Biotechnology - 1 | General Awareness for SSC CGL PDF Download

Importance of Microorganisms

Microorganisms are crucial in environmental processes, contributing significantly to the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and other elemental cycles that sustain life on Earth.

• These organisms are essential in various ecosystems, ensuring the stability and functioning of biological processes.
• Human activities have exploited microorganisms in numerous ways, particularly in biotechnology, to improve and innovate processes in different fields.

Uses in Food Production

• Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). These bacteria are essential in the fermentation process for various dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk. They convert lactose into lactic acid, which imparts distinct texture and flavour to these foods.
• Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Yeast plays a crucial role in the beverage and baking industries. It ferments sugars to produce alcohol in beverages like beer and wine. In baking, yeast aids in the rising of dough by generating carbon dioxide, which leavens bread.
• Bacteria in Fiber Processing. Certain bacteria used in the retting process are vital for separating fibres from plants such as hemp and jute. This process is essential for the production of textiles and other fibre-based products.

Uses in Waste Water Treatment

• Bioremediation: Microorganisms play a vital role in removing pollutants from contaminated water. Through bioremediation, these organisms break down harmful substances into less toxic or non-toxic, purifying the water.
• Bioaugmentation: This process involves adding specialized strains of microorganisms to wastewater or industrial effluents to enhance the breakdown of pollutants. It is an effective method for treating sewage and industrial waste.

Uses in Energy Production

• Fermentation for Ethanol Production: Microorganisms such as yeast are used in the fermentation process to convert sugars into ethanol, a renewable energy source that can be used as a biofuel.
• Biogas Production: Microorganisms in biogas reactors decompose organic matter to produce methane, a clean and renewable energy source. This process helps manage waste while generating energy.
• Research on Algae and Bacteria for Fuel: Scientists are exploring the potential of algae to produce biofuels and bacteria to convert agricultural and urban waste into usable fuels. These advancements could lead to sustainable energy solutions in the future.

Uses in Production of Chemicals and Enzymes

Microorganisms are extensively used in industrial processes to produce various chemicals, enzymes, and bioactive molecules.
Examples include:

• Cyclosporine A: A compound used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplant patients.
• Streptokinase: An enzyme used to dissolve blood clots, often used in the treatment of heart attacks.

Uses in Health and Medicine

• Antibiotic Production: Microorganisms like Penicillium notatum are the source of penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
• Vaccine Development: Microorganisms are also employed in the development of vaccines that protect against diseases such as influenza and SARS.
• Forensic Science Applications: Biotechnology techniques involving microorganisms are used in forensic science for DNA fingerprinting, which helps in criminal investigations and parental testing.
• Rapid DNA Sequencing for Infection Diagnosis: Recent developments in DNA sequencing have led to faster and more accurate identification of bacterial infections. For instance, UK scientists have developed a system that reads the genetic code of bacteria, delivering results within 48 hours. This advancement allows for targeted antibiotic treatments, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics and combating antibiotic resistance.

DNA Profiling and Sequencing

• This technique involves creating a unique set of numbers that represent an individual’s DNA makeup. DNA profiles are used for identifying individuals in forensic cases and determining biological relationships in parental testing.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Developed by Kary Mullis in 1983, PCR is a revolutionary technique that amplifies small amounts of DNA, making it possible to generate millions of copies from a tiny sample. This method is crucial in genetic research, medical diagnostics, and forensic investigations.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

• The Human Genome Project was an international research effort that ran from 1990 to 2003, with the goal of mapping and understanding all the genes in the human genome.
• The knowledge gained from the HGP is expected to lead to significant advances in medicine and biotechnology. It enables genetic testing that can identify predispositions to various diseases, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, and liver disorders.

Genome India Project

• Launched in 2020, this initiative by the Department of Biotechnology successfully collected and analyzed genetic data from 10,000 individuals across India.
• The project developed a reference genome reflecting the genetic diversity of the Indian population, aiding in predictive and preventive healthcare tailored to the Indian demographic.

MANAV - Human Atlas Project

Recombinant DNA Technology

• Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology involves artificially creating DNA by combining genetic material from two or more different sources into a single molecule.
• This technology allows scientists to isolate specific genes, insert them into other organisms, and produce desired traits or products. Applications include producing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agriculture, developing insulin for diabetes treatment, and creating crops with enhanced nutritional value.
• Integration with Artificial Intelligence: The combination of AI and CRISPR gene-editing technology is transforming various sectors. AI aids in analyzing vast genomic datasets, accelerating the discovery of gene-editing targets. This synergy has led to the development of therapies for genetic disorders, improved crop resilience, and potential solutions for climate change through natural carbon capture.
• De-Extinction Projects: Advancements in recombinant DNA technology have enabled projects aiming to revive extinct species. Companies like Colossal Biosciences are working on de-extincting species such as the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger by editing the genomes of closely related living species. These efforts involve complex gene-editing techniques and have the potential to restore lost biodiversity.