Select an example of an advancement made in biotechnology eg

Select an example of an advancement made in biotechnology (e.g. pharmacogenetics, stem cells, GMOs, de-extinction, etc.). Describe the specific advancement and what contribution it brings to society. Explain the promises and the risks of this technology.

Solution

An example of biotechnological achievement: GMO\'s

“Genetic engineering” is based on the recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) technology, the modification of an organism’s genetic makeup, which results in the modification of its phenotype. A selected gene is modified and reinserted into an organism of the same species or a gene from an individual of one species is inserted into another species, now the resulting one is a “transgenic organism (or plant).” The following are the three causes to use the genetically modified crops.

1). Increased yielding: The main purpose of genetically modified crops is to increase the yield; this is an essential character that must be meet now a day due to the increased population.

2). Development of resistance aginst certain diseases: By genetic engineering, the disease resistant genes can be inserted into the plant, so that, certain microns cannot infect these GM crops. This also helps in reducing pesticide usage.

3). Foods can be produced with required characteristics. For example, we can increase the shelf life of vegetable and other crops by genetic engineering.

Challenges to be addressed/drawbacks:

1). Generally, the selected gene is inserted in a bacterial population or other organisms to get the product encoded by the organism. The resulting gene product must be compatible with both the donor and host organism, otherwise, the immune system triggers hypersensitivity reactions.

2). There must be an appropriate cause, which must justify the making of the recombinant gene product. This is because there is an ethical concern that gene recombination is going against the nature.

3). The resulting organisms must not be allowed freely into the environment as they disturb the gene pool of other compatible species. Particularly, in case of recombinant plants, the cross-pollination pollute the normal crops. This may trigger the evolution of resistant pathogens and products with altered nutrients.

4). Strict monitoring of genetically modified viruses and bacteria is needed as their leakage into the environment can trigger the evolution and reactivation of pathogenic strains.