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Evolution of Biotechnology |
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Biotechnology is a very broad term which is applicable to old and new, sophisticated and simple, familiar and strange applications of living organisms- anything from simple fermentation to sophisticated gene therapy. The evolution of the biotechnology sector is as follows:
Ancient Biotechnology: Biotechnology is as old as the ancient culture of Indians, Chinese, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Sumerians and other communities of the world. Use of microorganisms for fermentation, domesticating animals for livestock, alcohol in the form of wine and beer, herbal remedies and plant balms for treatment of wounds and ailments are a few examples of ancient biotechnology.
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Pre-20th Century: Renaissance accelerated the pace of scientific discoveries in Europe. Galileo, Copernicus, Leonardo Da Vinci were some of the renaissance leaders whose knowledge extended over various branches of art, science and medicine. Microscope, first cork cell, protozoa, smallpox vaccine, Darwin's theory of evolution are some of the famous discoveries relating to this very field.
20th Century: In early 20th century modern biotechnology movement started, particularly in immunology and genetics. Penicillin, computers, discovery of DNA as the genetic basis, use of bacteria to treat raw sewage (bioremediation project) are significant developments in this direction. Revolution in forensics and biomedical science took place with the new lab methods, such as DNA Sequencing, protein analysis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The millennium ended with the introduction of first cloned sheep Dolly, debate over the ethical issues relating to biotechnology, stem cell research, genetic testing and genetically modified organisms.
21st Century-Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Cognitive and Information Sciences (NBIC): 21st century started with the development of rough draft of human genome, or map of human life. NBIC combines the knowledge of biotechnology generated in the past 30 years to develop abilities in computing advances (information technology), in manipulating matters at atomic level (nanotechnology), and in understanding human brain (cognitive sciences).
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