Cell Biology and Biotechnology

Cell Biology and Biotechnology

DNA

Cell Biology (Cytology):- 

The study of the structure, types and organelles of the cell is called as cell biology (cytology).

Stem cells: - 

Stem cells are special type of cell present in the body of multicellular organisms.

Depending upon source, stem cells are of two types as 1) Embryonic stem cells and   2) Adult stem cells.

Uses of Stem Cells

          Stem cells are used for regenerative therapy and organ therapy.

1. Regenerative Therapy

A. Cell Therapy: - Stem cells are used to replace the dead cells in case of conditions like diabetes, myocardial infarction, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc.

B. To produce blood cells required in conditions like anemia, thalassaemia, leukemia, etc.

2. Organ Transplantation:

In case of failure of organs like kidney and liver, those can be produced with the help of stem cells and transplanted.

Stem Cell Preservation

For the purpose of preservation, stem cell samples are carefully collected from sources like cord blood, red bone marrow or embryo (blastocyst) and are kept in small, sterile vials. Those vials are kept in liquid nitrogen at -135°C to -190°C.

Biotechnology:-  

Biotechnology is bringing about artificial genetic changes and hybridization in organisms for human welfare.

          Various branches of science like cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering are included in biotechnology.

Biotechnology includes following main areas

1. Use of various abilities of microbes like yoghurt production from milk and alcohol from molasses.

2. Use of productivity of the cells. Ex. – Production of antibiotics and vaccines, etc. with the help of specific cells.

3. Use of bio-molecules like DNA and proteins in human welfare.

4. Development of plants, animals and products of desired quality by gene manipulation. Production of human growth hormone with the help of genetically modified bacteria.

5. Use of genetic and non-genetic technique. Non-genetic biotechnology involves use of either cell or tissue. Ex. Tissue culture, production of hybrid seeds, etc.

Benefits of Biotechnology

1. It has become possible to increase the per hectare yield irrespective of the limitations of crop-land area.

2. Expenses on disease control have minimized since development of resistant varieties.

3. Due to development of fast fruit setting varieties, yield per annum has been increased.

4. Development of stress resistant varieties which can withstand variable temperature,

Water-stress, changing fertility of soil, etc. has become possible.

Commercial Applications of Biotechnology:

     1.      Crop Biotechnology:-  Biotechnology is used in agricultural field to improve yield and variety.

     2.      Animal Husbandry :-  Two main methods as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are used in animal husbandry. It helps to improve both, the quantity and quality of animal products. Ex. Milk, meat, wool, etc. Similarly, animals with more strength have been developed for hard work.

     3.      Human Health :-  Diagnosis and treatment of the diseases are two important aspects of the human health management. Biotechnology helps to identify the role of gene, if any, in disease of a person. Diagnosis of diabetes and heart diseases has become possible even before the onset of symptoms, with the help of biotechnology.

      4.      Industrial Products :-  Various industrial chemicals can be produced through less expensive processes. Example: Alcohol production from sugar molasses with the help of transgenic yeast.

      5.      Environment and Biotechnology :- Microbial techniques are already in use for treatment on sewage and solid waste. Sewage is rich in organic matter

Bioremediation means either absorption or destruction of toxic chemicals and harmful pollutants with the help of plants and microorganisms.

      6.      Food Biotechnology:- Food items like bread, cheese, wine, beer, yoghurt, vinegar are produced with the help of microorganisms. These food items are probably the oldest ones produced with the help of biotechnology.

     7.      DNA fingerprinting :-  DNA sequence of each person is unique as that of the fingerprints. Due to this, identity of any person can be established with the help of its available DNA. This is called as DNA fingerprinting. It is mainly useful in forensic sciences. Identity of the criminal can be established with the help of any part of its body found at the site of crime.

Important stages in agricultural development

     1.     Green revolution: Problems of population explosion were started to appear at the beginning of 20^th century. Almost all the countries, especially underdeveloped and developing countries had been badly affected by the effects of poor quality and quantity of food. Various methods applied for harvesting maximum yield from minimum land are collectively called as green revolution.

    2.     White revolution :- Various parts of India were rich in milk and milk products. However, those products were not sufficient to meet the needs of far-flung regions. Dr. Verghese Kurien roved through the cooperative movement and use of biotechnology that Dairy cannot be allied but it will be a mainstream business. He put the cooperative dairy movement of Anand, Gujarat at all time high status.

    3.     Blue revolution :- Production of various useful aquatic organisms with the help of water is called as blue revolution. Farm ponds and the fishes are very common in East Asian countries.

    4.     Fertilizers :- Two types of fertilizers are used in agriculture. One of those is organic manure and others are chemical fertilizers. Water holding capacity of the soil improves with soil conservation due to use of manures. Upper layer of the soil essential in agriculture is formed due to humus formation. Various essential elements like N, P, and K can be available to crops due to earthworms and fungi. In soil-less farming i.e. hydroponics, liquid chemical fertilizers are used. However, there are more harmful effects of liberal use of chemical fertilizers. It includes decrease in fertility of soil.

    5.     Insecticides :- Though the natural immunity of plants can prevent the infections, use of insecticides is not under control. Irrespective of the natural friends of farmers like frogs and insectivorous birds, pesticides are used on large scale for increase in yield. Pesticides are in fact a type of poison. This poison enters the food-web through water and food and its bio-magnification occurs. Various pesticides like DDT, malathion, chloropyriphos, etc. have been proved to be dangerous.

    6.     Organic farming :- Now a days, organic farming and organic products have become buzzwords. Organic products are being available and demand for them is ever-increasing.

    7.     Cultivation of Medicinal Plants :- India has been gifted with a great biodiversity. Indian citizens have established the humble and strong relation with the nature. We have a great tradition of Ayurveda that cures the diseases with the help of natural sources.

    8.     Fruit Processing :- All are consuming the products like chocolates, juices, jams and jellies. All these products can be produced by processing on fruits.

       
         Q1) Fill in the blanks and complete the statements.

     1)    Method like artificial insemination and embryo transplants are mainly used for Animal husbandry.

     2)    Stem cell research is the revolutionary event in biotechnology after cloning.

     3)    The disease related with the synthesis of insulin is diabetes.

     4)    Government of India has encouraged the pisciculture for improving the productivity by launching NKM-16.