CBSE Class 12 » CBSE Class 12 Study Materials » Biology » Introduction to Biotechnology

Introduction to Biotechnology

The article defines all about biotechnology's different aspects and sectors with a comprehensive introduction to biotechnology.

Introduction

As per the known introduction of biotechnology, it is one of the most advanced fields in the sector of Biology. Biotechnology utilises different biological organisms, which, when combined with accurate tech, can be used to manufacture a number of products. The field involves DNA and other genetic constituents of the cell. 

Biotechnology is one of the greatest miracles science has ever given to the world. There are numerous new inventions with the help of biotechnology that have changed the world and 

Introduction to Biotechnology in Medicines/ Medical Biotechnology

Medical biotechnology is also known as Red biotechnology. It is the one that is involved in the field of pharmaceuticals and can help medical professionals to get better with newer technology. The entire aim of this biotechnology field is to boost the quality of life and help with the healing process. Not only does it enhance the quality of life, but it also makes the experience of treatment better, along with reducing the pain and suffering of the patient.

Introduction to Biotechnology in Industries/ Industrial Biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology is also known as white biotechnology, and this field is basically involved in the industrial sector. This field of biotechnology uses different living cells such as fungi, bacteria, plants, yeast, and more. The main aim of the field is to manufacture products with the usage of less energy which will also ultimately reduce waste production. Industrial biotechnology is being used these days rapidly to get better quality products with more efficiency. 

Introduction of Agriculture or Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology is also known as green biotechnology. Agriculture is one of the most important fields out there. The sector is related to the production of crops, and it provides the main source of food to the global human population. Due to numerous reasons, there are problems in the production of needed crops. This sector of biotechnology deals with the reduction of added chemicals to the crops. It helps the farmers to produce better, even highly adaptable crops that can withstand numerous harsh situations. Even the crops produced by the field of biotechnology are enriched with nutrients and other beneficial items. This biotechnology field concentrates on helping farmers. 

Introduction of Marine Biotechnology

One of the most exciting fields of biotechnology is its usage with Marine technology. The field of biotechnology for marine is also called blue biotechnology, and it is basically involved in creating alternate sources of energy that can sustain marine life and can help in better understanding of the Marine Environment. Artificial grown algal mass in the Marine biotechnology can efficiently live with other plants without competing with surrounding vegetation there for survival. Marine biotechnology only deals with water bodies such as oceans and seas. 

Introduction of White Biotechnology

This branch of biotechnology aims to improve the industrial processes of companies such as the improvement of manufacturing area and biofuels developments to help them function efficiently and sustainably.

Introduction of Yellow Biotechnology

Yellow biotechnology’s main focus is the food production industry. It’s main objective is to minimise the carbon footprint that the food processing industry has on the environment. For instance, it works to decrease saturated fats levels in oils used for cooking. 

Blue Biotechnology

Blue biotechnology refers to biological research on marine and freshwater organisms. It is the study of marine species for the development of new medicines, health and wellness products, and biofuels.

Introduction of Grey Biotechnology

Grey biotechnology is another branch of biotechnology that is responsible for balancing and reducing contaminants in the environment. For this, different plants and microorganisms are used to dispose of anything that can be harmful to natural flora and fauna using bio-remedial technologies. 

Introduction of Gold  Biotechnology

Golden biotechnology is a fairly nascent concept. This can include bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and computational biology that focuses on analysing large sets of biology-related data effectively to the most miniscule level, such as the atomic level, molecular level, or even macromolecular level.

History of Biotechnology

The history of biotechnology goes back to 1960 when the term was actually coined. However, people have always been trying to improve the quality of life since ancient times. There have been experiments in agricultural communities for more than 6000 years.

Further, in 1976, a pharmaceutical company known as Genentech used recombinant technology to produce some of the genetically engineered substances for medicinal use and also for emergency use. Since then, biotechnology has developed and recombinant DNA technology, and it is one of the best advancements in the field of biology. You can find more detailed notes through introduction to biotechnology ppt or introduction to biotechnology pdf on Google. 

Applications of Biotechnology

When we talk about the applications of biotechnology, one can find the field to have a major influence in medicine and agriculture these days. One of the most used applications of biotechnology is in the area of nanotechnology. Let us explore a few of them here:

  • With amazing biotechnology advancements, one can explore the subject at the microscopic level. Another greatest advanced research in biotechnology is stem cells. Stem cells are pluripotent cells that have the ability to produce most of our body tissues. The cells can also be used for cloning dead and defective cells and can even help in the growth of infected organs

  • In addition, biotechnology can also help in the production of new and improved enzymes, which can act as efficient catalysts for different body systems

  • Biotechnology can generate insulin for the human body. Insulin is one of the most important hormones in the human body. The function of insulin is to regulate the glucose level and help in the utilisation of carbohydrates. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. However, in serious conditions such as Diabetes mellitus, the level of insulin gets altered, causing lots of health problems in the human body. Insulin was something tough to find before biotechnology successfully created chemically engineered insulin. People use insulin from animals such as pigs and sheep. If we talk about the molecular level of insulin, it is made up of polypeptide chains. There are three polypeptide chains named A, B and C in the human body

  • One of the biggest problems in agriculture was to prevent unwanted herbs and insects from prevailing in the agricultural lands. The most ancient way to do so was to use an insecticide or a herbicide, but eventually, it had numerous side effects. On the other hand, it could be absorbed by humans through the crops. But biotechnology made things easier. There are different techniques, especially genetically engineered chemicals and even living organisms, that can help to reduce other unwanted items to grow

  • Numerous crops and food items lack minerals and other vitamins necessary for the development of the human body.  For example, in India, people like to consume a lot of rice as their staple food. But rice lacks vitamins. With special Biotechnology techniques, scientists improved rice vitamin content

  • Biotechnology has also led to the development of special bacteriophages. These bacteriophages are genetically engineered to feed on harmful bacteria

Conclusion

We discover that science has given a lot to humanity through the introduction to biotechnology, and it is a continuously growing field. There has been promising research that can make human society better in the coming days. For better undertanding you can check out introduction to biotechnology slideshare that you can find through the internet.