CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Biotechnology and genetic engineering – basic principles

How it works

Biotechnology uses biological systems, organisms, or their components for technical applications, for example for the production of medicines, foods, or enzymes. Genetic engineering is a subfield of biotechnology in which the genetic material (DNA) of organisms is deliberately altered or recombined. Important methods are the isolation of DNA, the transfer of genes into other organisms, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the amplification of specific DNA sections. Applications range from the production of insulin by genetically modified bacteria to the development of resistant crop plants. This is associated with opportunities such as medical progress, but also with risks and ethical questions, for example possible effects on the environment and health.

Note
Biotechnology includes the technical use of living organisms or their components; genetic engineering refers to targeted changes in DNA to produce new characteristics or products.

An example

What is meant by a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism has one or more genes that originate from another species and were introduced by genetic engineering methods. This distinguishes it from organisms whose genes were altered only through natural crossbreeding.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.