Question

Which two main techniques are used in biotechnology? Why? <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> [Textbook Question No.7 Pg no. 208]

Answer 1

The two main techniques which are used in biotechnology are genetic engineering and tissue culture.

• Genetic engineering is a process of incorporation of the desired gene into the existing sequence of DNA in an individual, thus forming a transgenic plant/animal. It is used to produce pest-resistant crops, vaccines, enzymes etc.
• Tissue culture is the process of growing a complete organism from a single cell or tissue under laboratory conditions. The cell or tissue is removed from the plant body and then placed in a culture medium which allows the cell to grow and divide to form a small group of cells called a callus. This callus is then transferred to another medium containing hormones for growth and differentiation. The plantlets thus produced are finally planted in the soil where they can grow into mature plants.