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Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | UPPCS X-Factor Notes | UPPCS Manch

Science · X-Factor Notes

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.

High-Yield Revision

I. Fundamentals of Genetic Engineering and DNA Technology

Concept	What to remember	Asked in UPPCS
Genetic Engineering	Artificial manipulation, modification, and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules using biotechnology to modify the genome of an organism.
Recombinant DNA Technology (Genetic Engineering)	Used to transfer genes from microorganisms (like bacteria) or other sources to higher organisms. It allows genes to be transferred across different species of plants, from animals to plants, and from microorganisms to higher organisms.
Recombinant DNA Process Steps	The correct sequence of steps includes: Identification and isolation of genetic material $\rightarrow$

II. Cloning and Advanced Reproductive Techniques

Concept	What to remember	Asked in UPPCS
First Cloned Animal	The sheep named Dolly was the first successful cloned animal.	U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002, U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021
Indian Cloning Achievements	NDRI, Karnal (Haryana), developed the second cloned buffalo calf, 'Garima,' using the Hand guided Cloning Technique.
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

III. Biotechnology in Medicine and Genomics

Concept	What to remember	Asked in UPPCS
Human Genome Project (HGP)	World-level program related to the identification, mapping, and sequencing of human genes. It involves understanding all 30,000 estimated genes and helps in finding genes concerned with cancer.	UPPCS (Pre) 2001
Stem Cells	Unique undifferentiated biological cells that can divide (self-renewal) and differentiate into specialized cells (like brain cells). They are the focus of research for several serious diseases. They can be used for screening new drugs and medical therapies.	UPPCS (Pre) 2006

IV. Agricultural Biotechnology and Forensics

Concept	What to remember	Asked in UPPCS
Transgenic Crops	Golden rice is a transgenic plant engineered to biosynthesize beta-carotene (precursor of Vitamin A) in its edible parts, aiming to combat Vitamin A deficiency.	UPPCS (Mains) 2012, U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2011
Bollgard I and II	Biotech crop technologies that provide protection for cotton against destructive American Bollworm infestations, utilizing insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bollgard II uses superior double-gene technology (Cry 1 Ac and Cry 2 Ab).

DNA Manipulation	DNA fragments can be manipulated using restriction endonucleases (which cut DNA) and DNA ligases (which rejoin fragments). Scientists can cut apart and paste together DNA molecules regardless of the source.

Functional Chromosome Creation	Functional chromosomes cannot be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species, although artificial functional DNA can be created in labs.	U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010

Recombinant Vector Vaccines	These vaccines are made of a live attenuated viral or bacterial strain used as a vector to carry the gene encoding the desired vaccine antigens. Genetic engineering is applied in their development.

Genetic Engineering Success	Successfully achieved effects include disease resistance, growth promotion, and animal cloning. Human cloning has not yielded fruitful results and is controversial/banned.	UPPCS (Pre) 2003, UPPCS (Pre) 2001

Genome Sequencing Applications	Can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in crops, reduce the time required to develop new crop varieties, and decipher host-pathogen relationships.

Paternity/Forensics	DNA fingerprinting technique is useful for proving paternity. The first crime solved using this technique was in England in 1983. The powder used for developing fingerprints on a multi-coloured surface is fluorescent powder.	U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl.) (Pre) 2010, UPPCS (Mains) 2006, UPPCS (Mains) 2013