biotechnology essay 500 words

Essay on Biotechnology

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100 Words Essay on Biotechnology

What is biotechnology.

Biotechnology is a field in science that uses living things to make or change products. For example, it can help make better food, cure diseases, or clean up the environment. It’s like a toolbox for scientists to solve problems and make life better.

Types of Biotechnology

Biotechnology has many types. Red biotechnology is for medical processes. White biotechnology is for industrial processes. Green biotechnology is for agricultural processes. Blue biotechnology is for marine and aquatic processes. Each type has its own special uses.

Uses of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is used in many ways. It can make food grow faster and bigger. It can help doctors find new ways to treat diseases. It can also help clean up oil spills and other environmental problems. It’s a very useful field.

Future of Biotechnology

Biotechnology has a bright future. It can help us live longer, healthier lives. It can help us grow more food to feed everyone. It can also help us protect the environment. With biotechnology, we can make the world a better place.

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250 Words Essay on Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field of science that uses living things to make or change products. It’s like a mix of biology and technology. It’s been around for a long time, like when people started to breed animals or grow plants to make food.

How Does Biotechnology Work?

Biotechnology often involves changing the genes of a living thing. Genes are like instructions that tell a living thing how to grow and act. Scientists can take a gene from one living thing and put it into another. This can give the second living thing new abilities, like resistance to diseases.

Biotechnology can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used in medicine to make new treatments for diseases. It can also be used in agriculture to make crops that are stronger and more resistant to pests. Some other uses include cleaning up pollution and producing biofuels.

Biotechnology is an exciting field that can help solve many problems. But it’s also important to think about the possible risks and make sure it’s used in a safe and responsible way. It’s a great subject to learn about, especially if you’re interested in science and want to make a difference in the world.

500 Words Essay on Biotechnology

History of biotechnology.

Biotechnology has been around for a long time, even if we didn’t always call it that. Thousands of years ago, people used yeast, a kind of microbe, to make bread rise. They also used it to brew beer and make wine. This is a simple form of biotechnology. In the 1800s, scientists started to understand more about microbes and how they work. This led to big advances in biotechnology in the 1900s.

Modern Biotechnology

Today, biotechnology is a big part of our lives. It’s used in many areas, like medicine, agriculture, and industry. In medicine, biotechnology helps create new drugs and therapies to treat diseases. For example, insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar, is now made using biotechnology. Before, it was hard to get enough insulin to treat people with diabetes, a disease that affects blood sugar. But now, thanks to biotechnology, we can make lots of insulin quickly and easily.

The Future of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a fast-growing field with lots of potential. Scientists are always finding new ways to use it. One exciting area is genetic engineering, where scientists change the DNA of an organism. This can create plants that grow faster or animals that produce more milk. It could even lead to cures for genetic diseases, which are caused by problems in a person’s DNA.

Another exciting area is synthetic biology, where scientists create new life forms in the lab. This could lead to new kinds of medicine or ways to clean up pollution.

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Essay on Biotechnology: Definition, Advancement and Application

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Read this essay to learn about Biotechnology. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1. Definition of Biotechnology 2. Traditional and Modern Biotechnology 3. Advancement of Biotechnology 4. Applications 5. Scope 6. Biotechnology in India 7. Gene Therapy 8. Genetic Counseling 9. Bio Fertilizers and 10. Gene Bank.

Essay on Biotechnology Contents:

• Essay on  the Gene Bank

Essay # 1. Definition of Biotechnology:

Biotechnology is a term which is a combination of two individual terms: Biology and Technology. As the name suggests “It is the assembly of technology in science of biology”.

Most simply it may be defined as:

“The regulated and controlled use of the biological agents for the manufacture of useful products or for generating beneficial services”.

These biological agents may be microorganisms, animals or plants or their cellular components. However, it is not easy to define biotechnology in a single sentence because of its wide and multidisciplinary applications. Various definitions have been given by different scientific organisations. One of such standard definition as given by the ‘European Federation of Biotechnology’ is as follows:

Biotechnology is the integrated use of biochemistry, microbiology and engineering sciences in order to achieve technological applications of the capabilities of microorganisms, cultured cells/tissues and parts thereof.

U.S. National Science Federation says that “Biotechnology is the controlled use of biological agents such as microorganisms or cellular components for beneficial use.”

According to IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry), biotechnology means “the application of biochemistry, biology, microbiology and chemical engineering to industrial processes and products and on environment.”

Essay # 2. Traditional and Modern Biotechnology :

The art of biotechnology is very old. It is as old as human civilization. It actually began when man started the domestication of useful plants and animals and started utilizing microbes for making various beverages (like wine, beer), curd, vinegar, etc.

Alcohol was probably the first product of ancient biotechnology. Such practices which have been in vogue since long by our ancestors and are being used even today are included in the traditional biotechnology. Such practices are very common in day-to-day life and are also used in normal kitchen technology, i.e., while preparing idli, dhokla, cheese, curd, etc.

With the advancement of science and technology, advent of new analytical instruments and recent progress in the field of microbiology, molecular biology, etc. it has become possible for us to discover or improve better strains of microbes for commercial production. This all comprises the modern biotechnology. In simple words we may also differentiate between traditional (old) and modern (new) biotechnology.

It is as follows:

Old Biotechnology is the one which involves the exploitation and utilization of natural capabilities of microbes or cellular components for manufacture of useful products or for services.

New Biotechnology involves the use of recombinant DNA technology, enzyme engineering, genetic engineering practices, etc., for developing newer or improved capabilities of biological agents for production of beneficial services or products.

Essay # 3. Advancement of Biotechnology :

This branch of biology is in use by mankind since very long. Numerous important achievements and advancements have been made by many eminent workers for this discipline.

A few of such important contributions by various workers in the field of biotechnology are enlisted below:

Biotechnology as a Multidisciplinary Activity:

Biotechnology is truly multidisciplinary (or interdisciplinary) in nature and it encompasses several disciplines of basic sciences and engineering. The science disciplines from which biotechnology draws heavily are Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Tissue Culture and Physiology.

Recent advancements have led to a multidisciplinary’ applicability of biotechnology. Various areas in which this discipline is very frequently used on large scale are: agriculture, food and beverage industry, environment, medicines, energy and fuels, enzyme technology, waste utilization, biodiversity conservation, etc. (Fig. 1).

Biotechnology has great impact in areas like Environment, Bioinformatics, Genomics Proteomics and Human Genome Project (HGP).

Essay # 4. Applications of Biotechnology :

Biotechnology is such a branch of science which has advanced rapidly and has emerged as a potential science for providing benefits in all the fields of human welfare. It has a great impact in almost all the domains of human life, may it be health, environment, foods or agriculture. Recent advancements have led to a multidisciplinary applicability of biotechnology.

Various areas in which this discipline is very frequently used on a large scale are as follows:

1. Agriculture

2. Food and Beverage Industry

3. Environment

4. Health care and Medicines

5. Energy and Fuels.

6. Enzymes and Biochemical.

7. Other Industrial applications.

8. Forensic cases

9. Conservation of Nature

1. Biotechnology in Agriculture:

Agricultural biotechnology is supposed to be the answer to a hungry world’s food supply. The applications of biotechnology in agriculture rank second (first being in medicines). Biotechnological approaches are used valuably in the fields of horticulture and floriculture also.

Major applicability’s of biotechnology in the field of agriculture and horticulture are: Manufacture of Bio fertilizers which prove to be more beneficial than other synthetic and chemical fertilizers. Bio fertilizers are cost effective, harmless for plants and they also increase soil fertility.

The Nitrogen-fixation and assimilation efficiency of the crops are also being increased by the practices like cloning of nif (nitrogen fixing) genes or by transferring such genes Production of Transgenic plants or Genetically Modified plants (GMP) – The plants whose genome has been modified by introduction of foreign gene(s) of an unrelated organism, are called transgenic plants or GMPs e.g. Br cotton, Flavr Savr Tomato, golden Rice, etc.

The transgenic plants may provide one or more characteristics of the following:

(a) Resistance to insects, fungi, bacteria and virus

(b) Highly resistant to herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals.

(c) Drought, resistance, flood resistance, Salinity resistance, etc.

(d) High productivity.

(e) Crop plants with improved quality.

Plant Tissue Culture:

It aims at the in-vitro culture of plants. It is very beneficial for agriculture.

This is evident by the following points:

(a) Clonal propagation helps in rapid production of commercially important plants and trees like timber trees, ornamental plants, orchids, fruits, rubber plants, etc.

(b) Production of somatic hybrids by hybridization of protoplasts compatible plant species. Such somatic hybrids have characters of both umelated species.

(c) Production of artificial seeds, etc.

2. Biotechnology in Food and Beverage Industry:

A number of microorganisms are Used beneficially in the production of certain foods and beverages like cheese, wine curd beer, vinegar, etc. The underlying process behind such productions is fermentation Natural fermentation has played a vital role in human development and it is the oldest form of production of wine.

Fermentation may be defined as the process which involves the biochemical activity of microorganisms to produce an economically important product like food, beverages or pharmaceuticals. In other words, it is the use of microorganisms for production of commercial products. Natural fermentation is the part of traditional biotechnology.

Several modifications are also done in the genome of microbes by gene transfer methods to achieve better results and this is involved in modern biotechnology. The fermentation may be performed by yeasts, bacteria, molds or by combination of these organisms.

Yeasts are of primary importance in manufacture of bread, beer, wine and distilled liquors. Molds are important in the preparation of some cheeses and oriental foods A few fermented products are listed below along with the substrate name and the name of microorganism involved:

Distilled liquors:

Liquors or spirits of interest produced by distillation of an alcohohcally fermented product.

