Syllabus- Concept of Biotechnology and application of genetic engineering and Stem Cell Research. Biotechnology in Agriculture (bio-fertilizers, bio – pesticides, bio- fuels, tissue culture, cloning) and Environment (Biotechnology in Environmental cleanup process)
Number of questions- Mains: 02, Prelims – 10
Mains Questions of the day-
1.India’s bio-economy has grown eight times in the last eight years and that the demand for biotechnology in the country is on the rise. Explain the need for Biotechnology sector for the economic growth in India?
Introduction:
Discuss the facts on bio-economy in India
Body:
Discuss various application areas of biotechnology.
Conclusion:
- Biotechnology sector is one sector which touches the lives of common people deeply as it connects to important sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, startup ecosystem etc.
- There is a need to support the development of the sector by providing funds and encouraging private investment.
- The government cannot be expected to be the source of all funding, especially during the pandemic-induced stress in the economy.
Content:
- India’s bio-economy has grown eight times in the last eight years and that the demand is on the rise in the country.
- India has grown from $10 billion to $80 billion.
- Realising the importance of biotechnology, the Indian government created the Department of Biotechnology in the early 90s, to make India a powerhouse with respect to the Biotechnology industry.
- The educational institutions were also strengthened to cater to the increasing use of biotechnology in many important walks of life.
- There are five big reasons why India is being considered a land of opportunities in the field of the biotechnology—
- diverse population and diverse climatic zones,
- India’s talented human capital pool,
- increasing efforts for ease of doing business in India,
- the demand for bio-products is increasing continuously in India and
- India’s biotech sector and its track record of success.
- Biotechnology sector is considered a sunshine sector of Indian economy.
- It contributes almost 3% to the Indian GDP and has cascading effects on the different sectors of the economy.
- It can contribute to the growth of the Indian economy and help meet the government’s stated goal of $5 trillion economy by 2024.
- In the last eight years, the number of startups in our country has increased from a few hundred to 70,000 in 60 different industries. In this more than 5,000 startups are associated with biotechnology.
- The number of investors in the biotechnology sector has risen by nine times and biotech incubators and funding for them have increased by seven times.
- The number of biotech incubators has increased from six in 2014 to 75 now.
- Biotech products have increased from 10 products to more than 700.
- The developments in health, agriculture, energy, natural farming, bio fortified seeds are creating new avenues for the sector.
Need for Biotechnology Sector:
- Foundation stone for different sectors:
Biotechnology sector contributes to the development of different sectors like:
- Agri-tech: Advances in biotechnology directly contribute to the development of agriculture, as biotechnology provides more advanced inputs to agriculture in the form of drought-resistant crops, higher yield seeds, etc.
- Clean-tech: Scientists have discovered and enhanced various forms of micro-organisms, which contribute to waste management. For e.g. Oil zapper technology uses bacteria to clean up oil spills.
- Health-tech: Biotech contributes to healthcare in the form of genetics and bio-informatics which can be utilised for fighting genetic and other diseases with the help of modified micro-organisms.
- Industrial biotech: The commercial uses of the biotechnology include usage of different micro-organisms to produce commercially viable products. For e.g. probiotic curd is considered advantageous for the body as it contains different type of beneficial organisms.
- Knowledge Economy:
- The biotechnology industry is a part of the knowledge economy which is relatively easy to scale up, especially for India.
- since we have a huge human resource base in the form of demographic dividend.
- Sustainability:
- Biotechnology sector has the potential to help in utilising the resources in a more efficient manner by modifying the present inputs.
- For e.g. improved seeds have the capacity to provide better yields in the same unit area, leading to better utilisation of already scarce geographical area.
- At the same time, it is helping in creating tools for a better environment in the form of low wastage products, waste to sanitation as well as cleaning technology like oil zapper.
- Self-Reliance:
- India’s prowess in the biotechnology sector is also helpful in decreasing independence on technologically advanced products created in more advanced western countries.
- For e.g., despite India’s dependence on foreign companies for the initiation of Genetically Modified crops, now the capacity has been created in the Indian research ecosystem to develop new varieties of crops, which are better suited to Indian conditions.
- Investment Destination:
- Biotechnology is a sunshine sector and holds a lot of potential going forward.
- This makes it a fertile sector for foreign investment.
- Therefore, it is important to facilitate the industry, if India needs another avenue for foreign investment.
- Employment Creation:
- Biotechnology sector is a base sector for the improvement of agriculture.
- This is critical especially in the context of India as nearly two-thirds of the Indian population is still dependent on the agriculture sector.
- For e.g., GM crops hold the potential to increase the yields of the crops.
