Molecular Biotechnology in Our Life
If you have had a can of soft drink, ate a fruit, or took some head ache medicine this morning - then it's very likely you have used a genetically enhanced product. Genetics is a part of biotechnology that manipulates biological organisms to make products that benefit humankind. Biotechnology is essential in our life, but there are some concerns regarding its safety. Although, biotechnology may pose some danger it is proving to be very beneficial to humankind. The first applications of biotechnology occurred approximately around 5000 BC. Back then people used simple breeding methods. Chains of plants or animals were crossed to produce greater genetic variety. The hybridized offspring then were selectively bred to produce the desired traits. For example, for about 7000 years, corn has been selectively bred for increased kernel size and additional nutrition value. Also, through selective breeding, cattle and pigs have become the major sources of animal foods for human (Encarta 99). The modern era of biotechnology started in 1953 when British biophysicist Francis Crick and American biochemist James Watson presented their double-stranded model of DNA. DNA is an extensive, chai
This combination of mating and selection, although time-consuming and costly, has been exceptionally successful. Biotechnology can incorporate genes that are resistant to environmental stress, viruses, and insects. However, some individual scientists may have different goals. Another important area of biotechnology is improvement of livestock. Further, the host bacteria serve as a biologic factory by reproducing the transferred gene. McDonald states that "today, there are more than 2,200 drugs that are in development and 234 awaiting approval from FDA" (91). Another area that benefits from biotechnology is medicine. At each successive generation, animals with superior performance characteristics are used as breeding stock. 3Raymond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 1999. Land is expensive and should be used efficiently, to do so - large quantities of fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and frequent irrigation may be necessary. Molecular biotechnology: Principles and 5Application of Recombinant DNA. " US News & World Report, November 23, 1998.
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