(a) Rum-Distillate from alcoholically fermented sugarcane juice or molasses

(b) Whiskey—Distillate from fermented grain mashes

(c) Brandy—Distillate from wine

(d) Gin—Distillate from fermented rye malt.

Single Cell Proteins (SCP):

It is the term which designates the high protein food from microorganisms like algae, filamentous fungi, bacteria and yeast. Genetic engineering is used to select and produce the high protein content or desirable composition of food by improving the microbial strains. SCP is, actually, the total microbial biomass which is free from any type of toxins and contaminants.

It is high in protein content so it can be used to replace the conventional vegetable and animal protein sources. Bio technological approaches have been in use for the mass-cultivation of SCP by improving the source microorganisms.

Some such microbial sources are:

Chlorella, Spirulina, Scenedesmus

Agaricus campestris; Morchella crassipes

Candida utilis, Saccharomyces fragilis, Rhodotorula

Pseudomonas, Cellumonas.

3. Biotechnology and Environment:

A clean environment is as important for us as better health and nutritious food. Environmental biotechnology promises to solve many problems related with pollution, waste disposal, etc.

i. Methods using organisms to breakdown the pollutants for e.g. the traditional septic tanks where domestic sewage is decomposed by bacteria.

ii. Genetically engineered microbes (GEM) are used for efficient treatment of industrial waste water.

iii. A greatly enhanced oil-eating bacterial strain i.e., Pseudomonas helps in the removal of oil-spills.

iv. Bioremediation of pollutants is an effective, simple and more practical method of removal of earth’s pollution. Bioremediation means the utilization of biological organisms for reducing pollution or for the removal of environmental pollutants. The bioremediation of organic toxic pollutants is mainly based on the microorganisms and thus it is called as ‘microbial bioremediation. On the other hand, the bioremediation of inorganic contaminants is carried by certain plant species and therefore it is termed as ‘phytoremediation’ (i.e., bioremediation by use of plants).

v. Growing plants with high metal absorbing ability can be a cheap and effective method to remove toxic chemicals from a particular land area.

vi. Most importantly, the production of biofuels is also a gift of environmental biotechnology for us.

4. Biotechnology in Medicines and Health Care:

In medical field, the contribution of biotechnology is most frequent. It not only helps in the cure of diseases but also aids in detection and prevention of disease. It also helps in curing genetic disorders by means of gene therapy.

i. DNA probes and Monoclonal antibodies are used as tools for diagnosis of diseases.

ii. Many valuable drugs and antibiotics are also produced on large scale by using biotechnological processes.

iii. Human Insulin was the first therapeutic product to be made commercially by genetically engineered bacterium.

iv. Cloning of human leukocyte interferon gene, HepatitisB Virus gene, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) genes, etc. have also helped in the production of vaccines.

v. Gene therapy is the method of curing genetic diseases (or acquired diseases) by the replacement of an abnormal gene by a therapeutic gene. Diseases like Tay-sachs disease, Cystic fibrosis, etc. can be cured by gene therapy. Currently biotechnologists are also making trials for using gene therapy to cure tumours, cancers, etc.

The type of gene therapy which is done at the level of germ cells like sperms, or eggs is called as germ line gene therapy. In this type of gene therapy, the functional genes are introduced into the genome of germ cells.

The changes so occurred are passed on to the forthcoming generations also, i.e., the changes are heritable in case of germ line gene therapy. Other type of gene therapy is the somatic cell gene therapy. It involves the correction of genetic defects by introduction of therapeutic gene into the somatic cells of body. The changes so occurred are not heritable.

vi. Genetic engineering aids in the high speed and high quantity production of antibiotics by certain microorganisms.

A few important antibiotics and their sources are given below:

(a) Penicillin – Penicillium notatum, P. chrysogenum

(b) Streptomycin – Streptomyces griseus

(c) Aureomycin – S. aureofaciens

(d) Chloromycetin – S. venezuelae, S. lavendulae.

(e) Erythromycin – S. erytheraeus

(f) Griseofulvin – P. griseofulvum

(g) Oxytetracyclin – S. rimosus

5. Biotechnology in Energy and Fuels:

Today oil is the major fuelling material but it is bound to run out in forthcoming years. Also, it causes a great amount of pollution. A substitute of it is being found in biofuels which are produced from the sources that are relatively clean and renewable.

i. Potential fuel crops can be genetically engineered so that they can grow at a faster rate and that also with a higher ratio of easily fermentable tissues.

ii. The microbes involved in fermentation can also be engineered for more efficient conversion of substrate into biofuel.

Biotechnology is contributing a lot to increase the acceptability of biomass, biogas. etc. as the commercially stable energy options for forthcoming time. The biomass of other biological wastes can be utilized for the generation of different forms of energy.

Biotechnology provides a number of advanced techniques for this purpose. For instance, the techniques of gene manipulations, improved varieties of plants for high yield, modified microbes, etc. makes it possible to explore renewable sources of energy.

There are certain plants which produce hydrocarbons and are called as petro-plants. e.g. Hevea rubber plant, Calotropis procera, Euphorbia lathyris, etc. Certain algae are also of immense use in production of biofuels. Biological agents like plants and microbes are modified biotechnologically and are then used to generate efficient fuels like biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, bio hydrogen, etc.

6. Biotechnology in Production of Enzymes and Biochemical:

Many commercially important enzymes and other biochemical compounds can be obtained on large scale by modifying the source microbial strains using gene transfer methods.

Such modified microbes are termed as GEMs (Genetically Engineered Microbes). Similarly, many other compounds like vitamins, steroids, secondary metabolites, organic acids, etc. may be extracted and derived from the activity of other GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

i. Bio fertilizers, Bio herbicides, Bio-insecticides etc. are certain biologically produced chemical compounds which involve the utilization of microbial activities.

ii. Some Examples of enzymes with their source microorganisms are:

Pectinase – Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis

Glucanase – A. niger, B. subtilis

Lipase – A. niger, Mucor spp.

Cellulase – A. niger, Rhizopus, Trichoderma

α- amylase – B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens

Invertase – Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. fragilis

Rennet – Mucor spp.

Urate oxidase – Aspergillus flavus

Protease – Bacillus licheniformis

Glucose oxidase – Penicillium notatum

7. Other Industrial Applications:

Microorganisms are of great importance for production of various substances having great scope in different industries. Microbial strains can be improved biotechnologically to get the desired product in sufficient quantity. For this purpose, the microbes can be improved using genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology).

Different products of interest which are frequently produced in this manner are vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, amino acids, etc. Using genetic engineering techniques, it has become possible to obtain the mutants of microorganisms which can produce a much higher amount of product of interest than the natural ones.

Genetic engineering not only results into enhanced metabolite production but may also help in product modification, or producing a completely new product of interest.

Different uses of genetically engineered microbes (GEM) in various industries can be enlisted as follows:

(a) Vitamins like Vit. A, B, C, etc.

(b) Alcohols like Ethanol, Butanol, Amyl Alcohol.

(c) Amino Acids e.g. L-Glutamate, Glycine, L-Lysine, L-Valine, eta

(d) Antibiotics e.g. Penicillin, Tetracyclic Streptomycin, etc.

(e) Enzymes from fungi, bacteria, etc. e.g. L-amylase, lipase, penicillinase, protease, invertase etc.

(f) Bio fertilizers, Bio insecticides and Bio herbicides from biotechnologically improved bacterial, fungal, protozoan strains. These are of great benefit in agriculture.

(g) Extraction of minerals like copper, uranium from ores through leaching by using improved bacterial strains.

8. Biotechnology in forensic cases:

The applications of biotechnology in forensic science involve mainly the DNA fingerprinting technique. It helps in the identification of the rapists, murderers, or any other criminals on the basis of the study of DNA isolated from blood stains, hair roots, semen, sweat, saliva or urine. This technique also helps in solving the parentage disputes i.e., to find out the biological father of a child.

9. Biotechnology for Conservat ion of Nature:

For ex-situ conservation of plant species, the biotechnological approaches are used. The germplasm banks, seed banks, gene banks, etc. utilize the cryopreservation technique. Various tissue culture techniques are also employed for conservation of threatened species. Micro propagation helps in the rapid multiplication of endangered plant species.

Essay # 5. Scope of Biotechnology :

Biotechnological approaches are applied to accomplish goals for the benefit of mankind. Scientists have achieved many such goals and a few fields are also there in which they are trying for success.

Following are a few programmes being undertaken by the biotechnologists:

(a) Development of effective antiviral vaccines.

(b) Bio-control of plant diseases

(c) Genetically improving the pharmaceutical microorganisms.

(d) Large scale production of bio pesticides and bio fertilizers.

(e) Production of Human Interferon’s.

(f) Upgrading the photosynthetic efficiency of plants.

(g) Production of secondary metabolites from plants on large scale.

(h) Improved production of vitamins.

(i) Developing efficient biofuels.

(j) Developing methods for curing cancer.

(k) Better gene therapy practices for human.

(l) Production of transgenic animals and plants with better qualities.

(m) Protection of threatened species.

Biotechnology has become a very happening branch of science today. Developed countries and even some developing countries also, are pushing the researches in this field biotechnology has a great commercial potential It has revolutionized the industries specially the pharmaceuticals. This revolution is clearly reflected by the emergence of a number of biotechnological companies all over the world.

To name a few of these biotech companies are Monsanto Co. (U.S.A.), Genentech Inc. (U.S.A.), Eli lilly Smithkline, Hybritech U.S.A., etc. In India also, there are a number of companies which have been successfully producing the modern biotechnological products specially the drugs Some such Indian companies are Pennetia Biotech Ltd., Wipro, Reliance, etc..