- However, there is a need for a complete study into the sustainability of GM crops and their long term effects on the environment, before giving final approval to them.
2.The Centre has paved the way for easy introduction of genome edited crops. What is genome editing and how is it different from genetically modified crops?
Introduction:
Write briefly about Genome Edited crop.
Body:
Mention how genome editing different from Genetically Modified Organisms
Mention the Regulatory issues which have prevented wider adoption of this techniques.
Conclusion:
- In the face of new technological advancements such as Genome Technology, the regulatory regime needs to be strengthened as well as rationalised, for the sake of domestic as well as export consumers.
- Technology approvals must be streamlined, and science-based decisions implemented.
- Rigorous monitoring is needed to ensure that safety protocols are followed strictly, and enforcement must be taken seriously to prevent the spread of illegal GM crops.
Content:
- The central government paved the way for easy introduction of genome edited crops.
- A technique which allowed to ‘cut’ DNA strands and edit genes to bring about desired changes in the genome by using site directed nuclease (SDN) or sequence specific nuclease (SSN). Nuclease is an enzyme which cleaves through nucleic acid which is the building block of genetic material.
- Advanced research has allowed to develop the highly effective “clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)” associated proteins based systems.
- This system allows for targeted intervention at the genome sequence.
- This tool has opened up various possibilities in plant breeding.
- Using this tool, agricultural scientists can now edit genome to insert specific traits in the gene sequence.
- Depending on the nature of the edit that is carried out, the process is divided into three categories — SDN 1, SDN 2 and SDN 3.
- SDN1 introduces changes in the host genome’s DNA through small insertions/deletions without introduction of foreign genetic material.
- In the case of SDN 2, the edit involves using a small DNA template to generate specific changes.
- Both these processes do not involve alien genetic material and the end result is indistinguishable from conventionally bred crop varieties.
- On the other hand, SDN3 process involves larger DNA elements or full length genes of foreign origin which makes it similar to Genetically modified organisms (GMO) development.
Gene editing different from GMO development:
- Genetically modified organisms (GMO) involves modification of the genetic material of the host by introduction of a foreign genetic material.
- For example, in case of cotton, introduction of genes cry1Ac and cry2Ab mined from the soil bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) allow the native cotton plant to generate endotoxins to fight pink bollworm naturally. BT Cotton uses this advantage to help farmers naturally fight pink bollworm which is the most common pest for cotton farmers.
- The basic difference between genome editing and genetic engineering is that while the former does not involve the introduction of foreign genetic material, the latter does.
- In the case of agriculture, both the techniques aim to generate variants which are better yielding and more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress.
- Genetic engineering has greater control on trait development of desired crop.
Regulatory issues which have prevented wider adoption of this technique:
- GM crop has been a topic of debate, with many environmentalists opposing it on the grounds of bio safety and incomplete data.
- In India, the introduction of GM crops is a time taking process which involves multiple levels of checks.
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), is the regulator for introduction of any GM material and in case of agriculture multiple field trials, data about biosafety and other information is necessary for getting the nod before commercial release of any GM crop.
- Till date the only crop which has crossed the regulatory red tape is Bt cotton.
- Scientists both in India and across the world have been quick to draw the line between GM crops and genome edited crops.
- The genome edited crops have no foreign genetic material in them which makes them indistinguishable from traditional hybrids.
- The variants developed through SDN1 and SDN2 techniques do not have any alien DNA and as such can be treated as other hybrids.
Prelims Questions of the day:
1. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee comes under which of the following ministry?
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Science and Technology
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Answer: D
Explanation:
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee:
- It 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 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).
2.Which of the following represents the organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis?
- mRNA
- tRNA
- DNA
- rRNA
Answer: C
Explanation:
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA):
- DNA is an organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis.
- DNA is a key part of reproduction in which genetic heredity passed down through DNA from parents to offspring.
3.Which of the following stage/stages are involved in Protein synthesis?
- Transcription
- Translation
- Both A and B
- None
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Protein synthesis is the process in which cells make proteins. It occurs in two stages: transcription and translation.
- Transcription is the transfer of genetic instructions in DNA to mRNA in the nucleus. It includes three steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. After the mRNA is processed, it carries the instructions to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.
- Translation occurs at the ribosome, which consists of rRNA and proteins. In translation, the instructions in mRNA are read, and tRNA brings the correct sequence of amino acids to the ribosome. Then, rRNA helps bonds form between the amino acids, producing a polypeptide chain.
- After a polypeptide chain is synthesized, it may undergo additional processing to form the finished protein.
4. which of the following is outcome of ELISA test?
- Using radio labelled second antibody
- Usage of RBCs
- Using complement-mediated cell lysis
- Addition of substrate that is converted into a coloured end product
Answer: D
Explanation:
- ELISA stands for enzyme-linked immunoassay.
