The world is advancing quickly, and technology, such as biotechnology and genetic engineering, has lately caught attention due to several controversies and misinformation. Biotechnology and other newly discovered methods of genetic modification or genetic engineering and technologies can be very fruitful in improving food production and the food supply or in any other field.
Many science-based organisations have tested these techniques and technologies. Based on a relatively recent evaluation the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, in the United States, conveyed that they did not find any ill impacts that would put human health at risk from genetically engineered foods than the non-genetically engineered ones.
1. Medicine
Genetic engineering is very instrumental in medicine. It includes drug manufacturing, the creation of model animals similar to human conditions and gene therapy. An old application of genetic engineering was the production of human insulin in bacteria. This application has now been applied in growing human hormones, and in various vaccines and drugs as well. Viruses that can still support immunity but lack the infectious sequences are being developed via this method.
2. Research
Genetic engineering works as a vital tool for scientists, which can create transgenic organisms and help in the analysis of gene function. Genes and other information from a wide range of organisms are inserted into bacteria for storage and modification, creating modified bacteria. Bacteria are cheap and easy to grow, multiply quickly, are easy to transform and can be stored at -80 °C almost indefinitely. Once a gene is separated, it is stored inside the bacteria and works as an unlimited supply for research.
3. Industrial
For a functional protein, organisms can transform their cells with the help of gene coding, for example, an enzyme so that they can overexpress the desired protein. Similarly, a vast amount of protein can then be manufactured by growing the transformed organism in a piece of equipment called a bioreactor using industrial fermentation and then purifying the protein. In some cases, yeast, mammalian, and insect cells are utilized where genes do not work well. Applying such techniques has resulted in the production of medicines such as insulin, human growth hormone, and vaccines. Other applications using the technique of genetically engineered bacteria involve making of biofuels and cleaning up oil spills, carbon and other toxic waste.
4. Agriculture
One of the best-known uses of genetic engineering is in the field of agriculture. The invention and further utilization of genetically modified crops or livestock to produce genetically modified food is one such application. Crops have been developed using this technique to increase production as well as increase tolerance to abiotic stresses, cut down on the composition of the food, or produce good products. Herbicides, fungal and virus-resistant crops have also been developed, and some are still developing. GM crops with improved yield by accelerating the growth or making the plant harder are also under development. In 2016 Salmon were genetically modified using this technique with growth hormones to reach average adult size quickly.
5. Conservation Of Natural Habitat
Genetic engineering has a great use in the conservation and management of natural areas. Transfer of genes through viral vectors, the technique has been proposed as a means of controlling invasive species and vaccinating threatened vegetation from disease. A new suggestion is using transgenic trees to confer resistance to pathogens in wild populations. Maladaptation risks in organisms have resulted in climate change and other perturbations.
6. Production Of Antibiotics, Vaccines, Enzymes, And Proteins
Recombinant DNA technology helps produce many safe and therapeutic drugs. Usually, products made from any animal source induce an allergic reaction, but it’s not the same in this case. Antibiotics are created with the use of plants. Desired genes are inserted in plants, and targeted proteins are produced. We already have edible vaccines that have been manufactured for some diseases like hepatitis B and measles. Insulin is majorly used in the treatment of diabetes. Earlier, insulin was extracted from the pancreas of animals like cattle and pigs, which induced allergic reactions. Using this technology, genes coding for human insulin are incorporated in the plasmid of non-pathogenic strains of E. coli. This Forms chains of insulin, which are extracted and combined by disulfide bonds. The term for recombinant human insulin is Humulin. It has widespread use in the treatment of diabetic patients. Microorganisms can also be used in a modified manner to produce digestive enzymes. These microorganisms can be used to suffice for the insufficient enzymes. The gene coding for hirudin protein, which helps prevent blood clotting is transferred into Brassica napus. The protein accumulated in these seeds can be further purified and used as a medicine. It is a microbial protein, which has high-quality protein and fat in a minimal amount.
7. Molecular Diagnostics
Biotechnology has turned out to be helpful in early diagnosis of diseases. PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) is a reaction in which a deficient concentration of viruses and bacteria can be detected by amplifying the DNA. The reaction is used to detect HIV in AIDS patients. Detecting the mutation of the gene in a cancer patient can also be done by using this technique.
8. Waste Management
Treatment of industrial and food waste can be done through enzyme bioreactors and can be subsequently removed through the sewage system. Conversion of waste into biofuel is another helpful application of it. Plant and vegetable materials can be degraded by microorganisms to make biodegradable plastics.
9. Energy Production
Biotechnology is used in producing biofuels and petroleum products. Other products manufactured using the technology include Bio-methane, Bio-diesel and ethanol. Biotechnology is used to remove undesirable impurities and refine petroleum and coal. It makes oil cheaper and easier to refine.
10. Bioremediation
Microorganisms are introduced to water, soil, etc. to degrade the targeted pollutants. Bioprocessing reduces pollution by reducing harmful gases produced due to the combustion of coal and oil.
Conclusion
Biotechnology and genetic engineering have proven to be revolutionary tools in science. These techniques have already resulted in so much innovation and advancement. This is indeed the future of the world.