Essay # 6. Biotechnology in India:

Like other developing countries, biotechnology has become a major thrust in India also for promotion and planning of various biotechnological programmes in India, there is present a separate department called Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

DBT was set up in 1986 under the Ministry of Science & Technology.

DBT funds some important centres for exploiting biotechnological approaches and also for promotion of post­graduate education and research in the field of biotechnology. Apart from DBT there are some other agencies also which work under the Indian Government for promotion of biotechnological approaches in various fields like industry agriculture and environment.

A few important of them are:

i. DST—Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi

ii. CSIR—Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi

iii. ICMR—Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi

iv. IARI—Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

There are many other centres in India which function, in one way or the other for promoting biotechnology in India. Some of these centres are: NDRI—National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana

i. CDRI—Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, U.P.

ii. IVRI—Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. U.P. CFTRI—Central Food and Technological Research Institute, Mysore

iii. CIMAP Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, U.P.

iv. IITs of Kanpur, Madras, Bombay, New Delhi.

v. NBPGR—National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi

In addition to all the above mentioned centres, there are also a number of companies in private sector of India which have been showing keen interest in the production of modern biotechnological products.

Essay # 7. Gene Therapy :

Gene therapy in most simple words is the use of a gene to cure a disease. There are a number of genetic diseases or acquired disorders that may have occurred due to specific mutations in genes. Such disorders may be corrected by replacing the defective gene by a normal healthy gene.

This strategy of correcting the diseases is termed as gene therapy. So, the gene therapy may be defined as the introduction of normal functional gene in the defective cells of a patient to correct a genetic or acquired disorder. The process of introduction of gene into the appropriate cell of patient is called as the gene delivery.

During 1940s it was discovered that a gene from one bacterial strain could be transferred into another strain and also that gene could be expressed in another strain successfully. This discovery made the researchers to think about the possibility that human genetic disorder can be corrected in an analogous manner.

Introduction of a normal (therapeutic) gene into a cell having defective gene, results into the correction of disorder because the transferred gene provides the normal required gene product and this whole strategy is termed as the gene therapy.

A number of human diseases have been targeted for gene therapy. Some of these are:

A. Genetic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Haemophilia-A, B, Phenylketonuria, Severe combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), etc.

B. Acquired diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, Cancer, etc.

While performing gene therapy, one of the two strategies can be followed for gene delivery.

These two strategies are given below:

(i) I n-vivo:

In this strategy, the normal therapeutic gene is introduced directly into the target cell of patient.

(ii) E x-vivo:

In this type of approach, the cells are isolated, cultured in-vitro and then the normal gene is introduced into these cells. Such transformed cells are then transplanted into the patient. Gene therapy can be done at two levels for disease-correction, either at the embryo level called as embryo therapy in which inheritance is also altered, or it can be done at the patient level which is called as the patient therapy.

Types of Gene Therapy :

There are mainly two types of gene therapies; these are somatic gene therapy and germ line gene therapy.

(a) Somatic Gene Therapy:

In this type, the therapeutic gene is introduced in the somatic cells of the patient. The effect so produced is not heritable. This approach is being used for trials made to treat cancer and blood disorders mainly.

(b) Germ line Gene Therapy:

In this type of gene therapy, the functional normal genes are introduced into the germ cells like sperm and eggs to correct the disorder. The changes produced by such approach are heritable and thus are passed to the next generations.

Gene therapy is beneficial not only to treat genetic disorders but also for treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. To ensure a successful gene therapy, it is essential to decide an appropriate gene delivery system corresponding to the type of the target tissues.

Essay # 8. Genetic Counseling:

It is another application of biotechnology for human welfare. This technique is a boon to those couples who have some kind of doubt regarding the health of their future progeny. Genetic counselling is actually for those couples who have a threat in their minds that there may be a risk of producing a child with any genetic disease.

In developed countries, it has become a very popular and routine part of the medical practices. However now-a-days, it has also been suggested even in developing countries to go for genetic counselling, if there is any kind of doubt.

The person who serves the genetic counselling to the couples is called as a genetic counsellor. A genetic counsellor has a role for identification of genetic disease on the basis of description provided by the couple. After studying the family history thoroughly, a genetic counsellor suggests the couple for the probability of giving birth to a normal or a diseased child.

On the basis of his studies and observations, a genetic counsellor tells the possibilities of giving birth to the child or aborting the child. The technique of genetic counselling is based on the antenatal diagnosis. In this method of diagnosis, a small quantity of amniotic fluid is taken from the foetus of a pregnant woman.

This amniotic fluid contains foetal cells which are cultured on medium and then are tested to check for the presence of any genetic disorder. If on genetic counselling, the possibility of disease is detected to be higher, then, the abortion can be recommended.

Usually those couples seek genetic counselling who have a family history of diseases or those who already have any diseased child and wish to know the chances of having a normal child in next pregnancy. Genetic counselling is recommended mostly for the cases of diseases like cystic fibrosis, thalassaemia, etc. A genetic counsellor may also prescribe gene therapy to the patients if he finds any scope for it after diagnosis.

Essay # 9. Bio Fertilizers :

Bio fertilizers are described as the microorganisms which are utilized as fertilizers for plants as they enhance the availability of nutrients like Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) to the plants. Another term used for bio fertilizers is Microbial Inoculants. A number of biological agents are being employed at large scale for the commercial preparation of bio fertilizers which include algae, bacteria and fungi.

So, we may define bio fertilizers as the microbial inoculants of bacteria, algae and fungi which increase the availability of nutrients like N, P to the plants and thus result into benefit of plants. The importance of bio fertilizers has been realized now and therefore a lot of efforts are being made by the government as well as private sector to encourage the use of bio fertilizers.

The microbial inoculants/bio fertilizers serve following advantageous aspects:

(i) These are economical.

(ii) Unlike chemical fertilizers, they are environment friendly.

(iii) Bio fertilizers do not damage the soil texture.

(iv) They not only provide nutrition to the plants but also help in enhancing the plant growth and yield.

On the basis of the type of nutrient provided by the bio fertilizers, they can be categorized as follows:

(a) Nitrogen Bio fertilizers:

These are the microbial inoculants which enhance the availability of nitrogen by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Examples of this category include Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Cyanobacterium, etc.

(b) Phosphatic Biofertilizers:

These are the bio fertilizers which are responsible to increase the availability of nutrient phosphorus to the plant by solubilizing the soil phosphorus. Bacteria like Thiobacillus, Bacillus, etc. are important examples of such category.

Some important microorganisms which are used commercially as bio-fertilizers are enlisted below:

For large scale production of bio-fertilizers, it is choose the efficient strains for N 2- fixation and/or P-solubilization. To ensure the longevity of bio-fertilizers, their storage and distribution systems must be proper. In India, there is a continuous progress of bio-fertilizers exploitation.

A number of private industries are also involved in manufacturing of bio fertilizers. Government has also prepared a range of standards regarding the maintenance and quality of bio-fertilizers. A National Bio-fertilizer Development Centre is located at Ghaziabad in U.P. which functions for the quality check and development of bio-fertilizers in India.

Essay # 10. Gene Bank:

A gene bank is a facility where the genetic material is stored in the form of seeds or plant parts at low temperatures. It serves as an efficient method to store the germplasm of wild as well as cultivated plants and therefore it helps in conserving the vanishing genetic-diversity.

A gene bank is actually like a compartmentalized cold storage where the genetic material is stored under controlled conditions of the temperature and humidity for their germplasm conservation. Conventionally ‘seeds’ are preferred as the material for germplasm conservation.

The principle of a gene bank is that the dehydrated seeds can retain their viability for a longer period of time if stored in cold conditions.

For a long-term storage usually a temperature ranging between 0-18°C is applied. However, cryopreservation has made it more easy to store seeds in viable condition for even longer durations of time. In cryopreservation, the genetic material is stored in liquid nitrogen having a very low temperature of -196 C.

Along with conserving the original genetic diversity, gene banks also make the genetic material available as raw material to the breeders and biotechnologists.

A few of the important gene banks are located at Vavilov Institute (Russia), National seed storage laboratory (Fort Collins, USA), International Rice Research Institute (Philippines), National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (New Delhi) and Royal Botanic Garden (Kew).

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Essays on Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to agriculture. Writing an essay on biotechnology is important because it allows students to delve deeper into the subject, understand its impact on society, and explore the ethical and moral implications of its advancements.

When writing an essay on biotechnology, it is crucial to start by conducting thorough research. This can involve reading academic journals, books, and credible online sources to gather information and data on the topic. It is important to ensure that the sources are reliable and up-to-date to provide accurate and current information.

Another important aspect of writing an essay on biotechnology is to clearly define the scope and purpose of the essay. This can involve identifying the specific aspect of biotechnology that will be discussed, such as its applications in medicine, agriculture, or environmental conservation. Having a clear focus will help in organizing the information and presenting a coherent argument.

Additionally, it is important to consider the ethical and social implications of biotechnology in the essay. This can involve discussing the potential risks and benefits of biotechnological advancements, as well as addressing any concerns related to genetic engineering, cloning, and other controversial topics. Presenting a balanced view and considering multiple perspectives is essential in addressing these complex issues.

Furthermore, when writing an essay on biotechnology, it is important to use clear and concise language to convey complex ideas. Avoiding jargon and technical language that may be difficult for the reader to understand is important in making the essay accessible and engaging. Additionally, using evidence and examples to support arguments will strengthen the essay and provide credibility to the points being made.

In conclusion, writing an essay on biotechnology is important as it allows for a deeper understanding of the field and its implications. Conducting thorough research, defining the scope and purpose, considering ethical implications, and using clear and concise language are all important aspects to consider when writing an essay on biotechnology.

