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In this article, we will learn about few more major inventions of biotechnology:

1. Biochips: It is a solid substrate compacted with several miniaturised test sites for biochemical reactions (similar to computer chips performing multiple mathematical operations simultaneously). Different kinds of biochips have different sensors. Biochips for pH detection, oxygen detection, genetic decoders and biochemical reactions are commonly used. It is an important research tool in fields of life sciences, bioinformatics analysis, clinical research and diagnostics. Microchip implants posed a moral dilemma in case of humans, however, it was approved for administration in pets to make them easily trackable.

2. Human Genome Project (HGP): It is an international scientific research project that began in the year 1990 with an aim to obtain detailed scientific information about the structure, organisation and function of the human DNA. Coordinated by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Energy, the project was carried out by more than 1000 researchers across six countries (United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan and China) in 16 institutes. HGP will help in understanding the complexity of polygenic disorders and psychiatric disorders, in enhancing gene therapy and in development of pharmacogenomics (tailored therapeutic drugs according to one’s genetic makeup).

3. Bioremediation: It is the use of beneficial bacteria, fungi, algae and other class of microorganisms to breakdown/remove toxins/environmental pollutants into non-toxic or less toxic versions. Effectively used as a waste management technique, it is less expensive vis-à-vis other remedial approaches like landfilling, recycling and composting. Indigenous (already existing) microorganisms or exogenous (introduced from outside) organisms are used for bioremediation. Techniques like bioventing (aeration of the soil from atmospheric air) and injection of hydrogen peroxide (adding oxygen) is used to enhance the process if indigenous organisms are used. One of the famous examples of bioremediation is clearing of oil spills on the sea surface by adding oil degrading bacteria like Acinetobacter and Marinobacter, among various others.

Link to Biotechnology – capsule 1:

https://testing.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-1-35012272

Link to Biotechnology – capsule 2:

https://testing.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-2-35033362

Link to Biotechnology – capsule 3:

https://testing.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-3-35050091

Link to Biotechnology – capsule 4:

https://testing.pagalguy.com/articles/general-science-bullet-biotechnology-capsule-4-35065432

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