Role of Biotechnology

Biotechnology (Genetic Engineering Recap)

  • Example: human insulin gene transferred into bacteria.

  • Bacteria = genetically modified (GM) → produce human insulin.

  • Insulin is harvested + purified → used to treat diabetes.

GM Crops

  • GM crops can:

    • Produce more food.

    • Have improved nutritional value.

Golden Rice = Key Example

  • Billions depend on rice as a staple food.

  • Problem: rice lacks molecules needed to make vitamin A.

  • Vitamin A = needed for vision.

    • Deficiency → ~500,000 people go blind each year.

  • Golden Rice → genetically modified to contain molecules for vitamin A production.

  • Could prevent hundreds of thousands of blindness cases yearly.

Microorganisms in Food Production

  • Example: Mycoprotein.

  • Produced by fungus Fusarium.

  • Fusarium grown on glucose syrup in a fermenter (aerobic conditions).

  • Fungus converts glucose → mycoprotein biomass.

  • Biomass is harvested + purified → used in food products.

Advantages of Mycoprotein

  1. Suitable for vegetarians.

  2. Efficient protein source:

    • Can be grown in large amounts.

    • Requires small space.

✅ Key Exam Points:

  • Golden Rice → vitamin A deficiency solution.

  • Fusarium (fungus) → used for mycoprotein.

  • Biotechnology = essential for meeting growing global food demands.