Best Biotechnology Essay Topics

• The Impact of CRISPR Technology on Genetic Engineering
• The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning
• The Role of Biotechnology in Environmental Conservation
• Advancements in Biopharmaceuticals and Their Impact on Medicine
• The Future of Food: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
• Bioinformatics and its Role in Genomic Research
• Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture
• Bioremediation: Using Microorganisms to Clean Up Pollution
• The Use of Biotechnology in Forensic Science
• The Potential of Gene Therapy in Treating Genetic Disorders
• The Role of Biotechnology in Developing Vaccines
• Biotechnology and Renewable Energy Sources
• The Impact of Biotechnology on Animal Welfare
• The Use of Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications
• Biotechnology and Stem Cell Research
• The Future of Personalized Medicine
• The Role of Biotechnology in Space Exploration
• Biotechnology and the Development of Artificial Organs
• The Use of CRISPR Technology in Agriculture
• Biotechnology and Biosecurity: Challenges and Solutions

Biotechnology Essay Topics Prompts

• Imagine a world where biotechnology has eradicated a major global disease. How would this impact society and the healthcare industry?
• If you could use biotechnology to enhance one aspect of the human body, what would it be and why?
• Write a speculative essay on the future of biotechnology and its potential impact on humanity.
• How has biotechnology revolutionized the way we approach environmental conservation and sustainability?
• Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of biotechnology in human enhancement and designer babies.

Biochemistry: The Molecular Ballet of Life's Processes

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Genetic Engineering: Using Biotechnology in Gmo

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The Concept of an Essential

Frankenstein's problem - technologies out of control and human responsibility, recent advancements in nanotechnology-based systems and specific nanoparticles used for different purposes in ophthalmology, the arguments for genetically modified food, review of the history of invention of x-rays technology, the effects of a computed tomography (ct) scanner on the human body, review of the germination process and its stages, production and characterization of electrospun cellulose acetate/zinc oxide (ca/zno) nanocomposite, fungal and mycotoxin contamination in stored masticatories, the legal and bioethical aspects of personalised medicine based on genetic composition, the moral lessons of 'the median isn't the message', anagene inc: case study, relevant topics.

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Essay Samples on Biotechnology

Why i choose biotechnology: a personal and professional journey.

This essay outlines various factors—both personal and professional—that have led to the decision to pursue a career in biotechnology. It elaborates on the intellectual curiosity, desire for positive impact, personal connections, and the dynamic nature of the field as key reasons for this choice. Introduction...

• Biotechnology
• Personal Experience

Biotechnology Reflection: A Look into the Promises and Perils of Biotech

Introduction In an era of rapid technological advancements, biotechnology stands out as one of the most transformative and controversial fields. This biotechnology reflection aims to delve into the multi-faceted world of biotechnology, considering its profound impacts on medicine, agriculture, environment, and society at large. The...

The Ethics of Biotechnology: Navigating a Complex Landscape

This essay provides a comprehensive exploration of the various ethical dimensions of biotechnology, touching on numerous aspects including medical applications, agricultural innovations, environmental implications. Introduction The ethics of biotechnology are as complex as the science itself. As biotechnological advancements continue to soar, so do the...

Significance of Biotechnology as a Tool for Improving Life on Earth

Biotechnology is the use of biology specifically utilizing biological systems or living organisms to solve and analyzed scientific knowledge in which its processes is to develop technologies and products that help improve the society and the health of our planet. Biotechnology belongs to the interdisciplinary...

• Applied Sciences

Agritech: Transforming Farming Practices for a Sustainable Future

Agricultural biotechnology, otherwise called agritech, is an area of agricultural science including the utilization of logical apparatuses and methods, including hereditary designing, atomic markers, sub-atomic diagnostics, immunizations, and tissue culture, to adjust living life forms: plants, creatures, and microorganisms. Crop biotechnology is one part of...

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Painless Needles and Robots: How Technology is Shaping Medicine

Introduction  Technology has had a gorgeous influence on society when it comes to medicine. Medical technology has been around since the caveman began the use of rocks as tools to perform freshening. Since then, there have been many new advancements in medicinal drugs due to...

• Effects of Technology

The Role of Biotech and Tissue Engineering for Humanity

With science rapidly evolving day by day, the rate of new technologies being adapted for personal and social applications has risen exponentially and has led humanity to move ahead in accord with futuristic years. We have now risen from the survival stage and have moved...

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regeneration

Analysis of Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research has been a debatable topic for several years. There are several pros and cons that should be considered in the medical field. Some pros include curing and treating certain diseases, aiding in the improvement of organ function, and preventing organ rejection for...

• Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research: Accomplishments and Debate

Stewart Sell, a senior scientist at Ordway Cancer Research Institute, said, “In the beginning there is the stem cell; it is the origin of an organism's life. It is a single cell that can give rise to progeny that differentiate into any of the specialized...

Aptazyme-Embedded Guide Rnas For Genome Editing

In few years ago, researches in synthetic biology and biotechnology have evolved rapidly and their application for bioengineering are tangible breakthroughs achieved nowadays to meet human needs. CRISPR technology is among current useful biotechnology tool used in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms for gene editing intention...

• Modern Technology

Michio Kaku Documentary: A Growing Role of Biotech Revolution

A Bio-Tech Revolution is on the rise as mentioned by Michio Kaku in his Documentary with BBC FOUR entitled Biotech Revolution. A merger between Biology and Technology ranging from Medicine down to the very essence of life, genetics. The documentary was an eye-opening experience to...

• Documentary

Thermal Management In Biological Wireless Sensor Networks

They are the type of wireless networks that are basically composed of biological sensors which are basically implanted in the bodies of animals and humans and control their biological body movements and are monitored by scientists who determine their body language and the body system....

Current Development And Future Of Space Biotechnology

Space biotechnology is a promising field which is growing at a fast pace for the advancement of space exploration using tools of biotechnology. Since the installment of the International Space Station ISS back in 1998, many laboratory components have been built to carry out experiments...

• Space Exploration

Detrimental Effects Of Indiscriminate Use Of Manureson On Soil Microbes

In present day agricultural practices indiscriminate use of manures, particularly the N and phosphorus, have led to substantial contamination of soil, air and water. Massive use of these manures, other than organic or biomanure or bacterial fertilizer showed detrimental effects on soil microbes, affects the...

• Microbiology

Discussion On Biotechnology And Gene Research

This discussion is on biotechnology and gene research, what are main goals for accomplishing this and will it change the pharmacy industry today. In doing this research, we are to give reasons why or why not in these areas. What exactly is biotechnology? It’s basically...

• Genetic Engineering

The Concept Of Plant Biotechnology

Key words: Phylogeny, Taxonomy, Biodiversity, Plant Biotechnology, plant Genetic engineering, Benefits, Bioinformatics, Plant breeding, Plant GMO, benefits of plant GMO, Plant reproduction, Edible plants. Report Phylogeny is the evolutionary tree that connects numerous different biological species under one common ancestor. It is constructed based on...

The Peculiarities Of Sri Lankan Crop Cultivation

Introduction Being an agricultural based country, Sri Lankan crop cultivation faces several challenges due to its specific climatic conditions. Prolonged seasonal lack of rainfall is one of such major abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and reducing crop productivity. The development of molecular cloning techniques has...

Best topics on Biotechnology

1. Why I Choose Biotechnology: A Personal and Professional Journey

2. Biotechnology Reflection: A Look into the Promises and Perils of Biotech

3. The Ethics of Biotechnology: Navigating a Complex Landscape

4. Significance of Biotechnology as a Tool for Improving Life on Earth

5. Agritech: Transforming Farming Practices for a Sustainable Future

6. Painless Needles and Robots: How Technology is Shaping Medicine

7. The Role of Biotech and Tissue Engineering for Humanity

8. Analysis of Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research

9. Stem Cell Research: Accomplishments and Debate

10. Aptazyme-Embedded Guide Rnas For Genome Editing

11. Michio Kaku Documentary: A Growing Role of Biotech Revolution

12. Thermal Management In Biological Wireless Sensor Networks

13. Current Development And Future Of Space Biotechnology

14. Detrimental Effects Of Indiscriminate Use Of Manureson On Soil Microbes

15. Discussion On Biotechnology And Gene Research

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Biotechnology - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Biotechnology, a field that utilizes biological systems, living organisms, or parts of this to develop or create different products, has had profound impacts on medicine, agriculture, and industrial processes. Essays on biotechnology could explore its history, the fundamental principles underlying biotechnological innovations, and the myriad applications that have transformed human society. Discussions might also delve into the ethical, legal, and social implications of biotechnological advancements, the challenges of equitable access to biotechnological innovations, and the regulatory frameworks governing biotechnology. Moreover, analyzing the future potential of biotechnology, the ongoing research in emerging biotechnological fields, and the interdisciplinary nature of biotechnological research can provide a comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving field and its pivotal role in addressing global challenges. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Biotechnology you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Photosynthesis Vs. Cellular Respiration the Major Processess in a Global Balance

There are two key processes that occur in nature to obtain energy, they are photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The derivative of the word photosynthesis is the process in which energy of sunlight is converted by plants to store chemical energy in carbohydrate bonds. Photosynthesis is known to be performed by plants, as is cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is organisms obtaining energy from a conversation that releases energy when oxygen is present. These two processes work together hand in hand as […]

Are GMO Foods Better than Organic Foods

When we talk about GMO a lot of people might think that GMO(genetic modified organism) is used in animal or human, but today I will talk about the use of GMO on the plant. A lot of people think that GMO is not safe for eat because you are changing a DNA/gene of the plant and our body might not recognize the food that we had eaten. Another group of people refuses to buy GMO labeled foods. This cost a […]

Are G.M.O. Foods Safe?

