1. Role of Yeast
- Explanation: Yeast plays a key role in producing bread through fermentation and in ethanol production.
2. Bacteria in Biotechnology
- Rapid Reproduction and Complex Molecule Production: Bacteria are valuable in biotechnology due to their quick reproduction and capacity to synthesize complex molecules.
3. Why Bacteria in Biotechnology
- (a) Ethical Concerns: Bacteria manipulation and growth raise no ethical concerns.
- (b) Presence of Plasmids: Bacteria often contain plasmids, facilitating genetic modifications.
4. Fermenters in Large-Scale Production
- Explanation: Fermenters are employed for large-scale production by bacteria and fungi.
- Controlled Conditions: Parameters such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, nutrient supply, and waste products must be controlled.
5. Enzymes in Various Applications
- (a) Biological Washing Powders: Enzymes aid in breaking down stains.
- (b) Pectinase for Fruit Juice Production: Pectinase helps extract juice from fruits.
- (c) Lactase for Lactose-Free Milk: Lactase is used to break down lactose in milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Understanding the applications of biotechnology and genetic modification involving yeast, bacteria, and enzymes highlights their diverse roles in industries and everyday products.
Genetic Modification:
1. Definition of Genetic Modification:
- Explanation: Genetic modification involves altering the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing, or inserting individual genes.
2. Insertion of Human Insulin Gene into Bacterial DNA:
- Example: The gene controlling human insulin production has been inserted into bacterial DNA for commercial insulin production.
3. Genetic Modification in Crop Plants:
- (a) Herbicide Resistance: Genes are inserted to confer resistance to herbicides.
- (b) Insect Pest Resistance: Genes are inserted to confer resistance to insect pests.
- (c) Additional Vitamin Production: Genes are inserted to enhance the production of specific vitamins.
4. Advantages and Risks of Genetic Modification:
- Advantages:
- Improved crop resistance.
- Enhanced nutritional content.
- Increased yield.
- Risks:
- Potential environmental impact.
- Unknown long-term effects.
- Ethical concerns.
Understanding genetic modification’s applications in agriculture and industry necessitates a consideration of both its potential benefits and associated risks.
