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General Knowledge is an important component for most competitive exams, namely the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. Therefore, understanding the concepts/terms that are significant in our daily lives is critical for aspirants. To make your preparation easier and to help you score better, we at PaGaLGuY bring you brief articles on trending phenomena and concepts.
As we have covered the basics of biotechnology and its sub-disciplines, in this article, we will discuss the tools used in biotechnology.
1. Fermentation: It process wherein complex molecules of organic substances breakdown into simpler ones. Enzymes released by microorganisms produce various intermediate and end products along with release of energy. Fermentation process is widely used in breweries, distilleries, food industries, pharmaceuticals and in the treatment of waste water.
2. Selection and breeding: It is the manipulation of plants, animals or microbes involving selection of organisms with desired characteristics. They are bred together to produce a stock with better quality and higher yield. This technique is widely used in livestock breeding and selective breeding of plants. It is also known as artificial selection.
3. Genetic analysis: It is the study of genes that helps us to understand biological systems. Identifying genes and their functions, studying DNA patterns and sequences helps to establish the relation of mutations (sudden change in structure of chromosomes) and inherited disorders. This technique plays a critical role in diagnostics, genetic counselling and gene therapy.
4. Tissue culture: It is the cultivation of tissues/cells (outside of its natural environment) in a nutrient-rich artificial medium, which helps them survive. It is an important tool for the biological study of cells where its behaviour can be observed under experimental conditions. This technique is widely used in the field of research.
5. Genetic Engineering: Also known as genetic modification, it is the manipulation of an organism’s gene using different techniques. One of the examples, recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, involves cutting a fragment of DNA with a molecular scissor (restriction enzyme used to cut specific sequences) followed by joining a piece of a different DNA (responsible for producing desired character) using a molecular glue (For e.g. ligase, an enzyme that helps to join broken fragments). Other techniques are chemical or electroporation (creating pores in the cell membrane using weak electric current or a specific chemical to insert the DNA directly), microinjection (injecting foreign genes directly), use of plasmids (circular pieces of genetic material in which foreign gene is inserted) and vectors (inserting foreign gene with help of viruses).
Link to Biotechnology – capsule 1:
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-1-35012272
Link to Biotechnology – capsule 3:
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-3-35050091
Link to Biotechnology – capsule 4:
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-4-35065432
Link to Biotechnology – capsule 5:
https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-5-35131807
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