Biotechnology & Society

Definition of Biotechnology

Biotechnology: Modification of living organisms and their systems to generate products that benefit humans and the environment.

Evolution and Historical Milestones

• 1940s-1950s:

  • One-Gene-One-Enzyme Hypothesis
    • Impact: Linked specific genes to proteins, a foundational concept for genetic research.
  • Discovery of DNA Structure
    • Impact: Pivotal for our understanding of genetics.

• 1970s:

  • Recombinant DNA Technology
    • Impact: Enabled genome manipulation, vital for genetic engineering.

• 2000s:

  • CRISPR Technology
    • Impact: Offered precision in gene editing, prompting ethical discussions.

Applications of Biotechnology

In Plants

• Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
  • Agricultural plants with altered DNA for traits like pest resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutrition.

Gene-Editing Tool	Applications in Agriculture
CRISPR	Enhances crop yield and disease resistance. Example: drought-tolerant rice
Zinc Finger Nucleases	Facilitates precise modifications to plant genomes. Example: pest-resistant maize
TALENs	Targets specific plant DNA sequences for improvement. Example: herbicide-resistant wheat

In Animals

• Transgenic Animals:

  • Genetic Enhancements: Example: Cows engineered for increased milk production, boosting farm productivity.
  • Pharmaceutical Production: Focus on goats producing therapeutic proteins.

• CRISPR:

  • Develops disease-resistant animals, such as PRRS-resistant pigs.

Other Key Applications

• Insulin Production: Crucial for diabetes treatment.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: Play an essential role in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer.

Societal Impacts

Societal Shifts

• Healthcare: Advances in treatment and diagnosis.
• Food Production: Improved efficiency and security.
• Acceptance Variability: Diverse reactions based on cultural beliefs.

Ongoing Debates

• Ethical Questions: Moral considerations of gene editing.
• Economic Considerations: Equitable access to technology.

Economic Impacts

Growth and Significance

• Agriculture: Boosts crop yields and resilience, ensuring global food security.
• Health: Personalised medicine involves tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles.
• Industry: Innovations in biofuels and bioplastics reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Cultural and Religious Impacts

Cultural Influences

• Acceptance
  • Cultural norms influence biotechnology adoption.
  • Integrating traditional practices with genetic technologies.

Religious Perspectives

• Islamic Perspective: Examined through halal and haram principles.
• Catholic View: Stresses the protection of natural creation.
• Buddhist Approach: Considers effects on karma and non-harm.

Key Takeaways

• Merging biotechnology with cultural respect promotes wider acceptance.

Ethical Landscapes

Germline Editing: Alteration of DNA in embryos, becomes irreversible and affects future generations.

Key Ethical Questions:

• Who determines the extent of genetic interventions?
• What are the implications for human evolution?

Frameworks for Ethical Evaluation:

• Benefit-Harm Analysis weighs risks against potential benefits.

Biodiversity Impacts

Favourable Impacts:

• Species Conservation
  • Gene Banks: Preserve genetic diversity.
  • Case Study: Genetic intervention in the northern white rhinoceros.

Unfavourable Impacts:

• Genetic Homogenisation
  • Risks include decreased genetic diversity in organisms.
  • Monocultures risk reduced biodiversity.