Introduction to Biotechnology
The oxford definition for Biotechnology-“Biotechnology is the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes to manufacturing and service industries. It involves the use of living organisms or biological systems to develop or modify products or processes for specific use. In simpler terms biotechnology is using biological things like microorganism, plants and animals, derive meaningful and effective solution for existing challenge and future development. Biotech covers wide range of our lives from agriculture, food, energy, environment to health.
This has long history dating thousands of years back. Traditional techniques like making curd, bread, or alcohol through microbial fermentation are early examples. The modern biotechnology began in the 20th century, when the structure of DNA was determined. This development beginning of genetic engineering where scientists have been able to manipulate genes to assess certain characters on living organisms. It was all started with the historic discovery of the structure of DNA in the year 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick.
All in all, these advancements have redefined our comprehension, and control of biological systems. Biotechnology has since developed quickly, with pioneering technologies like the Human Genome Project and CRISPR gene editing, and is now recognized as one of the most revolutionary developments of the 21st century as scientific innovations are increasingly broadening its potential.
Applications of Biotechnology
Biotech has numerous benefits in Healthcare and Medicine, Agriculture and Food Security and Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology. But this essay focus on healthcare and medicines with secondary focus on covid 19 pandemic that whole world had witnessed. Biotechnology has transformed us by the manner in which we prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Genetically modified organisms are used in the production of life-saving drugs like insulin, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and growth hormones. Gene therapy is the focus of use of biotechnology when the genetic disorders are corrected by correcting the defective genes.
Finally, there are such modern approaches as personalized medicine based on a genetic profile of a patient that can be used in order to design individual treatment methods capable of boasting higher success rates. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, mRNA vaccines, such as Moderna or Pfizer proved to be kept at such a rapidity and efficiency that healthcare based on biotechnology has gained.
“Vaccines are the most powerful tool we have — and biotechnology made their fastest development in history possible.”
— Dr. Anthony Fauci
Biotechnology and Humanity: What COVID-19 Taught Us
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 was not just a health emergency. It was a worldwide laboratory test of human infrastructure, principles, and strength. It was amazing how the whole focus of the pandemic was in and around biotechnology a field that showed dichotomy between the lab and life and what science can do and what it cannot repair all by itself. Biotechnology enabled us to learn what the enemy is within no time.
Scientists used weeks to sequence the genome of a brand new virus, SARS-CoV-2. This opened an international chase not only to deter it, but to crack it, and outwit it. Mand unlike anything, the world witnessed the production and release of mRNA vaccines faster than in any other case. As a rule, the vaccines require years or decades. They were created within one year in 2020 and it proves it is possible to create a miracle when science is not neglected and even financially supported.
Once Dr. Eric Topol, Genomics Expert said “The sequencing of the virus’s genome was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of humanity’s response”. This shows it is gateway to the future of medicine. However, the morals of biotechnology lie even further. The pandemic showed how interconnected our systems could be: the biotech labs cooperated with hospitals, governments, and logistics companies. Virus detection was adapted towards the use of CRISPR tools. Predicted protein folding was able to be made with AI. Mutations were indicated with the help of bioinformatics. Biotechnology was no more a solution-provider, but they were identified as bridge-builders.
COVID-19 redrew national sovereignty in science as well. At a time when the virus had no frontiers, vaccine nationalism emerged as an issue. They stocked more doses in rich nations as the poorer nations waited. COVAX and Indian vaccine diplomacy (exporting vaccines to more than 70 states) attempted to swing the pendulum back, but not without difficulty. The pandemic demonstrated that biotechnology has to be integrated with morals and justice. One more lesson neglected is the importance of biotech by the masses. Medicines and vaccines work when people would accept them.
Misinformation in social media, fear, and rumour created hesitancy, which hamper the recovery. This indicates the necessity of enhanced communications and education of the population on science as well as innovation in biotech. COVID-19, lastly, made us learn that biotechnology is unavoidable anymore. It is an essential element of national security similar to the defence or finance. Nations should invest on research laboratories, biotechnology startups and young people. India has already taken steps, and such programs as the National biopharma Mission and the Atal Innovation Mission have been initiated, and the pace should not be slowed.
Biotechnology is not merely about molecules and machines, it is about safeguarding lives, dignity and future. The issue of COVID-19 helped us understand that the true strength of science is not only discovery, but also use in the benefit of mankind.
“COVID-19 did not break science. It revealed what science can do when urgency, resources, and cooperation converge.”
— Nature Editorial, 2021
Conclusion
Biotechnology is not merely a science- It is a technology that creates the future of life. It also has the answer to many of the greatest problems in the world because it cures the ill, feeds the hungry, and safeguards Mother Earth right to the core. But its success depends not just on science, but on wisdom. However, as iron man states with great power comes great responsibility. We have to be conscientious, and all-inclusive in learning how to manage biotechnology to make certain that the advantages flow to all. In the future, biotechnology will remain one of the most inspiring things and a symbol of our innovativeness.
By: TANISHKA KARANDE
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