Biotechnology & Biodiversity

Introduction to Biotechnology

Biotechnology: Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or their components for various applications.

• Industrial Applications:
  • Production of chemicals, biofuels, and enzymes.
  • Example: Enzymes in detergents enhance cleaning efficiency.
• Agricultural Applications:
  • Creation of genetically modified crops for improved yields and pest resistance.
  • Example: Bt corn developed to resist pests and minimise crop damage.
• Medical Applications:
  • Production of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines.
  • Example: Human insulin manufactured for diabetes management.

Evolution and Historical Context of Biotechnology

Timeline of Developments

• Ancient Practices:
  • Fermentation: Utilised in producing wine, beer, and bread.
  • Selective Breeding: Improved traits in plants and animals.
  • Other Uses: Early food processing techniques like cheese-making.
• Transition to Modern Techniques:
  • 1953: DNA structure discovery provided a foundation for genetic research.
  • 1980s: PCR technique was developed, facilitating DNA amplification.
  • CRISPR Introduced: A transformative genome-editing tool enabling targeted genetic changes.

Key Genetic Techniques

1. CRISPR Technology

• Mechanism:
  • Utilises RNA to target specific DNA sequences.
  • The Cas9 protein cuts the DNA, facilitating gene modification.
• Impacts on Biodiversity:
  • Positive: Removes invasive species. Improves genetic adaptability and resilience.
  • Negative: Off-target edits may affect non-target species.
• Case Study Example: CRISPR-engineered mosquitoes designed to lower malaria transmission.

2. Gene Cloning

• Process:
  • Isolate the gene for duplication and insert it into a vector for replication.
• Benefits: Preserves genetic traits of endangered species and fosters synthetic biology.
• Drawbacks: Potential for reduced genetic diversity.

3. PCR and Recombinant DNA Technology

• Roles:
  • Rapid DNA replication facilitates conservation genetics.
  • Potential risk of genetic pollution.
• Example: PCR enhances species identification for biodiversity surveys.

4. Selective Breeding

• Aspects:
  • Improves traits like disease resistance but risks narrowing genetic diversity.
• Example: In agriculture, improved crop yields and pest resistance.

Impacts on Biodiversity

Positive Impacts

• Conservation Genomics:
  • CRISPR enhances genetic health and diversity. Example: Conservation efforts for red squirrels in Britain.
• Improved Crops:
  • Genetic editing enhances resilience. Example: Increased yield in wheat varieties.

Negative Impacts

• Reduced Genetic Diversity:
  • GMOs can reduce biodiversity. Studies show decreased variety in GMO-prevalent regions.
• Crossbreeding Risks:
  • GMOs can alter ecosystems through hybridisation. Example: Issues in British farmland altering native species.

Ethical Considerations

• Technologies like Cloning and CRISPR raise ethical debates on genetic privacy and ecological impacts.
• Biotechnology may significantly alter ecosystems, thus necessitating ethical guidelines.

Regulation Frameworks

International Regulatory Frameworks

Nagoya Protocol

• Overview: Governs the access and sharing of genetic resources and ensures equitable benefits from biotechnological advancements.

UNESCO's International Bioethics Committee

• Guidelines: Sets ethical review standards to ensure technologies respect human rights.

National Regulatory Frameworks

Australia's Gene Technology Act

• Focus: Regulates genetic engineering, ensuring safety and ethical compliance.

Future of Biotechnology

Emerging Technologies

• Synthetic Biology:
  • Focused on creating new biological parts. Example: Engineered bacteria for waste degradation.
• Biofabrication:
  • Involves creating complex structures with biological cells. Example: Biocompatible materials for medical use.

Potential Impacts

• Positive: Enhanced ecosystem resilience.
• Negative: May introduce new invasive species.