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 used in the fermentation process to produce dairy products like yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk. Their ability to convert lactose into lactic acid gives these foods their distinct texture and flavor.
• Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): Yeast is a vital microorganism in both the beverage and baking industries. It is used in the fermentation of sugars to produce alcohol in beer and wine. In baking, yeast helps in the leavening of bread by producing carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise.
• Bacteria in Fiber Processing: Certain bacteria are utilized in the retting process, which is essential for separating fibers from plants like hemp and jute. This process is crucial in producing textiles and other fiber-based products.

Important Organic Acids and Their Microbial Sources

• Citric Acid: Produced by fungi like Penicillium and Aspergillus, citric acid is widely used in food and beverage industries for flavoring and as a preservative. It also has applications in medicine, dyeing, and even the manufacturing of soft drinks.
• Oxalic Acid: Derived from Aspergillus niger, this acid has applications in medicine and various industrial processes due to its ability to bind with metals and other elements.
• Itaconic Acid: Produced by Aspergillus terreus, itaconic acid is used in the production of plastics, glass, and jewelry, making it valuable in the manufacturing sector.
• Kojic Acid: Sourced from Aspergillus oryzae, kojic acid has antiseptic properties and is used in the preparation of various chemicals. It is also utilized in cosmetic products for its skin-lightening effects.

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.

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 aims to collect and analyze genetic data from 10,000 individuals across India.
• The project seeks to develop a reference genome that reflects the genetic diversity of the Indian population, which will aid in predictive and preventive healthcare tailored to the Indian demographic.

MANAV - Human Atlas Project

• The MANAV project aims to create a comprehensive and interactive atlas of human biology by compiling and analyzing data at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organism levels.
• The project was initiated in New Delhi on May 10, 2019, and is intended to enhance our understanding of human biology, with potential applications in health and disease research.

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.