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Biotechnology

This document provides an overview of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It defines key terms like biotechnology, genetic engineering, and modern biotechnology. It describes applications of modern biotechnology in agriculture like precision tools, speeding up breeding, developing pest-resistant crops, and enhancing nutritional quality. It also discusses genetically modified organisms, the science behind GMOs involving transgenic technology, and applications of genetic modification in food security, agriculture, and drug production. Finally, it outlines benefits of GMOs like improved crop yields but also considerations around ethical concerns, environmental impacts, and long-term health effects.

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Airl S. Carillo
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16 views2 pages

Biotechnology

This document provides an overview of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It defines key terms like biotechnology, genetic engineering, and modern biotechnology. It describes applications of modern biotechnology in agriculture like precision tools, speeding up breeding, developing pest-resistant crops, and enhancing nutritional quality. It also discusses genetically modified organisms, the science behind GMOs involving transgenic technology, and applications of genetic modification in food security, agriculture, and drug production. Finally, it outlines benefits of GMOs like improved crop yields but also considerations around ethical concerns, environmental impacts, and long-term health effects.

Uploaded by

Airl S. Carillo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BIOTECHNOLOGY

A module released by Bioversity International titled "Law and policy


of relevance to the management of plant genetic resources" (Bragdon
et al., 2005).
- This module highlights the importance of managing, conserving, and
using plant genetic resources.

Biotechnology: Using biological systems to make or modify products


or processes.
Genetic Engineering: Technique involving the transfer of genes and
DNA between sources, leading to LMOs or GMOs.
Modern Biotechnology: Molecular tools for a better understanding of
gene structure and its function in living organisms.

Applications of Modern Biotechnology in Agriculture:

• Precision tools and diagnostics - Advanced tools for precise


genetic analysis and diagnostics.
• Speeding up breeding gains and efficiency - Accelerating
breeding processes for efficient crop improvement.
• Developing pest- and disease-resistant crops - Creating
crops with built-in resistance to pests and diseases.
• Enhancing nutritional quality of food - Improving the nutrient
content of crops for better public health.
• Increasing crop varieties and choice - Diversifying crop options for farmers and promoting
biodiversity.
• Reducing inputs and production costs - Minimizing resource use and costs through efficient
crop management.
• Increasing profits - Enhancing overall profitability in agriculture through improved yields and
efficiency.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
- living entities whose genetic makeup has been altered
using recombinant DNA methods, gene splicing, or
transgenic technology.
Evolutionary Theory Connection - Evolutionary theory of survival
of the fittest suggests that organisms possess a natural spectrum
of characteristics. GMOs represent a departure from traditional
evolutionary processes.

The Science Behind GMOs

• Transgenic organisms are those that contain genes from unrelated species, achieved
through genetic engineering.
• Insertion of Genes: Genes from one species are deliberately inserted into the genes of an
unrelated organism, a fundamental process in genetic modification.
• Transgenic Technology: the pivotal role of transgenic technology in the creation of GMOs.

Applications of Genetic Modification:


- Food Security: GMOs can exhibit enhanced resistance to pests and diseases, leading to
increased crop yield.
- Agriculture: Pest-resistant crops and those with improved nutrient content contribute to
sustainable agriculture.
- Drug Production: Genetic modification facilitates the production of biopharmaceuticals
through organisms.
- Nutrition: GMOs can be engineered to contain improved nutritional profiles, addressing
nutritional deficiencies.

Benefits and Considerations:


Benefits:
- Improved Crop Yield and Resistance: GMOs can withstand harsh environmental conditions,
leading to increased agricultural productivity.
- Addressing Global Hunger: The potential for GMOs to contribute to global food security and
alleviate hunger.
- Advances in Medicine: Genetic modification plays a crucial role in the production of
medicines and pharmaceuticals.

Considerations:
- Ethical Concerns: Acknowledgment of ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic modification.
- Environmental Impacts: Recognition of potential environmental consequences.
- Long-term Health Effects: Consideration of potential long-term effects on human health.

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