Introduction to Biotechnology

Biotechnology.

It is the manipulation of biological organisms to make the product that benefits the human being.Biotechnology contributes to such diverse areas as food production,waste disposal, and medicine.although biotechnology has existed since ancient times some of its most dramatic advances have come in recent years.

• Modern achievement includes the transferal of a specific gene from one organism to another.
• the maintenance and growth of the genetically uniform plant and animal cell cultures called clones.
• In addition,the fusing of different types of cells to produce beneficial medical products.

Genetic Engineering.

Genetic engineering is the technology which involves the generation of DNa fragments using sequence specific restriction endonuclease,the incorporation of these fragments into a suitable vector,the introduction of a vector into a host organism and the subsequent selection of clones containing a specific DNA sequence.Genetic engineering is also called recombinant DNA technology.

Principles of Genetic Engineering.

1. Restriction endonuclease secreted by bacteria cuts down DNA into small fragments at specific sites.
2. Recombination or the-the incorporation of these fragments into a suitable carrier or vector eg.plasmid
3. Transformation of the host organism.
4. Cloning,which involves growing of transformed host organism in culture medium so producing multiple copies of the foreign DNA fragments incorporated in the recombinant vector.
5. Finally the selection of clones containing the relevant DNA fragments.

History of Restriction enzyme and Genetic Engineering.

Restriction enzyme was developed in 19688 by Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber,which is the first step in the development of-of Genetic Engineering.American molecular biologist Hamilton .O.Smith purified type II restriction enzyme.genetic engineering was itself pioneered in 1973 by American biochemists Stanley N.Cohen and Herbert W.Boyer who were among the first to cut the DNA fragments and insert the new genes into the E.colibacteria,which then reproduced.The recombinant DNA technology or Genetic technology has been used for analyzing gene structure,screening, and counselling of genetic disorders,research into the molecular pathology of disease,biosynthesis of medically important peptides and perhaps one-day gene therapy.

Contributions of Biotechnology in human welfare.

Medical Biotechnology.

• Monoclonal antibodies are used for disease diagnosis like hepatitis B, cancer etc.
• DNA probes for disease diagnosis like malaria,HIV etc
• A recombinant vaccine like Hepatitis B vaccine was found.
• valuable drugs like human insulin,human interferon,growth hormones were developed
• Gene therapy to cure disease.
• Identification of parents and criminals using DNA fingerprinting.

Industrial Biotechnology.

• Production of useful compounds like ethanol,lactic acid,citric acid etc.
• production of antibiotics likes penicillin,streptomycin etc
• Single cell protein from microorganisms for human and animal feed.
• Mineral extraction through teaching from low-grade ores
• Production of enzymes like amylase,lipase etc.

Environment Biotechnology.

• Efficient sewage treatment.
• DEgardation of petroleum and management of oil spills.
• Bio-control of plant diseases and inspect pests by using genetic engineering.
• Detoxification of waste and industrial effluents.

Animal Biotechnology.

• Test tube babies in human;in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
• Production of transgenic animals with highly sterile characters.

Plant Biotechnology.

• Rapid clonal multiplication through meristematic culture.
• Tissue culture and embryo culture.
• Gene transfer for insect resistance,herbicide,pesticide resistance etc.

Effects of Biotechnology and Genetic engineering.

Upsetting the natural balance.

Some people,including scientist,object to any procedure change the genetic composition of an organism.Critics are concerned that some of the genetically altered forms will eliminate existing species,there by using the natural balance of organisms.the technology cab interferes with the natural evolution leading to a break down of natural barrier between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Formation of virulent organisms.

There are also fears that recombinant DNA experiments with pathogenic microorganisms may result in the formation of extremely virulent forms which if accidentally released from the laboratory to the environment may cause worldwide epidemics.Some of the viri engineered to said cancer-causing genes may infect human and animals causing great damage to health.

Alteration of Ecology.

Biotechnology manipulated microbes or plant may alter the nutrient cycles as well as disrupt the biocommunities.

Reference.

C.H.Collins. (1995). Microbiological Methods. Oxford Univ Press.

D.Greemwood, R. S. (2002). Medical Microbiology. London: Churchill Livingstone.

M.J.Pelezar. (1993). Microbiology. Tata McGraw hill.

M.T.Madigan, J. a. (1997). Biology of microorganisms. London: Prentice hall International Inc.

R.N.Atlas. (1984). Fundamentals and Applications. NewYork: MacMiHiam Publishing Co.

Biotechnologyportal.acs.org