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CH-1 BIOTECHNOLOGY BASICS

Topics: CELL - Cells with nucleus.

- Found in plants, animals, fungi,
• Cell • A cell is the basic unit of life. All plants & animals' protozoa etc.
• DNA bodies are composed of cells. - Can reproduce both sexually &
• RNA • It is the smallest unit capable of independent asexually.
• Genes reproduction.
• Genome • Cell comprises of cell organelles which perform 2. Prokaryotic cells
- Human Genome Project specialized functions to carry out life processes. - Cells without nucleus.
• Gene Editing • Any cell in the body other than reproductive cells - Found in single celled organisms. E.g.
• Gene Silencing are called somatic cells. (e.g. Neuron) bacteria, archaea, cyanobacteria
• Gene Therapy • Cells are basically of two types: Eukaryotic & - Hereditary material can be either DNA
Prokaryotic or RNA.
• Gene Therapy for Cancer
• DNA Fingerprinting 1. Eukaryotic cells-
• Cloning
• Recombinant DNA technology
• Genetically Modified Organism
• Stem Cells
• Stem Cell Therepy
• IVF & Surrogacy
- Surrogacy Billy
- Embryo Transfer technology
• Three Parents Baby
• Tissue Culture
• Antigens & Antibodies in Blood
In News
• Earth Biogenome Project
• Genome India Project
• Indiagen
• Golden Rice
• Genetically Modified Mosquitos
• Artificail Ripening of Fruits
• Indian Initiative on Earth Biogenome Sequencing
• Bhartiya Poshan Krishi Kosh
• Bio International Convention
• Global Bio-India 2019 Cell organelles & its functions
• PolyCrack Cell Also known as plasma membrane, it is the outer covering of cell. It supports & protects the cell
• Food Irradiation Membrane & control movement of substances in & out of cell.
• Milk Adulateration
• Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2019 Mitochondria It burns sugar during process of cellular respiration to produce energy. Hence called powerhouse
• DNA Technology Bill 2019 of the cell.
• National Guideliens for Gene Therepy Found only in Eukaryotic cells.
• MANAV- The human Atlas initiative Nucleus Contains DNA and sends signals to cells to grow, mature, divide and die.
• Human Microbiome Prject Found only in Eukaryotic Cells
• Unique method of management & Treatment of Inherited disorders. Ribosome Site for protein synthesis
Nucleolus Located inside nucleus. It is site for Ribosome Synthesis. Also involved in controlling cellular
activities & cellular reproduction
Endoplasmic • Rough ER is site for protein manufacture.
Reticulum • Smooth ER is site for manufacture of fats or lipids.
(ER)

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Golgi It is cell’s post office as it is involved in transportation of material within and outside the cell. Also (Note: Transcription is a process during which DNA
Apparatus involved in lysosome formation sequence of a gene is copied to make an RNA molecule)
Lysosomes Waste Disposal system of cell as it contains enzyme to digest things. It burst to eat its own dead Genetic Marker
or damaged cell, hence called suicide bags of cell A genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify
Cell Wall Found only in plants and protects plasma membrane & other cellular components individuals or species.
It is useful in studying relationship between an inherited disease and its genetic cause.