Following the discovery of the double helix, DNA structure in 1953, genetic engineering became increasingly popular in experimenting with different genetic traits, within different organisms. The science behind Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is different from selective breeding. It involves the insertion of DNA from one organism into another, or a modification of an organism's DNA in order to achieve a desired trait. Today, scientist and farmers have teamed up in producing GMO's with animals and plants that have affected today's […]

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GMO’s: Safe or Harmful?

Ever since the first signs of agriculture, there have been new developments in every generation. The world's population and demand for food is progressively growing getting larger as every day, as well as the demand for food, and whereas, the land that is used for agricultureal production is diminishing not getting any larger. Crop scientists are working hard every day to find a way to multiply farmers' yields and to do it in a safe and healthy way. Many crop […]

HeLa the Immortal Cell

Cells are the basic building blocks of life and make up all living organisms. There are two classifications of cells in every organism called prokaryotes and eukaryotes. A prokaryotic cell composes of single cell organisms like bacteria for example. While, a eukaryotic cell consists of multicellular organisms, the example for that is humans. The human body contains 75 trillion cells and each has its specific purpose and functions that they carry out throughout the human body. The human body is […]

Social and Ethical Implications of GMO’s

There are biotechnology debates about genetically modified organisms in society and can be illustrated with the serious conflict between two groups that are voicing possible benefits and possible drawbacks to GMOs. First, are the Agricultural biotech companies that provide tools to farmers to yield bigger better crops but in the most cost-effective way, also known as Agri-biotech. Agri-biotech investors and their affiliated scientists versus the independent scientists, environmentalists, farmers, and consumers (Maghari 1). On one hand, you have the Agri-biotech […]

Idea of Photosynthesis by Jan Ingenhousz

To begin, the idea of photosynthesis was created by, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ""A Dutch scientist, Jan Ingenhousz. (Ingenhousz 1.) He was born in the Netherlands on December 8, 1730. Ingenhousz, is most known for his discovery of photosynthesis. According, to Encyclopedia Britannica, ""Ingenhousz discovered that light is necessary for photosynthesis, only the green parts of the plant perform photosynthesis, and all living parts of the plant can potentially damage the air."" (Ingenhousz 1.) Photosynthesis occurs in two steps inside […]

DNA and Mutations

Occurrence of mutation. Mutation is the process that produces a gene or a chromosome set different from the wild type. For instance this allows us to measure the frequency of mutation occurance.a cell caring mutation can be used as probes to disassemble the constituent parts of a biological function and to examine their workings and interrelations.For a recessive mutation to give rise to a mutant phenotype in a diploid organism both alleles must carry the mutation but one copy of […]

Exploring the Intricacies of Genetics through DNA

Introduction The hereditary molecule that is tasked with carrying genetic instructions that are used in all living things in development, growth, reproduction and functioning is referred to as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA molecules consist of two strands which are bipolar and are mostly coiled near to one another to form a spiral. This strands are referred to as polynucleotides simply because they are made of small units known as nucleotides. The information of the DNA is stored in this nucleotides. […]

The Significance of Stem Cell Regulation

Before delving into the molecular biology and therapeutic potentials of induced pluripotent stem cells, it is crucial to provide foundational definitions and descriptions. A stem cell commences as an undifferentiated cell that can either undergo self-renewal, whereby it generates daughter cells that remain as stem cells, or mature into a specific cell type via differentiation (Can/Hematol 2008). Specific stem cell types possess unique potencies, or abilities to self-renew. That is to say, one type of stem cell may be capable […]

Research Paper: Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms, otherwise referred to as GMOs, is a highly debated and researched topic throughout the world, however, highly prevalent in the United States today. It is plant, animals, or other organism in which their genetic makeup has been altered or modified by either genetic engineering or transgenic technology. GMOs are used either in the medical field or agriculturally, looking to cure diseases and create vaccines or attempt to get the healthiest or highest profit out a product. Prior […]

How Cells Cheat Death

Cells are constantly fighting between life and death. It is believed that once cells go through certain incidences, their death is irreversible. Incidences such as, shrinkage, the breakdown of DNA or mitochondria, condensation of the nucleus, as well as activation of caspases. A new ability to replenished cells was recently discovered; it is called anastasis. Anastasis is a natural cell recovery that rescues cells from the brink of death (Tang, 2018). Its purpose is to save cells that are challenging […]

GMO’s at a Corporate Scale

Genetic modification is the direct alteration of an organism's genetic material using biotechnology. Currently, this form of genetic modification is a rapidly developing field because of the benefits it provides the environment and mankind. However, with GMOs on the rise a great deal of controversy has been sparked. While GMOs prove to be beneficial in some cases, they do have they're drawbacks. All around the world people are beginning to protest against GMOs and the giant corporations which develop them. […]

GMOs: a Solution to Global Hunger and Malnutrition?

It is common knowledge that a nutritious well-balanced diet is important to our health and well-being. Some of the time food biotechnology prompts resistance from buyer gatherings and hostile to biotechnology from lobbyist gatherings. As far as safety for humans, it is commonly recognized that testing of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) foods have been deficient in the identification of unpredicted allergens or poisons which can prompt destructive outcomes. However, research has shown that GMOs may be extremely useful in a […]

GMO’s on Developing Countries

Biotechnology advanced in 1973 when Stanley Cohen and Professor Herbert Boyer originated Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) recombination (Friedberg, 590). Recombinant DNA (rDNA), more commonly known as 'transgenic' or genetically modified organisms, are made by withdrawing genes from one species and forcefully infusing the genes into another species. According to Catherine Feuillet (2015), GMOs were created with objectives to improve crop characteristics and overall help the environment. Not only are seeds being manipulated, but animals are too. Although the animals are mainly […]

GMO in Foods

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a reasonably well-known concept. This experimental technology modifies DNA from different species, including plants, animals, and bacteria, to create a longer lasting food product. Many people are not aware of the adverse side effects GMOs can cause to the body ("What are GMOs?"). Although it might be a solution to creating an abundance of food production, GMOs are harmful to the environment and increases the risk of health problems on the consumers (Baetens). The purpose […]

Senescent Cells and Ageing: Unraveling the Mysteries of Zombie Cells

Senescent cells are somatic cells, other than reproductive cells, that can no longer divide, but are resistant to apoptosis (Scudellari, 2017). Although these cells have no use, they do not die off, which gives them their trivial name of “zombie cells”. Zombie cells can exist in various parts of the body, and they all have their own specific resistance to apoptosis, express different extracellular proteins, and secrete different variations of molecules such as cytokines (Scudellari, 2017). This senescence secretion activity […]

Exome Sequencing to Identify Rare Mutations Associated with Breast Cancer Susceptibility

Abstract Background - Breast cancer predisposition has been known to be caused by hereditary factors. New techniques particularly exome sequencing have allowed/ helped us to identify new and novel variants that exhibit a phenotype. Method - In this review we discuss the advantages of exome sequencing and how it could help in understanding the familial breast cancer. In particular, we will discuss about the studies by Noh et al.(1), Thompson et al.(2), and Kiiski et al.(3), on how they have […]

What is Cisplatin?

Cisplatin is a "chemotherapeutic agent" that can covalently bind with DNA using the purine base, mainly guanine, in a cross-link that leads to transcription inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and an apoptotic effect27. Cisplatin is responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species28. Absorption of cisplatin into the nuclear DNA binds two adjacent guanines in the same DNA strand, causing an inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell death29. Moreover, programmed cell death or apoptosis has been associated with several anticancer drugs, […]

Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription

Abstract Signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) protein are cytoplasmic transcription factor that have been known for cell tumor proliferation, survival, invasion, apoptosis and immune response. Each of these STAT family protein have a role and function when they are interacting with the cell in the human body. Among all of the STAT family protein the most important one is the STAT3. STAT3 is involved with many diseases as well as cancer. And the involvement it has with it […]

Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase

Genomic DNA can be damaged by endogenous or environmental stresses. During repair, these short single-stranded DNAs are continuously generated and may leak out to the cytoplasm, where they are generally drawn back into the nucleus by DNA repair and replication factors (RPA and Rad51). Alongside this, TREX1, a cytoplasmic exonuclease, is anchored on the outer nuclear membrane to degrade leaking DNAs immediately. This prevents activation of the cGAS/STING pathway against self DNA. Inhibition of any of the above-mentioned proteins leads […]

Essay about Resistance to Stress

Caloric restriction extends longevity in yeast because the absence of Tor/Sch9 signaling causes a metabolic change that uses acetic acid, which is similar to the generation and use of ketone bodies, acetoacetic acid, and lower than that of glucose (Wei et al., 2009). High levels of acetic acid promotes apoptosis in yeast and is the primary factor promoting culture acidification, chronological aging, and apoptotic death (Burtner et al., 2009). Tor/Sch9 pathway blocks the utilization of acetate. Tor-Sch9 deficiency extends longevity […]

Aminoglycoside-Induced Hair Cell Death and Potential Therapies

Introduction Hearing loss is the third most common disorder in the United States, being more prevalent than diabetes or cancer (Blackwell et al., 2014). Our ability to hear is dependent on hair cells that can translate the sounds we hear into electrical impulses that can be interpreted by the brain. When sound waves enter the cochlea located in the inner ear, they deflect the apical portion of hair cells, also known as stereocilia. Stereocilia are connected to one another via […]

