correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo.

The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 to a 4-year-old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.


5) Transgenic Animals ⇒ If humans can isolate a tumour causing gene and introduce it in rats, it would be a breakthrough in the study of the development of tumours in humans.

Also, Transgenic animals are created for obtaining biological products and vaccine and chemical safety testing.



*** GEAC ⇒ Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

⇒ It is the apex body for biotech research and studies in India 
⇒ It is an Statutory body.
⇒ It Provides appraisal for the production, use or import or export of GMO ( Genetically modified organisms )



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