DNA GENOME
• RNA is of 3 types (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA) which • A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, 1. Genetic mapping looks at how genetic
performs protein synthesis onside cell. including all of its genes. information is shuffled between chromosomes or
• RNA is implicated in various biological roles such • Genome of every individual (except twins and between different regions in the same chromosome
as in coding, decoding, regulation & expression of clones) is unique. during meiosis (a type of cell division).
genes. • Genome can also be chemically or artificially 2. Physical mapping looks at the physical
• Messenger RNA (mRNA) carry genetic codes synthesized in lab known as synthetic/artificial
from DNA to ribosomes during protein synthesis distance between known DNA sequences
genome.
(including genes) by working out the
• Genome Sequencing is a laboratory process number of base pairs (A-T, C- G) between them
MICRO RNA
through which scientists get complete DNA
• MicroRNAs are small molecules, about 21 sequence of an organism’s genome at a time. • Recently scientists performed genome mapping
nucleotides long, and help in controlling the levels • Genome mapping is used to identify and record the of two variety of Basmati rice, Pakistan’s
of proteins in the cell. location of genes and the distances between genes Basmati 334 (drought resistant variety) &
• In order to decrease the level of a particular protein on a chromosome. Iran’s Dom Sufid (an aromatic long-grain rice
in specific cells, the microRNAs destroy the • Genome mapping provided a critical starting point & one of the most expensive in market)
messenger RNA molecules that help with the for the Human Genome Project.
production of that specific protein in the cell. • Genome mapping is of two types:
• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the hereditary
• The microRNA molecules do this by cutting down
material which is found in all living organisms. HUMAN GENOME PROJECT
that particular messenger RNA thereby destroying
• It contains the genetic instructions for the it. This process is called the silencing of the
development and functioning of an organism. (HGP-READ) • Additional contributors included universities across
messenger RNA. the United States and international partners in the
• A DNA molecule is capable of self- • microRNAs have a high occurrence of the bases G • It was an international research effort to determine
duplication during cell division. Identical DNA is United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and
and C and this helps their formation and abundance the sequence of the human genome and identify the China.
transferred to daughter cell. in the cells. genes that it contains.
• It has a double helix structure. The information in • The project started in 1990 and was completed in
• Further, there is a position-specific bias for these • It revealed that there are probably about 20,500 2003.
DNA is stored as code made of four nitrogenous bases in the microRNAs. This is recognised by a human genes composed of over 3 billion base pairs.
bases-Adenine, Thymine, Guanine & Cytocine. • India did not participate in this
specific RNA-binding protein. - more G or C in • The Project was coordinated by the National
• Within cell DNA is organized into long structures specific positions [across the length of the Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of
called chromosomes. microRNA consisting of say, 21 nucleotides]. Such Energy.
• Chromosomes duplicate during DNA replication a preference is essential to make these molecules at
providing each cell its own set of chromosomes. an optimal level in the cells.”
• Most of the DNA is located inside nucleus, • The present way to silence genes is by introducing HGP WRITE
however some part of it is located in mitochondria. artificial microRNA which binds to the messenger • This project was launched in 2016 to write or build immunity to viruses in cell lines, engineering
RNA of interest and prevents the production of an artificial human genome from scratch with cancer resistance into new therapeutic cell lines,
RNA
protein. This is done in a deliberate process of trial sophisticated bioengineering tools. and accelerating high-productivity, cost-efficient
• Ribonucleic Acid is a single stranded molecule and error. • Potential applications include growing vaccine etc.
made of monomers called nucleotides • Recently Researchers from National Centre for transplantable human organs, engineering
• Chemical bases of RNA Adenine, Cytosine, Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, and SASTRA
Guanine & Uracil. University, Thanjavur, have discovered how small
molecules called microRNAs are made in plants.

GENES • Every person has two copies of each gene, one

inherited from each parent.
• Genes are hereditary unit of a living organisms. • Alleles are forms of the same gene with small
• Genes are made up of DNA. differences in their sequence of DNA bases. These
• Gene undergoes transcription process to produce small differences contribute to each person’s unique
mRNA. physical features.

