Biotechnology: Genes, Applications, and Recombinant DNA
Genes and Genomes
Genes are units that contain information to manifest a heritable trait in a living being. As protein molecules are responsible for the structure and functions of a phenotype, it is called the phenotype. Genes are arranged in long chains that form the chromosomes, which are present in all cells of a living being. The latter represents the whole genome of an individual’s genes and contains all the necessary genetic information.
Biotechnology Applications for Agriculture
The following are highlighted:
- Pest protection
- Herbicide resistance
- Production of food with better qualities, or healthier food, such as golden rice
- Increased crop tolerance to adverse conditions
- New applications that are being developed, such as bioplastics, edible vaccines, or ornamental crops
Biotechnology in Industrial Processes
Industrial processes require the use of enzymes. Enzymes permit the processes of degradation of substances and the transformation of one substance into another. The enzymes that are currently used are produced by bacteria and fungi that reproduce in large tanks called fermenters. More than 90% of the enzymes on the market come from modified microorganisms. An example is the enzymes used in the production of pants.
Biofuel Production
Biofuel is any fuel of biological origin derived from living organisms or organic debris. Such fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The following are being developed:
- Biodiesel: obtained from used oil and vegetable oil
- Bioethanol: obtained from barley, wheat, or corn
- Biogas: a gas mixture of methane and carbon dioxide
The main advantages of biofuels are transparency, rising prices of corn, etc., and huge advantages such as fewer emissions into the atmosphere.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the set of genetic and biochemical technologies that allow the modification of organisms and biological processes. The resulting products may be helpful for people, industry, or the environment. This field uses genetic engineering techniques for various diseases. The technologies used are recombinant DNA techniques and cell cloning techniques to grow cells and tissues.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology refers to laboratory techniques that help isolate, copy, and sequence DNA fragments, and combine different DNA fragments into the same molecule. Scientists use these techniques to transfer genes from one cell to another. There is also the possibility of introducing a gene for a protein into a bacterium so that it expands more and more rapidly. These are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Plant breeding also involves changes in the genome. When several genes from other species are introduced, they are called transgenic, and the DNA fragment from other sources is called recombinant DNA. Genetic engineering is at its peak due to its widespread use.
Products of Interest from Recombinant DNA
For example, to obtain insulin from a cell:
- First, identify where the gene is located.
- Then, the DNA fragment containing the gene is obtained from a donor cell and introduced into a host cell.
- The host cell now has recombinant DNA, which is a mixture of its own DNA and that of the other cell introduced to it. This transgenic bacterium will divide and make a copy of the two genomes, a process called genetic cloning.
- Finally, the bacteria with the gene of interest are grown in a suitable environment so that they divide and release insulin protein into the culture medium, from which it can be successfully purified.