- It is a commonly used laboratory test to detect antibodies in the blood.
- An antibody is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
- ELISA is one of the easiest blood tests that can be carried out. It is rapid, quick and requires a blood sample of the patient. The entire procedure of ELISA is mentioned below.
- An antibody is attached to a polystyrene plate which is a solid surface and is attracted or has an affinity towards bacteria, other antibodies and hormones.
- A microtiter coated with antigen is filled with this antigen-antibody mixture after which free antibodies are removed by washing.
- A second antibody specific to primary antibody is added which is usually conjugated with an enzyme.
- Free enzyme-linked secondary antibodies are removed by washing the plate.
- Finally, the substrate is added. The substrate is converted by the enzyme to form a coloured product, which can be measured by spectrophotometry.
- HCG protein which indicates pregnancy is detected by ELISA. A combination of blood or urine sample and purified HCG linked to an enzyme is added to the system. If HCG is absent in the test sample, then only the linked enzyme binds to the solid surface.
- The more the substance of interest is present, the more reaction takes place and less of linked enzyme binds to the solid surface. These reactions are indicated usually with a change in the colour of the solution.
5. Which of the following is the quality of improved transgenic basmati rice?
- Gives high yield but no characteristic aroma
- Gives high yield and is rich in vitamin A
- Does not require chemical fertilizers and growth hormones
- Resistant to insects and diseases
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Golden rice is an improved variety of transgenic basmati rice, which gives high yield and rich in vitamin A.
- It is produced by the genetic modification of biosynthesize beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A).
6. CRISPR Cas9, which used in genome editing technology is a?
- Lipid
- Protein
- Antibodies
- Antigens
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9, formerly called Cas5, Csn1, or Csx12) is a 160 kilodalton protein which plays a vital role in the immunological defense of certain bacteria against DNA viruses and plasmids, and is heavily utilized in genetic engineering applications.
Application of CRISPR Cas9:
- Agriculture:
- It is being tried out in agriculture primarily to increase plant yield, quality, disease resistance, herbicide resistance and domestication of wild species.
- The huge potential to edit genes using this tool has been used to create a large number of crop varieties with improved agronomic performance; it has also brought in sweeping changes to breeding technologies.
- Genetic-Research:
- CRISPR systems are already delivering superior genetic models for fundamental disease research, drug screening, and therapy development, rapid diagnostics, in-vivo editing and correction of heritable conditions.
- Scientists are working on the theory that CRISPR might be used to boost the function of the body’s T-cells so that the immune system is better at recognizing and killing cancer.
- Disorders of the blood and immune system are other potential targets.
- Medical Treatment:
- CRISPR/Cas9 has also been seen as a promising way to create potential genome editing treatments for diseases such as HIV, cancer or sickle cell disease.
- Such therapeutics could inactivate a disease-causing gene, or correct a genetic mutation.
- Researchers in China edited human embryos to try to correct a faulty gene that caused an inherited blood disorder.
7. In which of the following year, human genome project was launched?
- 1980
- 1973
- 1990
- 1989
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Human Genome Project:
- The Human Genome Project was the international research effort to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome
- The genetic sequence was made available in 2003 from the Human Genome Project.
- Human Genome Project is an international collaboration between 1990 and 2003, containing information from a region of the human genome known as the euchromatin.
8.Which of the following GM crop permitted in the country?
- Bt brinjal
- Bt cotton
- Bt mustard
- Bt potato
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Of the three gm food crops in India — brinjal, mustard and potato -awaiting permission for large-scale field trials and seed production, brinjal is the first one to get GAEC approval.
- Bt cotton is the only other gm crop permitted in the country.
9.Which of the following molecules is not involved in translation stage of Protein Synthesizer?
- rRNA
- tRNA
- mRNA
- DNA
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Protein synthesis is the process in which cells make proteins. It occurs in two stages: transcription and translation.
- Transcription is the transfer of genetic instructions in DNA to mRNA in the nucleus. It includes three steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. After the mRNA is processed, it carries the instructions to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.
- Translation occurs at the ribosome, which consists of rRNA and proteins. In translation, the instructions in mRNA are read, and tRNA brings the correct sequence of amino acids to the ribosome. Then, rRNA helps bonds form between the amino acids, producing a polypeptide chain.
- After a polypeptide chain is synthesized, it may undergo additional processing to form the finished protein.
10. Which of the following is responsible for approval of Genetically Modified Crops?
- BIRAC
- Department of science and technology
- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
- Department of biotechnology
Answer: C
Explanation:
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee:
- It 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 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).