A few years ago, the people would have surprised to hear the word 'Biotechnology' . It is the combination of words Bios (life) and Technology.
Biotechnology helps us make our life better from within as it has the capacity to enter the world of our genes, chromosomes and DNA.

But what do we mean by these genes, DNA, Chromosomes and all? For the study of Biotechnology, we got to know them first. DNA, as you might know, is Deoxyribonucleic acid. It is present inside the nucleus. The entire length of human DNA, if opened completely (which is not possible mechanically!), ranges up to three metres! So, is it possible to make it fit inside a tiny nucleus easily? NO! But nature has its own remedies for the problems. There are specific proteins which can pack it perfectly in that tiny nucleus.

When this DNA is packed with those proteins and seen just before the cell-division phase of the cell, we find a structure, where DNA is packed along with the proteins in a disciplined manner and is called as a Chromosome.

A gene is nothing but a particular part (and not any fragment) of DNA, which is assigned the duty of coding for a specific protein necessary for the body.
The biotechnology is based on all the basic concepts of DNA.

Now that you an idea about the basics of Biotechnology, you might wonder where it is used and how all this works. All this is covered in the chapter - Biotechnology. 

In genetic engineering, cloning, the needed part of DNA can be cut with proper enzymes and then inserted in the specific region of the other DNA. For this, Escherichia coli  bacteria are used in most cases. 

The important information of base pairs of DNA can be stored in gene bank, gene library, so that, when needed, it can be made use of. This technique is also helpful in saving the endangered species or rejuvenating the recently extinct species.

Not all organisms, in fact not the twins are identical in the sense of their DNA. There are differences and they can be studied by means of DNA fingerprinting. By using this technique, the differences between genes and DNA can be studied and thereby the evolutionary course can also be studied. The plants can give many useful things. But, if the natural number of plant species is not enough, we can get some useful things from them by just growing certain parts or entire plant by mean of plant tissue culture.

Further, if there are some advanced Biotechniques being invented in a particular country, the rights are to be there with that country. For that, the laws of Biopiracy have been created. If any organisms are getting used unnecessarily for any research, the Bioethics makes us remind about their importance.
Biotechnology is going to show the coverage in almost all aspects of our life in coming era. Hence, it becomes necessary to understand its basics.

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