Found 292 Articles for Biotechnology

Insight into Transgenics Transgenics, the genetic modification of organisms by the introduction of foreign DNA, has become an important tool in biotechnology. It has been used to produce transgenic animals, plants, and microorganisms, for a range of applications from the development of pharmaceuticals and vaccines to the production of crops with enhanced traits. However, the use of transgenics raises significant ethical and biosafety issues, which must be addressed to ensure that its use is safe, responsible, and socially acceptable. The content below provides an overview of the ethical and biosafety issues associated with transgenics, including the risks and benefits, ... Read More

Introduction Transgenic crops are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that have been altered in a laboratory setting to possess specific agronomic traits. Agronomic traits refer to the various characteristics that crops exhibit such as resistance to pests and diseases, increased yield, and tolerance to abiotic stress such as drought and salinity. Transgenic crops have been engineered to exhibit these traits by introducing genes from other organisms, which can confer these traits onto the crops. Transgenic crops have been a topic of much debate and controversy, with proponents arguing that they can help address the world's food security challenges, while opponents ... Read More

Introduction Transgenic organisms, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are organisms that have had their DNA artificially altered by the insertion of foreign genes. These modifications can be made for a variety of purposes, such as improving crop yields, increasing disease resistance, or producing new medicines. While there are many potential benefits to transgenic organisms, there are also concerns about their safety and potential impact on the environment. As a result, there is a growing need for reliable methods of transgene detection. In this tutorial, we will explore the various techniques used to detect transgenes, including their strengths ... Read More

Introduction Protoplast fusion is a technique used in genetic engineering, plant breeding, and plant biotechnology. It involves the fusion of two plant protoplasts, or cells that have had their cell walls removed, to create a hybrid plant. Protoplast fusion has been used to create new plant varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, improved yields, and increased nutritional value. Let’s discuss the methods and mechanisms of protoplast fusion. Protoplast Methods of Protoplast Fusion There are several methods of protoplast fusion, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common methods are electrofusion, chemical fusion, and viral fusion. ... Read More

Introduction Plant tissue culture is a widely used technique in the production of secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not essential for the survival of the plant but play important roles in plant defence mechanisms, as well as in the treatment of diseases in humans. Secondary metabolites can be classified into several groups such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, among others. Plant tissue culture is a technique that involves the in vitro growth of plant cells, tissues, or organs under controlled conditions. This technique has been widely used in the production of secondary metabolites ... Read More

Introduction Plant transformation is the process of introducing foreign genes or genetic material into the genome of a plant, resulting in a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the field of plant biotechnology, allowing scientists to develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases, have higher yields, and are able to grow in adverse environmental conditions. Discussed below are the various methods of plant transformations widely used. Agrobacterium - Mediated Transformation Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is the most widely used method for plant transformation. It involves the use of a soil bacterium called Agrobacterium ... Read More

Introduction In the field of biology, growth and regeneration are fundamental processes that are essential for the survival of organisms. However, the storage and preservation of biological materials are equally important, as they ensure the continuity and reproducibility of research. Discussed below are various media and techniques used for growth, regeneration, and storage of biological materials. Media for Growth and Regeneration Media are nutrient-rich solutions used for the growth and regeneration of cells and tissues. The composition of the medium is critical, as it directly affects the growth and viability of cells. Here are some commonly used media for ... Read More

Introduction Somatic hybridization is a recent innovation in plant breeding that overcomes these limitations. Somatic hybridization is the fusion of two somatic cells from different plant species to produce a hybrid. In this process, the two parent plants are not crossed sexually; instead, their somatic cells are fused in vitro to produce a hybrid plant. Somatic hybridization is a powerful tool in plant breeding because it can be used to combine desirable traits from different plant species that are not sexually compatible. Below we shall explore the major aspects of somatic hybridization, including its history, mechanisms, applications, advantages, and ... Read More

Introduction Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that are separate from the bacterial chromosome. They are found in bacteria and are capable of self-replication. Plasmids often carry genes that confer some selective advantage to the bacterium, such as antibiotic resistance. As such, they are important tools in genetic engineering and biotechnology. In this article, we will discuss the process of isolating plasmid DNA from bacteria. Isolation of Plasmid DNA from Bacteria The process of isolating plasmid DNA from bacteria involves several steps, which are outlined below. Step 1 Bacterial Culture: The first step in isolating plasmid DNA from bacteria ... Read More

Introduction Ion exchange chromatography is a powerful technique for separating and purifying proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and other charged biomolecules based on their net charge. The technique involves the use of a stationary phase consisting of a resin with fixed charged groups that bind to the target molecules based on their charge characteristics. The principle of ion exchange chromatography is based on the differential affinity of biomolecules for the charged groups on the resin, which enables selective separation of the target molecule from a complex mixture of biomolecules. The content below elaborates the principle, steps, and uses of ion ... Read More