Q.1 Define biotechnology? Explain its background.
Answer:
Definition:
Biotechnology is defined as the use of living organisms in processes for the manufacture of useful products or for services.
Background
(a) Old Biotechnology
Although the term biotechnology is new, the discipline itself is very old. Fermentation and other such processes which are based on the natural capabilities of organisms, are commonly considered as old biotechnology.
(b) Modern Biotechnology
Genetic engineering i.e. the artificial synthesis, modification, removal, addition and repair of genetic material (DNA) is considered as modern biotechnology. It is done to alter the characteristics of organisms.
(c) Isolation of enzymes of DNA Synthesis
The work on genetic engineering started in 1944 when it was proved that DNA carries the genetic information.
Scientists isolated the enzymes of DNA synthesis and then prepared DNA outside cells.
(d) Cutting and Pasting of DNA
In 1970s, scientists were able to cut and paste the DNA of organisms
(e) Preparation of insulin and human growth hormone
In 1978, scientists prepared human insulin by inserting the insulin gene in bacteria. Human growth hormone was also synthesized in bacteria.
(f) Human Genome Project
In 1990, the Human Genome Project was launched to map all the genes in human cell. The complete map of human genome was published in 2002.
