FAQs on Short Tricks: Biotechnology & its Applications Video Lecture - Biology Class 12 - NEET
1. What is biotechnology and how is it applied in various fields? |
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Biotechnology is a field of science that involves using living organisms or their products to develop or create useful products or processes. It is applied in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, environmental science, and industrial manufacturing. In agriculture, biotechnology is used to develop genetically modified crops with improved traits. In medicine, it is used for the production of pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, and personalized medicine. In environmental science, biotechnology is used for wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and biofuels production. In industrial manufacturing, it is used for the production of enzymes, bio-based materials, and biofuels.
2. What are the potential benefits of biotechnology in agriculture? |
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Biotechnology has several potential benefits in agriculture. It can help in developing genetically modified crops with improved traits such as higher yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to environmental conditions like drought or salinity. This can lead to increased food production, reduced use of chemical pesticides, and improved crop quality. Biotechnology also enables the production of crops with enhanced nutritional content, such as biofortified crops that are rich in vitamins or minerals. Additionally, it allows for the development of crops with improved post-harvest traits, such as delayed ripening or extended shelf life.
3. How does biotechnology contribute to the field of medicine? |
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Biotechnology plays a crucial role in medicine. It enables the production of pharmaceuticals through techniques like genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, and bioprocessing. These techniques allow for the production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and other drugs. Biotechnology also facilitates gene therapy, which involves introducing genetic material into a patient's cells to treat genetic disorders or diseases. It has revolutionized the diagnosis of diseases through techniques like DNA sequencing and molecular diagnostics. Additionally, biotechnology contributes to personalized medicine by allowing the development of targeted therapies based on a patient's genetic makeup.
4. How is biotechnology used in environmental science? |
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Biotechnology has several applications in environmental science. It is used in wastewater treatment, where microorganisms are employed to break down organic pollutants and remove contaminants from water. Bioremediation, another application, involves using microorganisms to degrade or detoxify hazardous substances in soil or water. Biotechnology also plays a role in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are renewable and have lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, biotechnology is used in the development of bio-based materials, such as biodegradable plastics and biofibers, which have reduced environmental impact.
5. How is biotechnology utilized in industrial manufacturing processes? |
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Biotechnology is extensively used in industrial manufacturing processes. It enables the production of enzymes through microbial fermentation, which are then used in various industries like food and beverage, detergent, textile, and pharmaceuticals. Enzymes act as catalysts and enhance the efficiency of manufacturing processes, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Biotechnology also allows for the production of bio-based materials, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and biofibers, which are derived from renewable sources and have lower carbon footprints compared to traditional materials. Overall, biotechnology contributes to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.