Biotechnology is the application of biotechnology to the natural biology with an aim of improving human existence. It is one of the important sciences which has made significant contributions to the medical world. It deals with the use of living organisms in biotechnological and pharmaceutical productions. This technology lies in the sphere of genetic engineering, which integrates genetic sequence with traits of the living organisms. This article outlines the scope of biotechnology and provides the basic concept on the subject.
The scope of biotechnology can be divided into three sectors: agriculture, generic pharmaceuticals, and animal biotechnology. Agriculture uses genetic engineering techniques for the improvement of plant production. This sector employs various types of genetic approaches. It includes crop genetic improvement, insect resistance traits, soil genetic improvement, etc.
Genomics is the discipline of genetic science, which focuses on analyzing and deciphering the DNA of living organisms. It deals with the study of genetic architecture and regulates the development of living organisms. Modern agriculture is based on biotechnology. Here genetic manipulation is used to manipulate the traits of plants to produce more efficient crops. This technique helps farmers save cost and protects the environment by avoiding the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
Animal biotechnology deals with the breeding of certain species. It uses different techniques such as genetic engineering, genetic chemistry, transgenic selection, genetic optimization, and genetic manipulation. In the field of veterinary medicines, genetic manipulation is used to alter the genetic makeup of the species or to treat or prevent diseases. Here animal cloning and genetic engineering are important. Animal cloning is done to create stem cells for transplantation to treat human diseases.
Food technology involves the process of producing genetically identical food items using the same recipe. This is called ‘sequential agrochemical’. This technology involves the combination of genetic engineering, food technology, and biotechnology. The objective of food technology is to produce food items that are identical to their natural state even though they have undergone transformation. The source of food items may be plant, animal, or human. This is a popular concept used in food preservation.
Biotechnology organizations dealing in agriculture are broadly categorized into two segments. These are labeled as basic agricultural biotechnology and genetic agriculture. The term ‘agriculture’ is generally used to define all those systems of farm management that focuses on growing of plants and animals for consumption purposes. Systems include agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, birding, poultry, cattle, etc. Agriculture is a broad category and comprises many different processes such as food production, packaging, marketing, and distribution.
Genetically engineered crops have become one of the most prominent tools used for genetic improvement. This technology involves the process of introducing specific DNA into the target plant or animal. After this, the target plant or animal is made to grow according to the new designed DNA sequence. This is done using biotechnology techniques.
Agriculture has become one of the most important sectors of science and research today due to the continuous rise in population. This demand for agricultural biotechnology solutions is increasing day by day. As farmers need better supplies of food, genetic engineering is used by them to make their farming more efficient. They also need affordable means of growing their products. Biotechnology has therefore played a vital role in the agricultural sector. The future looks bright for this biotechnology industry.
The food market is highly dynamic and competitive. Farmers are always looking out for ways to improve their products. With new technologies like genetic engineering, they can get a chance to increase their yield. Increased yields can help reduce the cost of food production. Since the demand for food is always increasing, the profitability of the agricultural biotechnology industry can be expected to grow in the coming years.
Biotechnology has helped many small and large scale farmers in the use of improved technology that increases productivity. Using modern techniques like genetic engineering, farmers can ensure higher crop production at lower costs. With the help of this biotechnology, they can produce better quality food at lower prices. The demand for food is increasing and with this the opportunities for farmers can also be increased. As the demand for food increases, the competition in the food industry will also increase and this can bring about a positive impact for the farmers of the country as well as the world.
There are many challenges that face the food industry. However, if biotechnology is used properly it can bring about positive changes in the industry. The biotechnology industry can provide an effective solution to many of these problems. This can help farmers increase their revenues and reduce the costs associated with the production of food.