12 - Quick Review Questions

Biotechnology is a field that uses living organisms or biological systems to develop new products and technologies. There are four main types of biotechnology:

1. Medical Biotechnology - This involves using organisms for medical purposes. For example, producing insulin from genetically modified bacteria to help manage diabetes.
2. Agricultural Biotechnology - This focuses on improving crop production. An example is creating genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests or have a higher yield.
3. Industrial Biotechnology - This type uses biological processes in industrial settings, such as using enzymes to make biodegradable plastics or fermentation technology for brewing beer.
4. Marine Biotechnology - This involves exploring marine resources to develop products, like antibiotics from marine organisms.

Genetic engineering is a process used to alter the DNA of organisms. This process consists of several steps:

1. Isolation of the Gene: Identify and extract the gene that you want to modify or insert into another organism.
2. Cutting DNA: Use enzymes known as restriction enzymes to cut the DNA at specific sites, which allows for the desired segments to be removed or added.
3. Insertion into Vector: Insert the isolated gene into a vector (like a plasmid, which is like a delivery vehicle) that can carry the gene into the target organism's cells.
4. Transformation: Introduce this vector containing the new gene into the host organism’s cells, so they can incorporate the new genetic material.
5. Selection and Expression: Identify which cells have successfully incorporated the new gene and ensure that it is functioning properly by expressing the desired trait.

Biotechnology has numerous applications in both agriculture and medicine:

• In Agriculture:
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): These are crops engineered for traits like pest resistance or drought tolerance, which can significantly improve yields and reduce pesticide use.
• Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: These are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They use natural organisms to enhance soil quality and protect plants.
• In Medicine:
• Gene Therapy: This technique aims to treat genetic disorders by correcting faulty genes or replacing them with healthy ones.
• Vaccine Development: Biotechnology enables the creation of vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines, which are designed to quickly and effectively respond to diseases like COVID-19.

Two important bioethical principles are:

1. Beneficence: This principle involves acting in the best interest of the patient or society. For example, in a medical trial, researchers are obligated to ensure that the treatment offered has potential benefits that outweigh risks.
2. Justice: This principle emphasizes fairness and equity in the distribution of healthcare resources. For instance, when distributing a new vaccine, it should be accessible to all segments of the population, especially vulnerable groups, rather than favoring only specific communities.

One significant ethical concern regarding GMOs is potential allergenicity. When crops are genetically modified, there is a risk that they might develop new allergens, which could cause allergic reactions in some individuals who consume these foods. This raises questions about the safety of GM foods for consumers and the responsibility of producers to ensure that these foods are thoroughly tested before they are sold.

Golden Rice is genetically modified to produce vitamin A, aiming to address and reduce blindness in children in developing countries. However, it raises several ethical questions, such as:
1. Distribution without Impact Studies: Is it ethical to distribute this GM crop without thorough assessment of its long-term impact on health and the environment?
2. Nation's Right to Reject Technologies: Should countries have the right to reject such technologies based on their cultural and economic contexts, despite the potential benefits? These questions highlight the tension between scientific advancements and ethical considerations regarding their implementation.