Definitions [2]
Define.
Biotechnology
The technique of bringing about improvements in living organisms by genetic modifications and hybridization, for the welfare of human beings is known as ‘Biotechnology’.
Definition: Biotechnology
The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) defined biotechnology as ‘the integration of natural science and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services.’
Key Points
Key Points: Biotechnology
- Biotechnology is the use of biological systems, cells, and organisms to develop useful products and services for human welfare.
- The term biotechnology was coined by Karl Ereky (1919).
- Traditional biotechnology involves small-scale processes like fermentation (e.g., curd, cheese, wine), while modern biotechnology is large-scale and based on genetic engineering.
- Modern biotechnology was advanced by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology developed by Cohen and Boyer (1973).
- It involves techniques like gene modification, PCR, and tissue culture, and integrates fields like molecular biology and genetics.
- Biotechnology has wide applications in agriculture and medicine, such as the production of antibiotics, vaccines, insulin, and the development of high-yield and disease-resistant crops.
Key Points: Principles of Processes of Biotechnology
- Two Core Techniques — Modern biotechnology is based on (i) Genetic Engineering and (ii) Chemical Engineering.
- Genetic Engineering — Deals with the alteration of DNA and RNA to achieve desired results in a directed, predetermined way using in vitro processes.
- Chemical Engineering — Maintains a sterile environment for manufacturing useful products like vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, vitamins, and therapeutics.
- What Genetic Engineering Involves — Repairing/replacing defective genes, synthesising new genes, transferring genes, combining genes from two organisms, and altering genotype.
- Other Names for Genetic Engineering — Also called Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technology or Gene Cloning, as it involves transferring a gene via a suitable vector to a new location or organism.
Key Points: Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology
- Recombinant DNA technology depends on the isolation, cutting, and joining of DNA fragments to form chimeric DNA.
- Restriction enzymes act as molecular scissors that cut DNA at specific sequences to obtain desired genes.
- DNA ligase joins DNA fragments by forming covalent bonds, producing recombinant DNA molecules.
- Cloning vectors are DNA molecules that carry foreign DNA into host cells for replication.
- Common vectors include plasmids, bacteriophages, cosmids, and phasmids, which replicate independently inside host cells.
Key Points: Processes of Recombinant DNA Technology
- Isolation of DNA:
Genetic material (DNA) is extracted and purified from the source organism by removing proteins, RNA, lipids, and other impurities. - Cutting and Separation of DNA:
DNA is cut at specific sites using restriction endonucleases, and desired fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis and isolated by elution. - Amplification of Gene (PCR):
The gene of interest is amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to produce millions of copies for effective cloning. - Ligation and Gene Transfer:
The desired DNA fragment is ligated into a vector and introduced into a host cell by methods such as transformation, electroporation, or gene gun. - Expression and Production:
The host cells expressing the recombinant gene are cultured on a large scale in bioreactors to produce the desired recombinant protein. - Downstream Processing:
The final product is separated, purified, and processed to obtain a market-ready product.
