Following
are some of the field s where biotechnology innovations are playing important
roles:
1.
Tissue Culture Techniques in Biotechnology:
An
important aspect of all biotechnology processes is the culture of either the
microorganism or plant or animal cells or tissues and organs in artificial
media. While members in culture are used in recombinant DNA technology and in
variety of industrial processes, plant cells and tissues are used for a variety
of genetic manupulation. For example , another culture is used for haploid
breeding , gametic and somatic cell or tissue culture are used for tapping
gametoclonal and Somaclonal variation or for production of artificial seeds.
Transformation of protoplast in culture leads to production of useful
transgenic plants.
2.
Gene Technology as a Tool for Biotechnology:
Most
biotechnology companies make use of gene technology or genetic engineering
which involves recombinant DNA and gene cloning. Most recently, extensive use
of newly discovered polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has also been made for gene
technology.
3.
Hybridization and Monoclonal Antibodies in Biotechnology:
Rapid
progress has been made in hybridoma technique and monoclonal antibodies which
is extremely used in human health care. Enzyme conjugated antibodies are being
used for detection of viruses both in plants and animals using ELISA test.
Immunotixins are being produced from gene fusion so that the toxic drugs meant
for killing tumour cells may be carried to the target sites with the help of
specific antibodies.
4.
Biotechnology in Medicine:
In the field of medicine, insulin and
interferon synthesized by bacteria have already been released for use. A large
number of vaccines for immunization against deadly diseases, DNA probes and
monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis of various disease, and human growth
hormone and other pharmaceutical drugs for treatment of disease are being
released.
5.
Biotechnology and Protein Engineering:
Protein
engineering will lead to production of superior enzymes and storage proteins.
Biochemistry has also provided us with remarkable in the form of immobilized
enzymes system, which allowed the production of variety of substances. E.g.
High- fructose corn syrup using an immobilized enzyme, glucose isomerase.
6.
Biotechnology in Agriculture:
Biotechnology
has also revolutionized research activities in the area of agriculture which
include following:
i)
Plant cell, tissue and organ culture.
ii)
Genetic engineering leading to transformation followed by regeneration of
plants to give transgenic plants carrying desirable traits like disease
resistance, insect resistance and herbicide resistance.
iii)
Somatic hybrids between sexually incompatible species permitting transfer of
desirable traits from wild or unrelated species to our crop plants.
iv)
Transgenic animals produced in mice, pigs, goats, chicken, cows, etc. It is
suggested that some of these will eventually be used as bioreactor to produce
drugs through their milk, blood or urine, this area has sometimes been
described as molecular farming.
7.
Biotechnology and Environment:
Biotechnology
methods have been devised for some environmental problems like i) Pollution
control ii) depletion of natural resources for non-renewable energy. iii)
restoration of degraded lands and iv) biodiversity conservation. For instance,
microbes are being developed to be used as bio pesticides, bio fertilizers.
Biosensors etc and for recovery of metals, cleaning of spilled oils, etc.
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