UPSC Mains 2021 · GS III · Q15 · 15 marks · 250 words

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology ? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society ?

हिन्दी में

अनुप्रयुक्त जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी में शोध तथा विकास-सम्बन्धी उपलब्धियाँ क्या हैं ? ये उपलब्धियाँ समाज के निर्धन वर्गों के उत्थान में किस प्रकार सहायक होंगी ?

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “How has biotechnology contributed to improving human life? Discuss.”

ShivaniCSE 2024 · 177 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Biotechnology means use of technology in enhancing productivity or efficiency of biological systems.

For food production -

Body · points

  1. Use of genetically modified GM crops to increase yields eg GM Brinjal
  2. Develop capacity to address diseases and pest attack eg GM Cotton.
  3. Develop resistance to adverse weather patterns eg droughts
  4. Increase nutritional value of food eg Golden rice with Vitamin A.
  5. Increase carbon capture capacity reducing agriculture emissions

Waste management:

  • ① Develop bioplastics to replace regular nondecomposable plastics.
  • ② Use of microbes to increase efficiency of decomposition

Human Health -

  • ① Detection of diseases eg- AIDS detection ELISA test , or PCR for COVID-19.
  • ② Genetic Therapy for curing diseases - cancer, sickle cell anaemia eg- CRISPR Cas 9, Nex CAR 19.
  • ③ For data analysis to prepare better medicines
  • ④ For faster manufacture of vaccine to address health crisis eg. Covishield for COVID-19
  • ⑤ Management of pests and diseases eg. Mosquirix developed against dengue-casusing mosquitoes

Close · a summary

Thus, Biotechnology has multilevel impact on human lives with immense potential.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper III, Q15. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.