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GENE EDITING

• Gene silencing is a technique that aims to reduce or proteins are critically involved in the proper
eliminate the production of a protein from its function and structure of cells.
corresponding gene. • Researchers at the International Crops Research
• Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group necessary changes by replacing an existing segment
with a customized DNA sequence. • The key idea behind gene silencing is intervening in Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
of technologies that give scientists the ability to
gene expression prior to translation. in Hyderabad used gene silencing technique to keep
change an organism's DNA. • Genome editing is of great interest in the prevention
• By designing a molecule that can specifically groundnuts almost free of aflatoxin (toxin
• These technologies allow genetic material to be and treatment of human diseases.
produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and
identify and breakdown the mRNA carrying
added, removed, or altered at particular locations in • Recently in 2018, a Chinese scientist claimed to Aspergillus parasiticus.
instructions for making a certain protein, scientists
the genome. have created world’s first gene edited babies He
have been able to effectively decrease levels of that
• The recent & popular CRISPR-Cas9 is one of the claimed to have used CRISPR gene editing (Note: Translation: is the process
protein.
several approaches of gene editing. technology to disable a gene for a protein that the
• The ability to significantly lower the levels of a of translating the sequence of a messenger
• The Cas-9 enzyme cuts the DNA into targeted HIV virus binds to. This makes the baby resistant to RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino
HIV. specific protein opens up many possibilities in
location. This allows the researchers to make acids during protein synthesis)
scientific research and drug development, since
About CRISPR-Cas9
• It is short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced • These organisms use CRISPR-derived RNA and
GENE THEREPY
Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR- various Cas proteins, including Cas9, to foil
associated Protein 9. attacks by viruses and other foreign bodies. They do • Gene therapy is an experimental technique that • Gene therapy can be used to modify cells inside or
• CRISPRs are specialized stretches of DNA. The so primarily by chopping up and destroying the uses genes to treat or prevent disease. outside the body.
protein Cas9 (or "CRISPR-associated") is an DNA of a foreign invader. • Gene Therapy refers to the process of introduction, • Gene Therapy is extremely useful for numerous
enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors, • When these components are transferred into other, removal or change in content of an individual’s disease such as Parkinson disease, Cancer,
capable of cutting strands of DNA. more complex, organisms, it allows for the genetic material with the goal of treating the Haemophilia, severe combined immune-
• CRISPR technology was adapted from the natural manipulation of genes, or "editing."
disease and a possibility of achieving long term deficiencies.
defence mechanisms of bacteria and archaea (the • CRISPER-Cas9 is faster, cheaper, more accurate,
cure. Gene Therapy is classified in two categories:
domain of single-celled microorganisms). and more efficient than other existing genome
• To insert new genes directly into cells, scientists use
editing method a vehicle called a “vector” which is genetically • Germ-line gene therapy: The concept of germ-line
engineered to deliver the gene. Viruses are most gene therapy is to introduce gene modified cells
GENE SILENCING common type of vector used in gene therapy. into the germline. However, germline or in utero

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gene therapy is prohibited in India, due to ethical 2 categories of Somatic gene Therapy: • Immune Response: When a foreign DNA segment • If DNA segment is introduced in incorrect place it
and social considerations. is introduced in body, there is a risk of immune can cause potential health issues. E.g. if DNA
• Somatic cell gene therapy: It affects the targeted • In the ex vivo approach, cells obtained from an system reducing the effectiveness of gene therapy. segment is introduced in tumour suppressor gene, a
cells/tissue/organs in the patient and is not passed individual are modified/corrected outside the body • Using Virus as vectors has issues due to toxicity, tumour can be introduced.
on to subsequent generations. This also includes followed by transplantation into the same or a immune & inflammatory responses & gene control
genome modification as exemplified by CRISPR- different individual. etc.
related and other technologies or epigenetic • In the in vivo approach, the gene of interest is
GENE THERAPY FOR CANCER
modulation by gene therapy approaches with delivered directly to target cells/tissues/organs in
similar effects. the patients. Gene delivery can be carried out by • YESCARTA is the first CAR T therapy for adults years. That’s why these immunotherapy
viral or non- viral vector systems. living with certain types of non-Hodgkin treatments are called “living drugs.”
lymphoma who have failed at least 2 other kinds of • However, YESCARTA may cause side effects that
treatment. are life-threatening and can lead to death.
• CAR-T treatment uses gene therapy techniques
not to fix disease-causing genes but to turbocharge
T cells, immune system soldiers that cancer can Note: T cells are a type of white blood cell known
often evade. as a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes protect the body
• The T cells are filtered from a patient’s blood, against cancerous cells and cells that have
reprogrammed to target and kill cancer cells, and become infected by pathogens, such as bacteria
then hundreds of millions of copies are grown. and viruses.
• Returned to the patient, all the revved-up cells can
continue multiplying to fight disease for months or

