Thank you for Subscribing to Life Science Review Weekly Brief
Biotechnology is a broad field that utilizes cellular and biomolecular processes to create products and services that benefit people’s health and well-being.
FREMONT CA: DNA sequencing is a method for determining the sequence of nucleic acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of DNA molecules. DNA sequencing gives information on the arrangement of nucleotide bases in a segment of DNA. Each individual and creature has a unique nucleotide base sequence, and hence each individual and organism has a unique DNA sequence. This sequence informs scientists about the type of genetic information included in a specific DNA segment and aids in several human well-being aspects.
The role of DNA sequencing in biotechnology
In Agricultural Biotechnology
In agriculture, DNA sequencing technologies may be used to identify GMO species. DNA sequencing can identify any small changes or mutations in the plant genome. This will aid in the detection of various plant illnesses and the development of pathogen-free plants.
Biotechnology in Medicine
● The use of biotechnology to medicine is transforming the way illnesses caused by genetic factors are diagnosed. It entails the use of sequencing to discover more effective techniques of preserving human health and also contributes to the study of DNA to determine the origins of genetic diseases and potential treatments. New assays are now available to identify alterations in the DNA sequences of disease-associated genes.
● Additionally, gene sequencing aids in the development of gene therapy, a kind of treatment that involves the replacement of faulty genes in specific hereditary diseases. It has enabled the development of medicines that specifically target disease-causing genes.
● Additionally, it paved the way for more customized treatment by allowing researchers to assess the extent to which their genetic profile dictates a patient’s response to a medication. For example, the genetic profile of a patient’s tumor may now be utilized to determine the most successful treatment for that patient.
Biotechnology for Forensics
● Scientific knowledge and methods to criminal investigations and legal difficulties is referred to as forensic science. Forensic scientists utilize biotechnology to gather and analyze trace evidence such as hair, skin, blood, or sperm samples discovered at crime scenes.
● DNA profiling, or genetic fingerprinting, is a critical element of modern forensics. Forensic DNA profiles are composed of size measures that are interpreted as the number of short tandem repeat (STR) repeat units. These new tests will enable forensic investigators to sequence STR markers, possibly increasing their capacity to distinguish people from complicated combinations.
In Microbial Biotechnology
Microbial biotechnology relies entirely on DNA sequencing technologies for genome analysis. Knowledge of DNA polymorphisms contributes to our understanding of microbial genetic specialization. The microbial genome exhibits a variety of sequence variations, called polymorphisms. Microbial DNA polymorphisms serve as the foundation for understanding phenotypic specificity, evolution, and taxonomy.