Unit 8: Biotechnology — Short Questions

Ans.
i. Biotechnology is the broad field of using living organisms or their components to create products, while genetic engineering is a specific powerful tool within biotechnology that directly manipulates an organism's DNA to introduce new traits.
ii. All genetic engineering is biotechnology, but not all biotechnology (like traditional fermentation or selective breeding) involves genetic engineering.

Ans. Definition Plasmid are small circular DNA molecules present in some bacteria.

Uses in Genetic Engineering
i. Plasmids act as vectors to multiply specific DNA segments, allowing scientists to create many copies for study or commercial use.
ii. Plasmids are used to insert genes (e.g. human insulin) into bacteria, which then produce large quantities of the desired protein for medicine
iii. Plasmids are used in creating genetically modified organisms.
iv. Plasmids are also used in gene therapy.

Ans. [Diagram showing 1-Donor cell, 2-Chromosome, 3-Plasmid, 4-Bacterium, 5-Recombinant DNA/Genetically modified bacterium]

Ans. Genetically modified organisms are living things (Plants, animals, microbes) whose DNA had been altered using genetic engineering to give them new desirable traits. These GMO's are used for the production of valuable substances for the welfare of living organisms.

Ans. Two types of medical products that can be produced using genetic engineering are human insulin and vaccines.

Ans. Genetic engineering may improve crops in several ways but two primary methods are

• Enhancing nutritional value
• Increasing resistance to pests and diseases.

Ans. Yeast is used in the process of making bread and alcohol while a variety of bacteria culture usually species of streptococcus or lactobacillus is used in cheese and yoghurt making.

Ans. Bread, beer, wine, vinegar, yogurt and cheese as well as fermented fish, meat and vegetables.

Ans. It is defined as the use of living organisms in processes for the manufacture of useful products or for services. For example, production of insulin by using genetically modified bacteria.

Ans. This fermentation is carried out by many types of yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this process, carbon dioxide is removed from pyruvic acid. The product acetaldehyde is then reduced to ethanol. The CO2 production causes the rise of the bread. It is used to produce bread, beer, wine and distilled spirits.

Ans. In this process, pyruvic acid is reduced to lactic acid. It is carried out by many bacteria e.g. Streptococcus and many Lactobacillus species. It is quite important in dairy industry where it is used for souring milk and also for production of various types of cheese.

Ans. The organism to which foreign DNA (recombinant DNA) is transferred is called genetically modified organism. In biotechnology, recombinant DNA is transferred to the target host. In this way, host organism is transformed into a genetically modified organism (GMO).

Ans. The process in which desired gene is transferred into host organisms with the help of a vector. The vector may be a plasmid or a bacteriophage. The gene of interest is attached with the vector DNA by using endonuclease and ligase. The vector DNA and the attached gene of interest are collectively called recombinant DNA. This recombinant DNA is transferred to target host and host organism is transformed into a genetically modified organism (GMO).

Ans. It is the method used in genetic engineering in which selected DNA of one organism (donor) is cut and introduced to the genome (DNA) of another organism (recipient). So the DNA having combination of genes from two different organisms is called recombinant DNA.

Outline the basic steps

• Isolation of gene of interest.
• Insertion of gene into vector
• Transfer of recombinant DNA vector into host organism.
• Growth of the genetically modified organism.
• Expression of the genes.

Ans. The term single cell protein was coined in 1966. Previously, the dried cells of microorganisms used as food or feed for animals and they were collectively known as microbial proteins. This term replaced by a new term 'single cell protein'

Ans. [Diagram showing the complete process: Human cell with DNA, restriction enzyme cleaving DNA to isolate insulin gene, combination with plasmid from bacterium, DNA ligase sealing to form recombinant DNA, host cell taking up recombinant plasmid, cloning of insoline gene, and production of insulin]

Ans. Scientists also use bacteria to clean up oil spills and waste through a process called bioremediation.

Ans. It involves the use of marine organisms to develop new products, treatments, and technologies. For example:
(i) Genetic Modifications: Genetic modifications in many fishes have led to faster growth rates.
(ii) Compounds from marine organisms: Compounds extracted from marine organisms (sponges, corals, and marine bacteria) are used to develop new cancer drugs, antibiotics and antiviral medicines.

Ans. The following are the main applications of industrial biotechnology.
(a) Biofuels: Biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas are produced. For example, yeast is used to ferment sugars from crops (corn, sugarcane) into ethanol. This ethanol can be blended with petrol to produce a cleaner fuel.
(b) Biodegradable Plastic: Biodegradable plastic (bioplastic) is produced from fermented plant starch (usually corn or sugarcane).

Ans.
(i) Health Concerns: Some people worry that consuming genetically modified foods could cause allergic reactions or long-term health problems. There is also concern that new genes might interact with human cells in unexpected ways.
(ii) Environmental Impact: GM plants can sometimes cross-pollinate with wild plants. So, the modified genes can be spread in natural ecosystems. It can lead to create such species that may harm the environment.

Ans. Inserting a gene into a plant can make it pest-resistant by enabling the plant to produce a specific protein that is toxic to the target insect pests when they feed on the plant. The most common example is using the gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Ans. Modern genetic engineering techniques including mRNA technology and viral vector system, have greatly improved traditional biological method. These techniques are faster, more precise and more efficient. Old methods are slow and time consuming while modern techniques are faster like formation of COVID-19 vaccine.

Ans. It is important to carefully study the effects of genetically modified foods on health because it must be safe to eat and its long term effects on health are the ethical responsibility. Careful study also build public confidence and insure safety standards for global population.