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Cheat Sheet: Biotechnology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products & processes for human benefit.

  • Combines biology + technology.

Key Branches

Cheat Sheet: Biotechnology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

Core Techniques

  • Genetic Engineering – Altering DNA (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9).
  • Recombinant DNA Technology – Inserting foreign DNA into a host.
  • Tissue Culture – Growing plant/animal cells in artificial medium.
  • Fermentation – Using microbes for products (alcohol, antibiotics).
  • Stem Cell Technology – Regenerative medicine.
  • Bioinformatics – Computational analysis of biological data.
  • Synthetic Biology – Designing new biological parts & systems.

Applications

Agriculture

  • GM Crops (Bt Cotton, Golden Rice).
  • Biofertilizers, biopesticides.
  • Marker-Assisted Breeding.

Health

  • Vaccines (DNA vaccines, mRNA vaccines).
  • Diagnostics (RT-PCR, ELISA).
  • Biopharmaceuticals (insulin, monoclonal antibodies).
  • Gene therapy, personalized medicine.

Industry

  • Enzymes for detergents, food processing.
  • Biofuels, bioplastics.
  • Wastewater treatment.

Indian Initiatives & Institutions

  • Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – Under Ministry of Science & Technology.
  • BIRAC – Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.
  • National Biotechnology Development Strategy – Roadmap for biotech growth.
  • Make in India & Startup India – Supporting biotech startups.
  • Institutions: National Institute of Immunology (NII), Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).

Regulatory Framework

  • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) – Under MoEF&CC; approves GM organisms release.
  • Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) – Under DBT; safety & lab-level research.
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – Regulates access to bio-resources.
  • Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) – Proposed bill (not yet passed).

Recent Developments

  • CRISPR gene-editing in India – For disease-resistant crops.
  • mRNA vaccine technology – COVID-19 pandemic acceleration.
  • Bio-Economy Growth – India aiming for $150B bioeconomy by 2025.
  • Synthetic biology hubs emerging in IITs & IISERs.

Concerns & Ethics

  • Bio-safety risks (GM contamination).
  • Biosecurity (bioweapons).
  • Ethical concerns (designer babies, cloning).
  • IPR & access issues (patenting life forms).
The document Cheat Sheet: Biotechnology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Science & Technology for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Biotechnology - Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

1. What are the key branches of biotechnology?
Ans.The key branches of biotechnology include medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and food biotechnology. Each branch focuses on different applications, such as developing new drugs, enhancing crop yields, producing biofuels, bioremediation of pollutants, and improving food safety.
2. What core techniques are commonly used in biotechnology?
Ans.Core techniques in biotechnology include recombinant DNA technology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene cloning, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. These techniques are essential for manipulating genetic material, analyzing DNA sequences, and developing new biotechnological products.
3. What are some applications of biotechnology in India?
Ans.Applications of biotechnology in India span various sectors, including agriculture (genetically modified crops), healthcare (vaccines and biopharmaceuticals), environmental management (bioremediation), and food processing (fermented products). These applications aim to enhance productivity, improve health outcomes, and promote sustainable practices.
4. What is the regulatory framework governing biotechnology in India?
Ans.The regulatory framework for biotechnology in India includes guidelines and policies set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), and the National Biotechnology Development Strategy. This framework ensures safety assessments, ethical considerations, and compliance with national and international standards.
5. What are some concerns and ethical issues related to biotechnology?
Ans.Concerns and ethical issues in biotechnology include the potential for environmental harm from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biosecurity risks, access to genetic resources, and ethical considerations surrounding human genetic engineering. Addressing these concerns is crucial for responsible biotechnological advancement and public acceptance.
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