Annona Muricate and Annonaceous Acetogenins

Introduction For the past decades cancer death has increase and remained one of the most high risk health concern in the world. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2019, there will be an estimated of 1,762,450 new cancer cases diagnose and 606,880 cancer death in the United States. Cancer occurs because of several changes in cell physiology that eventually replicate and produce harm to the body. There are more than 100 types of cancer, found in the human body […]

Cancer is a Vast Disease Category

Abstract Cancer is a vast disease category that requires constant research for a cure. Over the decades, different treatment plans have arisen to try and combat the range of cancer cells. Some treatment has resulted in success, some end in death, and others are still an ongoing battle for the patients. Anti-cancer drugs have many side effects that come with them such as fatigue, inflammation, infection, and necrosis of cancerous cells. Cancer medicine has come a long way and now […]

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Summary of Research Method Applied In Vitro Studies: These studies give us useful information about the effects of Bryostatin-1 on the mechanisms involved in MS, such as oxidative stress. Explanation: Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. Viability Tests: Explanation: This is an assay to determine the ability of organs, cells, or tissues to maintain or recover viability. For […]

Cells are Actively Participating in their Environment

Cells are actively participating in their environment by continuous regulation of their structure and functions to adapt changing demands and extracellular stresses. Cells normally maintain a stable state called homeostasis which is defined as the remarkable ways of regulating the internal environment despite the dramatic changes that can occur sometimes in the external environment. If the cells encounter stress they will undergo to adapt which is the ability of cells to achieve a new steady state and preserving viability and […]

The Tumor Suppressor Role of TAp73 in Two Types of Cancer

Transcription factor of p53 initiates apoptosis after receiving information about metabolic disorder or genetic damage, thus playing a critical role as tumor suppressor. p73 is a cousin of p53, shares lots of similarities with p53 including gene structure and amino acid level. Therefore, p73 is able to activate some p53 target genes by binding to p53-responsive elements when p53 is impaired. Also, p73 is rarely mutant compared to p53 in tumor cells. Whether p73 plays a role in tumor suppressor […]

Potential Cancer Resistance

Cancer proliferation is characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated cell growth resulting in tumors. In theory, as the size of organism increases there are more cells developing and dividing meaning that this is an increased probability of cancer development. Although, this response is theorized this is not what actually occurs, but why this trend is observed remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to understand these mechanisms of cancer suppression in large, vertebrate mammals in hopes of gaining insight to human […]

Potential Mechanisms for Cancer Resistance in Elephants and Comparativage in Humans

It is expected that cancer risk would increase with body size and life span. Peto’s paradox describes the lack of correlation between body size, life span, and cancer risk (Caulin, 2011). The cellular mechanism behind this has only been experimentally demonstrated in rodents. TP53 is a gene that codes for the p53 protein. This gene is vital in tumor suppression, and is mutated in many human cancers (Jiang, 2018). Humans have one copy (2 alleles) of this gene. Both alleles […]

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What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the use of  biology  to solve problems and make useful products. The most prominent approach used is genetic engineering, which enables scientists to tailor an organism’s DNA at will.

Biotechnology is particularly important in the field of medicine, where it facilitates the production of therapeutic proteins and other drugs. Synthetic insulin and synthetic growth hormone and diagnostic tests to detect various diseases are just some examples of how biotechnology is impacting medicine. Biotechnology has also proved helpful in refining industrial processes, in environmental cleanup, and in agricultural production.

The first molecular and cellular tools of modern biotechnology emerged in the 1960s and ’70s. A fledgling “biotech” industry began to coalesce in the mid- to late 1970s. Modern biotechnology stands in contrast to older forms of “biotechnology,” which emerged thousands of years ago, when humans began to domesticate plants and animals. Humans have also long tapped the biological processes of microorganisms to make bread, alcoholic beverages, and cheese.

biotechnology , the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products. The most prominent area of biotechnology is the production of therapeutic proteins and other drugs through genetic engineering .

People have been harnessing biological processes to improve their quality of life for some 10,000 years, beginning with the first agricultural communities . Approximately 6,000 years ago, humans began to tap the biological processes of microorganisms in order to make bread, alcoholic beverages, and cheese and to preserve dairy products. But such processes are not what is meant today by biotechnology , a term first widely applied to the molecular and cellular technologies that began to emerge in the 1960s and ’70s. A fledgling “biotech” industry began to coalesce in the mid- to late 1970s, led by Genentech , a pharmaceutical company established in 1976 by Robert A. Swanson and Herbert W. Boyer to commercialize the recombinant DNA technology pioneered by Boyer, Paul Berg , and Stanley N. Cohen. Early companies such as Genentech, Amgen, Biogen, Cetus, and Genex began by manufacturing genetically engineered substances primarily for medical and environmental uses.

For more than a decade, the biotechnology industry was dominated by recombinant DNA technology , or genetic engineering . This technique consists of splicing the gene for a useful protein (often a human protein) into production cells—such as yeast, bacteria , or mammalian cells in culture—which then begin to produce the protein in volume. In the process of splicing a gene into a production cell , a new organism is created. At first, biotechnology investors and researchers were uncertain about whether the courts would permit them to acquire patents on organisms; after all, patents were not allowed on new organisms that happened to be discovered and identified in nature. But, in 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court , in the case of Diamond v. Chakrabarty , resolved the matter by ruling that “a live human-made microorganism is patentable subject matter.” This decision spawned a wave of new biotechnology firms and the infant industry’s first investment boom. In 1982 recombinant insulin became the first product made through genetic engineering to secure approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, dozens of genetically engineered protein medications have been commercialized around the world, including recombinant versions of growth hormone , clotting factors, proteins for stimulating the production of red and white blood cells, interferon s, and clot-dissolving agents.

In the early years, the main achievement of biotechnology was the ability to produce naturally occurring therapeutic molecules in larger quantities than could be derived from conventional sources such as plasma , animal organs, and human cadavers. Recombinant proteins are also less likely to be contaminated with pathogens or to provoke allergic reactions. Today, biotechnology researchers seek to discover the root molecular causes of disease and to intervene precisely at that level. Sometimes this means producing therapeutic proteins that augment the body’s own supplies or that make up for genetic deficiencies, as in the first generation of biotech medications. (Gene therapy—insertion of genes encoding a needed protein into a patient’s body or cells—is a related approach.)

The biotechnology industry has also expanded its research into the development of traditional pharmaceuticals and monoclonal antibodies that stop the progress of a disease. Successful production of monoclonal antibodies was one of the most important techniques of biotechnology to emerge during the last quarter of the 20th century. The specificity of monoclonal antibodies and their availability in quantity have made it possible to devise sensitive assays for an enormous range of biologically important substances and to distinguish cells from one another by identifying previously unknown marker molecules on their surfaces. Such advances were made possible through the study of genes ( genomics ), the proteins that they encode (proteomics), and the larger biological pathways in which they act.

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Science & Technology

Make Your Note

Biotechnology and its Applications

• 04 Aug 2020
• 16 min read
• GS Paper - 3
• Biotechnology

Introduction

• Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products.
• Such traditional processes usually utilize the living organisms in their natural form (or further developed by breeding), while the more modern form of biotechnology will generally involve a more advanced modification of the biological system or organism.
• With the development of genetic engineering in the 1970s, research in biotechnology (and other related areas such as medicine, biology etc.) developed rapidly because of the new possibility to make changes in the organisms' genetic material (DNA).
• Biotechnology deals with industrial scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biologicals using genetically modified microbes, fungi, plants and animals.
• The applications of biotechnology include therapeutics, diagnostics, genetically modified crops for agriculture, processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production.

Agriculture

• The understanding of genetics could enable farmers to obtain maximum yield from their fields and to minimise the use of fertilisers and chemicals so that their harmful effects on the environment.
• Made crops more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
• Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops).
• Helped to reduce post harvest losses.
• Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
• Enhanced nutritional value of food, e.g., golden rice, i.e., Vitamin ‘A’ enriched rice.
• Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to insects without the need for insecticides
• In effect created a bio-pesticide. Examples are Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato, potato and soyabean etc. Bt Cotton.
• Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that kill certain insects such as lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles) and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes).
• B. thuringiensis forms protein crystals during a particular phase of their growth. These crystals contain a toxic insecticidal protein.
• A nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects the roots of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield.
• A novel strategy was adopted to prevent this infestation which was based on the process of RNA interference (RNAi).
• RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense.
• This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing).
• The recombinant DNA technological processes have made immense impact in the area of healthcare. It enables mass production of safe and more effective therapeutic drugs.
• The recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted immunological responses as is common in case of similar products isolated from non-human sources.

Genetically Engineered Insulin

• Management of adult-onset diabetes is possible by taking insulin at regular time intervals.
• Insulin consists of two short polypeptide chains: chain A and chain B, that are linked together by disulphide bridges.
• Like a pro-enzyme, the pro-hormone also needs to be processed before it becomes a fully mature and functional hormone) which contains an extra stretch called the C peptide.
• C peptide is not present in the mature insulin and is removed during maturation into insulin.
• The main challenge for production of insulin using rDNA techniques was getting insulin assembled into a mature form.

Gene Therapy

• If a person is born with a hereditary disease, can a corrective therapy be taken for such a disease. Gene therapy is an attempt to do this.
• Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo.
• Genes are inserted into a person’s cells and tissues to treat a disease.
• Correction of a genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into the individual or embryo to take over the function of and compensate for the non-functional gene.

Curing adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency

• Adenosine deaminase enzyme is crucial for the immune system to function.
• This disorder is caused due to the deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase.
• Through gene therapy, lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are grown in a culture outside the body.
• A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes, which are subsequently returned to the patient.
• However, the patient requires periodic infusion of such genetically engineered lymphocytes.
• If the gene isolate from marrow cells producing ADA is introduced into cells at early embryonic stages, it could be a permanent cure.

