- Published: October 1, 2022
- Updated: October 1, 2022
- University / College: Carleton University
- Level: College Admission
- Language: English
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Running Head: BIOLOGY UNIT 4 DB Biology Unit 4 DB
Biotechnology is a broad term that applies to all practical uses of living
organisms-anything from microorganisms used in the traditional fermentation of beer to
the today’s most sophisticated and complex applications of gene therapy and monoclonal
antibodies. According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity,
” Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living
organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific
use.” (Article 2. Use of Terms, 1992, para. 3). Since Biotechnology is a generic term used
to describe practical uses of living organisms hence it combines a wide range of
biological disciplines like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology and
cell biology which are in turn linked to practical disciplines like genetic engineering,
chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, bio-process engineering, biosystem
engineering and even information technology and robotics. As a result it has strong
impact on a number of sectors including health care, crop production and agriculture,
none food uses of crops (e. g. biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil, biofuels).
Although each of above mentioned practical discipline of biotechnology has its
importance and application yet genetic engineering, is considered to be an area of
tremendous interest and importance. Based on the artificial manipulation and transfer of
genetic material from one organism to another, genetic engineering can be used to modify
the genetic composition of plants, animals, and microorganisms to have better yield and
tolerance against damaging factors. An important example of applications of genetic
engineering is commercially available insect-tolerant plants. These plants contain a
naturally occurring soil bacterium called Bacillus thuriengensis, referred as Bt: a highly
effective toxin for many pest organisms, like beetles and moth larva, but not toxic to
mammals and most other non-target organisms. Bacillus thuriengensis produces a protein
that is incorporated into the genetic material of crops by recombinant DNA using
bacterial plasmids and a ” clone” or an identical copy of the gene that can produce the
toxic protein is produced (Gallo & Fulford, 2003, pp. 1-2).
Field and greenhouse tests of different Bt crops like rice, maize etc. produced by
public institutions have confirmed the effectiveness of Bt technology in controlling the
respective crop pests in many countries particularly in China, India and Pakistan. Unlike
chemical insecticides, Bt crops effectively controls Lepidopteron pests without inducing
the emergence of other friendly pests, such as brown plant hopper. As a component of
integrated pest management systems, Bt technology has the potential to increase yields
and greatly reduce the use of different insecticides to control the damage caused by pests
(Toenniessen, et al. pp. 192-193).
Every technology can have both positive and negative attributes. Biotechnology is
no exception. The application of genetic engineering techniques to transfer genetic
materials from one organism to another is not accomplished through traditional breeding
procedures and as a result, genetically engineered specimen may contain components not
normally found in the traditional versions of that specimen. For example to increase the
freezing tolerance of vegetables, scientists have transferred genes for antifreeze proteins
from arctic fish to tomatoes. Similarly, insect resistant plants have been created by
adding a gene from soil bacteria. The incorporation of genes from other organisms may
change specific properties of an altered species and surely a concern about its effects. For
example, genetically engineered tomatoes could potentially contain a protein gene from
wheat that could cause an allergic reaction in some people. Also some people believe it is
not ethically or morally acceptable to alter the natural properties of any species as they
believe that this act is a direct interference in natural phenomenon (Martin & Riepe, n.
d., p. 6).
Bibliography
Article 2. Use of Terms. (2006). Retrieved September 11, 2007, from
http://www. cbd. int/convention/articles. shtmla= cbd-02
Gallo, M & Fulford, S. (2003). What is Agricultural Biotechnology. University of
Florida: SS-AGR-191. Retrieved September 11, 2007, from
http://edis. ifas. ufl. edu/pdffiles/AG/AG19600. pdf
Martin, M. & Riepe, J. (n. d.). Agricultural Biotechnology: Before You Judge. ID-201.
Retrieved September 11, 2007, from
http://agecon. uwyo. edu/RiskMgt/productionrisk/AgBiotechBeforeUJug. pdf
Toenniessen, G., Tooley, J., & DeVriesz, J. (2003). Advances in plant biotechnology and
its adoption in developing countries. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. Retrieved
September 11, 2007, from
http://www. troz. uni-hohenheim. de/teaching/CostaRica/Toennissen. pdf