Introduction

Bio-technology

is defined as the use of scientific and engineering principles to

manipulate organisms or their genes, producing one or more of the following:
1. Organisms with specific biochemical, morphological, and/or growth
characteristics
2. Organisms that produce useful products.
3. Information about an organism or tissue that would otherwise not be
known.
The emergence of biotechnology as rapidly developing area of research with tremendous applications in healthcare, environment, food industries, etc., has amplified its significance manifold in day-to-day lives of the people. One of the major reasons why biotechnology has gained significance is because of gene
cloning. Although most of the useful products can be obtained from microorganisms, the list is limited to those synthesized naturally.
1. Some important pharmaceutical productscan be produced by higher organisms but not by microbes. This has been changed by the application of gene cloning to biotechnology.
2. The gene for an important animal or plant protein is taken from its host and introduced into a bacterium
leading to the production of recombinant protein.This can later on be obtained in large amounts.
Applications of Biotechnology
Recent developments have led to clear understanding of biotechnology and has helped us to apply biotechnology in improving the quality of life. The following are the important applications of biotechnology.

Agriculture
1. Increases in agricultural production can come mainly from the development of high-yield strains of crops. During the twentieth century, rapid strides were made in increasing the production of crops per unit area.
2. The green revolution is the name attached to post–World War II programs that have led to the development of new strains of crops with higher yields, better resistance to disease, or better ability to grow under poor conditions.
3. However, these improved crop varieties required greater use of fertilizers
and pesticides and water. In some cases, the crop was not considered
desirable to eat.
Medicines The advancement of biotechnology has seen tremendous application in the field of healthcare leading to improved and early diagnosis and production of engineered proteins.
1. Molecular Diagnosis
2. Gene Therapy
3. Production of Genetically Engineered Proteins
Biosensors A device using the interaction of a biological material (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, whole cells, tissues or organs) with an analyte (a compound whose concentration needs to be determined) to measure the detectable physical change is known as a biosensor. The detectable change is converted into an electric
signal by a transducer and is further amplified and displayed.
The interaction between the analyte and the biological material can be of two
types:
1. Affinity biosensors: Binding of the analyte to the biological material.
2. Catalytic biosensors: Conversion of analyte leading to the formation of a
new molecule.
Applications of Biosensors
Biosensors find a widespread application in the following:
1. Medical diagnosis and healthcare.
2. Quality control in pharmaceutical industries, agriculture and food industries.
3. Quality control of the environment by monitoring pollutants and industrial
effluents.