Molecular Diagnosis

• For effective treatment of a disease, early diagnosis and understanding its pathophysiology is very important.
• Recombinant DNA technology,
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and
• Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA).
• Presence of a pathogen (bacteria, viruses, etc.) is normally suspected only when the pathogen has produced a disease symptom.
• However, the concentration of pathogens is already very high in the body.
• With molecular diagnosis, very low concentration of a bacteria or virus can be detected by amplification of their nucleic acid by PCR.

Diagnosis of HIV

• Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) is now routinely used to detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients.
• It is being used to detect mutations in genes in suspected cancer patients too.
• PCR is a powerful technique to identify many other genetic disorders.
• A single stranded DNA or RNA, tagged with a radioactive molecule (probe) is allowed to hybridise to its complementary DNA in a clone of cells.
• It is followed by detection using autoradiography.
• The clone having the mutated gene will hence not appear on the photographic film, because the probe will not have complementarity with the mutated gene.
• ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction.
• Infection by pathogen can be detected by the presence of antigens (proteins, glycoproteins, etc.) or by detecting the antibodies synthesised against the pathogen.

CRISPR technology

• It is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes. It allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.
• CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring genome editing system in bacteria.
• The bacteria capture snippets of DNA from invading viruses and use them to create DNA segments known as CRISPR arrays.
• The CRISPR arrays allow the bacteria to remember the viruses
• If the viruses attack again, the bacteria produce RNA segments from the CRISPR arrays to target the viruses' DNA.
• It is being explored in research on a wide variety of diseases, including single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease

Transgenic Animals

• Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign) gene are known as transgenic animals.
• E.g. study of complex factors involved in growth such as insulin-like growth factor.
• By introducing genes from other species that alter the formation of this factor and studying the biological effects that result, information is obtained about the biological role of the factor in the body.
• These are specially made to serve as models for human diseases so that investigation of new treatments for diseases is made possible.
• Today transgenic models exist for many human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
• Transgenic animals that produce useful biological products can be created by the introduction of the portion of DNA.
• These DNA codes for a particular product such as human protein (α-1-antitrypsin) used to treat emphysema.
• Similar attempts are being made for treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis.
• In 1997, the first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced human protein-enriched milk.
• The milk contained the human alpha-lactalbumin and was nutritionally a more balanced product for human babies than natural cow-milk.
• Transgenic mice are being used to test the safety of the polio vaccine.
• If successful and found to be reliable, they could replace the use of monkeys to test the safety of batches of the vaccine.
• The procedure is the same as that used for testing toxicity of drugs.
• Transgenic animals are made that carry genes which make them more sensitive to toxic substances than non-transgenic animals.
• They are then exposed to the toxic substances and the effects studied.
• Toxicity testing in such animals will allow us to obtain results in less time.

Biotechnology in India

• To provide services in the areas of research, infrastructure, generation of human resource, popularization of biotechnology, promotion of industries, creation of centers of excellence
• Implementation of biosafety guidelines for genetically modified organisms, recombinant DNA products and biotechnology-based programs for societal benefits.
• To establish an information network for the Bioinformatics mission of India in the scientific community, nationally and internationally.
• The GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
• The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
• GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• Recently, the Society of Biotechnology of India (SBPI) promoted transformation changes and approaches towards core research in modern biotechnology so that the outcome could lead to more products and technologies for economic and social gain.
• Wheat Genome Sequencing Programme
• Rice Functional Genomics
• Crop Biofortification and quality improvement programme
• National Plant Gene Repository programme
• Next Generation Challenge Programme on Chickpea Genomics,
• Addressal of micronutrient deficiencies, severe acute malnutrition, food fortification, probiotics for human health and well-being, food safety, molecular detection of GM traits in foods.
• Development of low cost foods/supplements and utilization of agricultural residues for value added products.
• Capacity building in Food Science and Nutrition Biology.

Application of biotechnology could be a major tool for development in all countries. Entwined with culture and socio-ethical values, biotechnology could be utilised in solving future problems like food and water insecurity that impede national development and threaten peace in the developing world.

Genetically Modified Food Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Need to write a genetically modified foods essay? Take a look at this example! This argumentative essay on GM foods explains all the advantages and disadvantages of the issue to help you form your own opinion.

Introduction

• The Benefits
• The Drawbacks

Genetically modified (GM) foods refer to foods that have been produced through biotechnology processes involving alteration of DNA. This genetic modification is done to confer the organism or crops with enhanced nutritional value, increased resistance to herbicides and pesticides, and reduction of production costs.

The concept of genetic engineering has been in existence for many years, but genetic modification of foods emerged in the early 1990s. This genetically modified food essay covers the technology’s positive and negative aspects that have so far been accepted. Currently, a lot of food consumed is composed of genetically altered elements, though many misconceptions and misinformation about this technology still exist (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically modified foods have been hailed for their potential to enhance food security, particularly in small-scale agriculture in low-income countries.

It has been proposed that genetically modified foods are integral in the enhancement of safe food security, enhanced quality, and increased shelf-life, hence becoming cost-effective to consumers and farmers. Proponents of this technology also argue that genetically modified foods have many health benefits, in addition to being environmentally friendly and the great capability of enhancing the quality and quantity of yields (Kumar et al., 2020).

Genetically modified foods are, therefore, considered to be a viable method of promoting food production and ensuring sustainable food security across the world to meet the demands of the increasing population. This genetically modified food advantages and disadvantages essay aims to cover conflicting perspectives in the technology’s safety and efficacy. In spite of the perceived benefits of genetic engineering technology in the agricultural sector, the production and use of genetically modified foods have triggered public concerns about safety and the consequences of consumption (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically Modified Foods: The Benefits

Many champions of GM food suggest the potential of genetic engineering technology in feeding the huge population that is faced with starvation across the world. Genetically modified foods could help increase production while providing foods that are more nutritious with minimal impacts on the environment.

In developing countries, genetic engineering technology could help farmers meet their food demands while decreasing adverse environmental effects. Genetically modified crops have been shown to have greater yields, besides reducing the need for pesticides.

This is because genetically modified crops have an increased ability to resist pest infestation, subsequently resulting in increased earnings (Van Esse, 2020). Some genetically engineered crops are designed to resist herbicides, thus allowing chemical control of weeds to be practiced. Foods that have been genetically modified are perceived to attain faster growth and can survive harsh conditions due to their potency to resist drought, pests, and diseases.

Genetically modified foods have also been suggested to contain many other benefits, including being tastier, safer, more nutritious, and having longer shelf life. Though scientific studies regarding the safety and benefits of genetically modified foods are not comprehensive, it is argued that critics of this technology are driven by overblown fears (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically Modified Foods: The Drawbacks

To most opponents of the technology’s application in agriculture, issues relating to safety, ethics, religion, and the environment are greater than those that are related to better food quality, enhanced production, and food security. Genetic modification technology is perceived to carry risks touching on agricultural practices, health, and the environment.

The major issue raised by society concerning this technology pertains to whether genetically modified foods should be banned for people’s benefit. The gene transfer techniques are not entirely foolproof, thus raising fears that faults may emerge and lead to many unprecedented events.

There is a possibility that DNA transfer to target cells may not be effective. Alternatively, it may be transferred to untargeted points, with the potential effect being the expression or suppression of certain proteins that were not intended. This may cause unanticipated gene mutations in the target cells, leading to physiological alterations (Turnbull et al., 2021).

A number of animal studies have indicated that genetically modified foods could pose serious health risks/ Those include the tendency to cause impotency, immune disorders, acceleration of aging, hormonal regulation disorders, and alteration of major organs and the gastrointestinal system (Giraldo et al., 2019). It has also been demonstrated that genetically modified foods can act as allergens and sources of toxins.

Opponents argue that there is a lack of clear regulatory mechanisms and policies to ensure that genetically modified foods are tested for human health and environmental effects. Thus, human beings allegedly become reduced to experimental animals subjected to adverse toxic effects and dietary problems.

In animals, it has been argued that the use of genetically modified feeds causes complications, such as premature delivery, abortions, and sterility, though these claims have later been debunked (Xu, 2021). Some genetically modified crops, such as corn and cotton, are engineered to produce pesticides.

It has been demonstrated that this built-in pesticide is very toxic and concentrated as compared to the naturally sprayed pesticide, which has been confirmed to cause allergies in some people. Many studies have also shown the immune system of genetically modified animals to be significantly altered. For instance, a persistent increase in cytokines indicates the capability of these foods to cause conditions such as asthma, allergy, and inflammation (Sani et al., 2023).

Some of the genetically modified foods, such as soy, have also been shown to have certain chemicals known to be allergens, for example, trypsin inhibitor protein (Rosso, 2021). Genetic engineering of food may also result in the transfer of genes that have the capability to trigger allergies into the host cells.

Furthermore, most of the DNA transferred into genetically modified foods originates from microorganisms that have not been studied to elucidate their allergenic properties. Similarly, the new genetic combinations in genetically modified foods could cause allergies to some consumers or worsen the existing allergic conditions. Various cases of genetically modified foods causing allergic reactions have been reported, leading to the withdrawal of these foods from the market (Kumar et al., 2020).

Genetic modification of crops could also increase the expression of naturally occurring toxins through possible activation of certain proteins, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals. It is argued that sufficient studies have not been carried out to prove that genetically modified foods are safe for consumption (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically modified foods are also associated with many environmental risks. Issues relating to the manner in which science is marketed and applied have also been raised, challenging the perceived benefits of genetically modified foods. Many opponents of genetic engineering technology perceive that genetic modification of food is a costly technology that places farmers from low-income countries in disadvantaged positions since they cannot afford it (Kumar et al., 2020; Leonelli, 2020).