Issues with Gene Therapy

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DNA FINGERPRINTING • In this process DNA is isolated from the available • Protecting endangered species e.g. National Dairy • Transfer of genetic defects to clones.
sample. The DNA fragments are then multiplied Research Institute cloned endangered wild buffalo • Cloning raises the question of a moral or human right
• DNA fingerprinting is a laboratory technique is a using a reaction called Polymerase Chain Reaction at Chhattisgarh. to an exclusive identity.
technique, for identification of an individual by (PCR). • Cloning reproduces the healthiest animals, thus • Ethical issues as research cloning kills embryonic
examining their DNA. minimizing the use of antibiotics, growth human beings for experimentation.
• Application of DNA fingerprinting:
It is also called as DNA profiling, DNA typing, hormones and other chemicals. • Designer babies could widen social inequalities as
genetic fingerprinting or genography. 1. Paternity & Maternity tests. • Consumer benefits from cloning as milk and meat only rich and wealth could afford it and have children
• 99.7% of DNA sequences are same in every person. 2. Forensic sciences to identify criminals, unknown produced will be more healthy, consistent & safe. of superior traits.
Only 0.3% is different which accounts to almost 10 dead bodies etc. • Facilitates genetic research. • Endangers & exploits women as research cloning
million different base pairs (A, T, G, C pairs). By 3. Diagnosis of inherited disorders such as sickle cell • Vital human organs like kidney, heart can be requires harvesting of millions of eggs from women
examining this relation between two people can be anaemia, haemophilia etc. cloned and can prove to solve the issue of infertility. which involves drug treatment & invasive procedure.
identified. 4. For identifying pathogens including viruses, • After editing or removing bad genes, cloning could It places women on higher risk of ovarian cancer,
bacteria and parasites lead engineered humans for specific traits. infertility & other health hazards.
DNA Barcoding
It is a technique of characterizing species of organisms using a short DNA sequence.
Unlike entire genome, DNA barcoding is very short and are therefore reasonably available and cheaper. RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

CLONING • The recombined DNA molecule is inserted into a

host organism to produce new genetic combinations
that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture,
and industry.
Application of Recombinant DNA technology
1. Food Industry- Golden Rice is a recombinant
variety of rice capable to reduce vitamin A
deficiency among people.
2. Medical Science: e.g.
- Recombinant human insulin which is cheaper &
more easily available than insulin obtained
from animal sources
- Recombinant blood clotting factor VIII is a
blood clotting protein helping against
• Recombinant DNA technology(RDt) is the Haemophilia.
joining together of DNA molecules from two
different species. 3. Agriculture: Insect resistant crops such as Bt-
Cotton.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

• Genetically Modified Organisms are living • FlavrSavr Tomato was the first grown Genetically
• Cloning is the process of generating a genetically 2. Therapeutic Cloning: It involves removing the organism whose genetic material have been modified Crop granted for human consumption
identical copy of a cell or an organism.by asexual nucleus of an egg cell, replacing it with the material artificially manipulated in laboratory through license.
method under laboratory conditions. from the nucleus of a "somatic cell and stimulating application of RDt / genetic engineering • Trans genetic organisms are a subset of GMOs.
this cell to begin dividing. It aims to produce techniques. Transgenesis is the process of introducing a gene
Types of cloning: healthy copy of a sick’s person tissue or organ. • This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, (referred to as a transgene) from one organism
• Dolly the sheep was the world’s first cloned and virus genes that do not occur in nature or into the genome of another organism. The aim is
1. Reproductive cloning: the newly created embryo through traditional crossbreeding methods. that the resulting transgenic organism will express
is placed back into the uterine environment where it mammal
• India scientists had cloned world’s first buffalo in the gene and exhibit some new property or
can implant and develop. characteristic.
2009.

