Science · X-Factor Notes
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
25 revision facts
| 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 $\rightarrow$ Fragmentation of DNA $\rightarrow$ Isolation of desired DNA fragments $\rightarrow$ Amplification of gene of interest $\rightarrow$ Ligation of DNA fragmentation into the vector $\rightarrow$ Transfer of recombinant DNA into the host cell/organism $\rightarrow$ Obtaining the foreign gene product $\rightarrow$ Downstream processing. | |
| 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. | |
| RNA interference (RNAi) | This technology is used for developing gene silencing therapies and producing crop plants resistant to viral pathogens. |
| 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) | Technology used for the reproductive cloning of animals. | |
| Pronuclear Transfer (PNT) | A human reproductive technology used to prevent mitochondrial diseases in offspring; this technique is sometimes referred to as creating a 'three-parent baby'. | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Stem Cell Types | They include embryonic stem cells (from blastocysts) and adult or somatic stem cells (from fetus, umbilical cord, etc.). The stem cells can regenerate in vitro virtually forever. | |
| 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. | |
| Biochip Technology | A microchip intended to function in a biological environment; it contains RNA, DNA, and Protein. | UPPCS (Mains) 2008 |
| Genico Technology | A method used for the development of species for food crops. | |
| In Vitro DNA Synthesis | DNA was synthesized in vitro by Arthur Kornberg. |
| 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). | |
| Terminator Technology | Seeks to provide improved seeds that are genetically engineered to yield sterile seed for the next generation. | UPPCS (Pre) 1999; UPPCS (Mains) 2004 |
| Transgenic Crop Techniques | Techniques used to create transgenic crops include cytoplasmic male sterility and gene silencing. | |
| 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 |
| DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics Centre (CDFD) | Located in Hyderabad. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013 |