It is also argued that this technology cannot address the food shortage issue, which is perceived to be more of a political and economic problem than a food production issue (Liang et al., 2019).

Political and economic issues across local and global levels have been suggested to prevent the distribution of foods so as to reach the people faced with starvation, but not issues of agriculture and technology. Politics and economic barriers have also been shown to contribute to greater poverty, subsequently making individuals unable to afford food (Kumar et al., 2020).

Some bioethicists are of the view that most genetic engineering advances in agriculture are profit-based as compared to those that are need-based. It challenges the appropriateness of genetic modification of food in ensuring food security, safeguarding the environment, and decreasing poverty, especially in low-income countries.

This argument is supported by the costly nature of genetic engineering technology and the yields from the application of this technology. The economic benefits of genetic engineering of foods are usually attained by large-scale agricultural producers, thus pitting the majority of the population who are involved in small-scale agricultural production (Kumar et al., 2020).

With the widespread adoption of genetic engineering technology, regulatory policies such as patents have been formulated, subsequently allowing exclusively large biotechnological organizations to benefit (Kumar et al., 2020).

Though biotechnological firms suggest that genetic modification of foods is essential in ensuring food security, the patenting of this technology has been perceived by many as being a potential threat to food security (Leonelli, 2020).

Patenting of genetically modified foods gives biotechnology firms monopoly control, thus demeaning the sanctity of life. This technology has also enhanced dependency, whereby farmers have to continuously go back to the biotechnology firms to purchase seeds for sowing in subsequent planting seasons.

Genetically modified food is believed to be unsafe, allegedly because sufficient tests have not been carried out to show that it would not cause some unprecedented long-term effects in another organism. Despite possessing positive attributes, such as health benefits and food safety, many consumers are wary of these foods because of a consistent belief in a lack of proven safety testing (Fernbach et al., 2019).

There are also fears that the genetic material inserted into genetically modified foods often gets transferred into the DNA of commensals found in the alimentary canal of human beings. This may lead to the production of harmful genetically modified chemicals inside the body of the human being, even long after ceasing the consumption of such foods.

Prior to the widespread adoption of this genetic engineering technology in agriculture, many scientists and regulatory agents raised health concerns. Some argue that genetically modified foods are inherently harmful and can trigger allergies, toxic effects, gene transfer to commensals in the gut, and can lead to the emergence of new diseases and nutritional problems (Deocaris et al., 2020; Seralini, 2020).

Despite multiple rigorous studies, it remains unknown whether genetically modified foods could be contributing to the rising cases of various health conditions such as obesity, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive problems. In most cases, the testing that has been performed involves the evaluation of the growth and productivity of the modified organism, and not in terms of environmental and health impacts (Agostini et al., 2020).

Gene transfer may affect the nutritional quality of foods as the transfer is likely to reduce the amounts of certain nutrients while raising the levels of other nutrients. This causes a nutritional variation between conventional foods and similar foods produced through genetic modification techniques.

Furthermore, few studies have been carried out to show the effect of nutrient alterations brought about by genetic engineering in relation to nutrient-gene interactions, metabolism, and bioavailability (Hirschi, 2020). Critics of genetically modified foods argue that little information is available to show how the alteration of food contents affects gene regulation and expression as these changes occur at rates that far overwhelm scientific studies.

Genetic modification of food involves the transfer of genetic material even between organisms belonging to different species. To biotechnology firms and other proponents of genetically modified foods, this approach helps in maximizing productivity and profits. However, many consumers, environmental conservationists, and opponents of genetically modified foods perceive gene transfer across different species as causing a decrease in diversity (Turnbull et al., 2021).

With the reduction of diversity, benefits such as resistance to diseases and pests, adaptation to adverse weather conditions, and productivity also diminish. Critics of genetic engineering technology, therefore, suggest that applying this technology creates uniformity in organisms and decreases their genetic diversity, rendering them at increased risks of diseases and pests.

Transfer of genetic material also carries many environmental risks, especially in the event of wide cultivation of such crops. Some critics suggest that genetically engineered plants with herbicide and insect-resistant traits could transfer these traits to wild plants and subsequently lead to the evolution of difficult-to-eradicate weeds (Anwar et al., 2021).

These weeds could develop into invasive plants with the capability to decrease crop production and cause a disruption of the ecosystem. The genetically modified plants could also evolve into weeds, which will then require costly and environmentally unfriendly means to eradicate.

The genetic engineering of food may also have an impact on non-target organisms, which would further reduce diversity. It is a persistent concern that genetically modified foods, such as pesticide-resistant crops, could cause harm to non-target organisms.

Certain genetically modified crops have the potential to change the chemistry of the soil by releasing toxins and breaking down the plants after they die. Moreover, crops that have undergone genetic modification to withstand elevated chemical concentrations sustain a heightened application of herbicides, ultimately leading to elevated chemical concentrations in the soil (Anwar et al., 2021).

Genetic engineering’s intentional transfer of antibiotic resistance genes could have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Antibiotic-resistant genes may be passed to pathogenic bacteria in animals’ and humans’ digestive tracts, increasing their pathogenicity and causing more and more public health problems (Amarasiri et al., 2020).

Genetic modification of food is applauded as an appropriate method of ensuring increased food availability, better nutrition, and general improvement in the agricultural sector. However, as this genetically modified food essay demonstrates, many issues surround this technology, mostly concerning safety, health, cultural, social, and religious issues.

Most of the concerns regarding genetically engineered foods can be cleared by conducting expansive research to establish clear grounds for such issues. Unless concrete research is conducted to substantiate the benefits and potential harms of genetically engineered foods, the majority of people will remain wary of genetically modified foods. In the end, the full potential of genetically engineered foods will not be realized.

Amarasiri, M., Sano, D., & Suzuki, S. (2020). Understanding human health risks caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in water environments: Current knowledge and questions to be answered. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 50 (19), 2016-2059.

Anwar, M. P., Islam, A. M., Yeasmin, S., Rashid, M. H., Juraimi, A. S., Ahmed, S., & Shrestha, A. (2021). Weeds and their responses to management efforts in a changing climate. Agronomy, 11 (10), 1921-1940.

Agostini, M. G., Roesler, I., Bonetto, C., Ronco, A. E., & Bilenca, D. (2020). Pesticides in the real world: The consequences of GMO-based intensive agriculture on native amphibians. Biological Conservation, 241 , 108355.

Deocaris, C. C., Rumbaoa, R. G., Gavarra, A. M., & Alinsug, M. V. (2020). A Preliminary analysis of potential allergens in a GMO Rice: A Bioinformatics approach. Open Journal of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, 4 (1), 12-16.

Fernbach, P. M., Light, N., Scott, S. E., Inbar, Y., & Rozin, P. (2019). Extreme opponents of genetically modified foods know the least but think they know the most. Nature Human Behaviour, 3 (3), 251-256.

Giraldo, P. A., Shinozuka, H., Spangenberg, G. C., Cogan, N. O., & Smith, K. F. (2019). Safety assessment of genetically modified feed: is there any difference from food?. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10 (1592), 1-17.

Hirschi, K. D. (2020). Genetically modified plants: Nutritious, sustainable, yet underrated. The Journal of Nutrition, 150 (10), 2628-2634.

Kumar, K., Gambhir, G., Dass, A., Tripathi, A. K., Singh, A., Jha, A. K., Yadava, P., Choudhary, M., & Rakshit, S. (2020). Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects. Planta, 251 , 1-27.

Leonelli, G. C. (2020). GMO risks, food security, climate change and the entrenchment of neo-liberal legal narratives. In Transnational food security (pp. 128-141). Routledge.

Liang, J., Liu, X., & Zhang, W. (2019). Scientists vs laypeople: How genetically modified food is discussed on a Chinese Q&A website. Public Understanding of Science, 28 (8), 991-1004.

Rosso, M. L., Shang, C., Song, Q., Escamilla, D., Gillenwater, J., & Zhang, B. (2021). Development of breeder-friendly KASP markers for low concentration of kunitz trypsin inhibitor in soybean seeds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (5), 2675-2690.

Sani, F., Sani, M., Moayedfard, Z., Darayee, M., Tayebi, L., & Azarpira, N. (2023). Potential advantages of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 14 (1), 1-11.

Seralini, G. E. (2020). Update on long-term toxicity of agricultural GMOs tolerant to roundup. Environmental Sciences Europe, 32 (1), 1-7.

Turnbull, C., Lillemo, M., & Hvoslef-Eide, T. A. (2021). Global regulation of genetically modified crops amid the gene edited crop boom–a review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12 , 630396.

Van Esse, H. P., Reuber, T. L., & van der Does, D. (2020). Genetic modification to improve disease resistance in crops. New Phytologist, 225 (1), 70-86.

Xu, Q., Song, Y., Yu, N., & Chen, S. (2021). Are you passing along something true or false? Dissemination of social media messages about genetically modified organisms. Public Understanding of Science, 30 (3), 285-301.

• Genetically Modified Foods Negative Aspects
• New discipline in the natural sciences
• Genetically Modified Foods and Environment
• The Effect of Genetically Modified Food on Society and Environment
• Objection to the Production of Genetically Modified Foods
• Analyzing the Prospects of Genetically Modified Foods
• Will Genetically Modified Foods Doom Us All?
• Super Weeds's Advantages and Disadvantages
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Genetic Epidemiology
• Gene Discovery: Ischaemic Stroke and Genetic Variations
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Genetically Modified Food Essay." December 11, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/genetically-modified-foods-4/.