Advantages Disadvantages Conventional Breeding vs Genetic Engineering

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Conventional Breeding Genetic Engineering - GM crops could lead to erosion of biodiversity and made the seeds expensive and increased input costs.
• It is limited to exchange between same or closely • Allows transfer of limited and selective genes among pollute gene pools of endangered plant species. It has been strongly linked to cause behind farmers
related species. both close and distant species. suicide.
• Socio-economic Concerns
• There is no guarantee of any particular gene • Improvement in desired traits within a shorter time • Proven cases of inefficiencies: e.g. Pink Bollworm
combination. period. - Increased dependence on GM seed companies and has developed resistance to Bt cotton in India. Also,
• Risk of undesirable genes being also transferred to herbicides manufactured by them, putting the financial it increased the input prices in terms of increased
offspring. strain on farmer households. pesticide and water irrigation use. This goes
• It's a time taking process. Long time is needed to contrary to notion of GM crops reducing input
- Monopolization of seeds by selected firms such
achieve desired results. costs.
as Monsanto and lack of suitable alternatives have
GENETIC USE RESTRICTION TECHNOLOGY (GURT)
BT-CROPS
• Also known as Terminator Technology, it • Use of terminator technology has been a
genetically engineers' plants to produce sterile controversial issue as it forces the farmers to buy
• A trans gene producing cry-protein is extracted seeds at harvest. seeds from one season to next and prevents seeds-
from bacteria and inserted in desirable plants to • In this a precise genetic sequence is inserted in saving by farmers.
produce Bt crops. seed’s DNA. A synthetically chemical activates the • India has totally banned the use of GURT in plant
• The protein produced by the plants does not get terminator genes to produce toxins which kills the variety for registration under Protection of Plant
washed away, nor is it destroyed by sunlight. Hence embryo and makes the seed sterile. Variety & Farmers Rights Act 2001
the plant is fully protected against insects like STEM CELLS
bollworm and corn borer.
• In India Bt cotton is the first and only transgenic
crop approved by Genetically Engineering
Approval Committee for commercial cultivation.
• Ht-Bt Cotton/ BG Cotton – III, involves the • Totipotent: Totipotent (omnipotent) stem cells can
addition of another gene, ‘Cp4-Epsps’ from give rise to any of the 220 cell types found in an
another soil bacterium, Agrobacterium embryo as well as extra-embryonic cells (placenta).
tumefaciens. It is found in Early cells of fertilised egg
• In India Bt Brinjal was being developed by • Pluripotent stem cells: It can give rise to all cell
• Bt stands for a soil living bacteria Bacillus Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company which was types of the body (but not the placenta). It is found
thuringienisis. resistant against lepidopteron insects such as in Inner mass cells of the blastocyst (early stage of
Brinjal fruits and Shoot Borer and foot borer.
• The bacteria naturally produce crystal protein embryo)
However, Bt Brinjal has been banned in Indi
(cry-proteins) which are toxic to insects.
Multipotent stem cells can develop into a limited
number of cell types in a particular lineage. It is found
in many cells
DMH-11
Types of Stem Cells
• Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11 is a genetically isolated from soil bacterium bacillus • Stem cells are biological cells found in all
modified hybrid variety of herbicide tolerant amyloliquefaciens multicellular organisms which are capable to divide 1. Embryonic stem cells: They are pluripotent stem
mustard. • The insertion of genes not only make it high & develop into many different cell types (e.g. cells which are derived from the inner cell mass of
• It was developed by a team of scientists at yielding (25-30% higher) but also fertile and muscle cells brain cells, blood cells etc.). In some blastocyst. Embryonic stems cells are considered
University of Delhi. capable of producing seeds. cases, they can also fix damaged tissues. most potent. However, extraction of embryonic
• It was created through transgenic technology • Bar genes makes this crop as herbicide tolerant. stem cell leads to destruction of embryo which
involving Bar, Barnase & Barstar gene system Unique properties of stem cells gives rise to ethical issues.
2. Foetal Stem cells: These are primitive cells found
- Self –renewal
in organ of foetus
CONTROVERSIES TO GM CROPS - Unspecialized as they do not have any tissue
3. Adult Stem Cells: They are undifferentiated cells
specific structure that allow it to perform
found throughout the body after development, that
• Biosafety concerns on health of humans & - Genes used for antibiotic resistance as have also specialized functions
multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells
animals raised concerns regarding the transfer of such genes - Potency – It refers to the varying ability of stem
and regenerate damaged tissues.
to microorganisms and thereby aggravate the health cells to differentiate into specialized cell types.
- Studies have shown a strong correlation between 4. Amniotic Stem cells: These are the mixture
problems due to resistance Cells with the greatest potency can generate more
growth of GM crops and diseases such as acute of stem cells that can be obtained from
cells types than those with lower potency.
diabetes, kidney injury, Alzheimer’s, autism, and • Ecological Concerns: the amniotic fluid as well as
cancers . Hierarchy of cell Potency the amniotic membrane.
- Genetic Erosion has occurred as farmers replaced 5. Induced pluripotent cells (iPS cells): They are
traditional varieties with monocultures. type of pluripotent stem cell which are artificially

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derived from non-pluripotent cell, typically an • Host or gestational surrogacy is when the eggs of therefore no genetic connection between the baby
adult somatic cell. the intended mother or a donor are used and there is and the surrogate.

EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY

STEM CELL THERAPY • Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) is a technique • The programme is implemented with objective of
assisted reproduction in which embryos are conservation and development of indigenous breeds
• Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat e. Lays down criteria for release of stem cells collected from a donor female of superior genetics under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
or prevent a disease or condition. & their products. E.g. mandatory to have proper and are transferred in recipient females, which serve • Indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red
• Researchers have already shown that adult bone labelling on stem cells & its products as surrogate mothers. Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni and Vechur will be recipient
marrow cells guided to become heart-like cells can before release, CDSC certification needed for
• Government has undertaken a Mass Embryo surrogates under this program.
repair heart tissue in people. infrastructure facilities etc.
Transfer programme in Indigenous Breeds under
• It is anticipated that Adult and embryonic stem cells 3. Mechanism for Review and Oversight:
National Mission on Bovine Productivity.
can soon treat a number of diseases including a. A National Apex Committee for Stem Cell
Cancer, Type 1 diabetes Parkinson disease, Celiac Research and Therapy (NAC-SCRT) has been
disease etc. established to monitors and oversee research
activities at the national level and lays guidelines for
NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR STEM CELL basic and clinical research.
RESEARCH 2017 b. Institutional Committee for Stem Cell
1. Ethical Consideration: Mandatory to get informed Research (IC-SCR) approves and monitors stem
consent from the voluntary donor, prior to cell research (basic and clinical) at the
procurement of stem cell. It will include videos institutional level.
consent as per CDSCO guidelines. c. It is mandatory for all institutes and entities
2. Scientific Considerations: engaged in stem cell research to establish an IC-
a. It provides details on the requirements for SCR and register the same with NAC-
manufacturing of stem cells and their derivatives. SCRT.
b. It is mandatory that the stem cells or their
products/derivatives are processed in CDSCO 4. Prohibits research in certain areas such as
licensed Good Manufacturing Practices reproductive cloning in humans, use of genome
(GMP) compliant facility. modified human embryos and gametes, animal
c. The commercial use of stem cells as breeding where human stem cells have been
elements of therapy is prohibited. introduced at any development stage.
d. No stem cell administration to humans is
permissible outside the purview of clinical trials.
THREE PARENTS BABY
IVF AND SURROGACY
• Three-parent baby, human offspring produced
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process of usually because the wife is infertile or otherwise from the genetic material of one man and two
fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm unable to undergo pregnancy. women through the use of assisted reproductive
outside the body. • Traditional Surrogacy is a pregnancy where technologies, specifically mitochondrial
• The process removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) manipulation (or replacement) technologies and
from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilise three-person in vitro fertilization (IVF).
them in a liquid in a laboratory. • Mitochondria are inherited solely from the
• After the fertilised egg (zygote) undergoes embryo mother .This results into cases of babies been born
culture, it is implanted in the same or another with rare mitochondrial diseases if mother has the
woman's uterus, with the intention of establishing a faulty mitochondrial DNA.
successful pregnancy. • In Mitochondrial Replacement therapy (MRT), the
• IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology mother’s faulty Mitochondrial DNA with
used for infertility treatment. • healthy Mitochondria from a donor woman during
• However, there are certain disadvantages of IVF IVF process.
too such as undesired multiple births, side effects of • The donor’s mitochondria contribute just 37 genes
hormones & drugs used in IVF procedures, costly to the child, compared with more than 20,000 from
treatment etc. the parents. That is a negligible amount and far less
• Surrogate motherhood, practice in which a than one would gain from a blood transfusion or
woman (the surrogate mother) bears a child for a organ transplant.
couple unable to produce children in the usual way, surrogate is genetically related to baby and become • No other characteristics in terms of intelligence, eye
• UK became the first country to allow 3 parents
pregnant through artificial insemination. colour, hair colour, height etc. are changed.
baby.

