Concepts in Biotechnology

The modern biotechnology techniques started with expression of human genes such as that coding for insulin, but have since been extended to mammalian, microbial and plant genes. Also, the spectrum of ‘bioreactors’ (organisms used for production) recently has been broadened to include a variety of animals and plants. The perceived needs and marketability, the researchers’ imagination, ethics and governmental regulations essentially are the major factors in setting the stage and boundaries for developments in biotechnology. The genes introduced by various studies may make the organism more resistant to disease, may influence the rate of fruit ripening or may increases productivity. As this approach leads to release of genetically altered organisms into the environment, this part of biotechnology is quite strictly regulated government levels. This book sums up the basic concepts in Biotechnology and is a valuable tool for students as well as teachers.