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TISSUE CULTURE • Individuals with hh blood group can only be • All around the globe, the instance of a human
transfused autologous blood or blood from another having a ‘hh’ blood type is one in four million. The
• Tissue culture, a method of biological research in • The cultured tissue may consist of a single cell a individual of the same Bombay hh phenotype type incidence is higher in South Asia. While in India,
which fragments of tissue from an animal or plant population of cells, or a whole or part of an organ only. The occurrence of which is very rare. one in 7,600 to 10,000 are born with this type
are transferred to an artificial environment in which • Cells in culture may multiply; change size, form, or • People with hh blood group can donate their blood
they can continue to survive and function. function; exhibit specialized activity or interact to ABO blood types.
with other cells.
Applications of Tissue Culture IN NEWS
• Animal Tissue culture: growing viruses which need GENOME INDIA PROJECT INDIA COBRA GENOME DECODED
host cells, making monoclonal antibodies, studying • An international team of researchers reported that
basic cell processes, genetic modification & • This is being spearheaded by the Centre for Brain they have sequenced the genome of the Indian
analysis. Research at Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of cobra, in the process identifying the genes that
• Plant Tissue Culture: Producing disease free plants, Science as the nodal point along with collaboration define its venom.
genetically improved seeds through hybridisation, of 20 Indian research Institutes.
• The researchers identified 19 key toxin genes, the
micropropagation i.e. using tissue culture to • Its aim is to ultimately build a grid of the Indian only ones that should matter in snakebite treatment.
produce a large number of progeny plants and then “reference genome”, to understand fully the type
• Sequence information of the genes that code for
planting them out, early flowering of plants, and nature of diseases and traits that comprise the
venom proteins is very important for the
synthetic seeds etc. diverse Indian population.
production of recombinant antivenoms.
• The project in its first stage will be using genetic
samples from 10,000 persons across India to Need for the study
develop reference genome.
ANTIGEN & ANTIODIES IN BLOOD • The present technique of producing antivenom is
Need for this project expensive, cumbersome and complex — a small
amount of venom is injected into a horse (or a
• These protein functions include transporting other • It will add diversity to global genetic studies as most sheep), which produces antibodies that are then
proteins and molecules into and out of the cell, data (about 95%) from Human Genome Project collected and developed into antivenom.
maintaining cell structure, attaching to other cells
based mainly on Caucasian, urban samples • Some of the antibodies raised from the horse may
and molecules, and participating in chemical • This will enable greater medicinal efficiency in be completely irrelevant.
reactions terms of preventive interventions and customised • Also the current technique of using horse
treatments.
• Blood group antigens play a role in recognizing antibodies causes serum sickness as our immune
foreign cells in the bloodstream. • Mapping the genetic diversity of India would system recognises it as foreign and when
further scientific understanding of evolution both antivenom is given our body mounts an antibody
• Antibodies are proteins made by your body to
from a biological and sociological (migration response
attack foreign substances such as viruses and
bacteria. patterns, rituals, etc) point of view.
• Antibodies are produced by a type of white blood EARTH BIOGENOME PROJECT
cell (lymphocyte) called B cells. Each B cell can
• Blood is classified into different groups according
only produce antibodies against one specific • It aims to sequence, catalogue and characterize all extant bird species within the next five years (2015-
epitope. the genomes of all of Earth’s eukaryotic 2020)
to the presence or absence of molecules called
• Most vaccines work by inducing B lymphocytes to biodiversity over a period of ten years.
antigens on the surface of every red blood cell in a - 10KP (plants): It is a project led by BGI (Beijing
person's body.
produce antibodies • The initiative would produce an open DNA
• These antibodies can cause problems during blood Genomics Institute in Shenzhen) that will sequence
• Antigens determine blood type and can either be database of biological information that provides a
transfusions. If a person gets blood from a person genomes and transcriptomes for at least 10,000 species
proteins or complexes of sugar molecules platform for scientific research and supports
whose blood group is different, his body may make of plants.
(polysaccharides) environmental and conservation initiatives.
• The genes in the blood group antigen group provide
antibodies against this other blood. That's because • It includes already ongoing projects such as: -the Darwin Tree of Life : Aim to sequence the
your immune system then sees the donor's blood as estimated 66,000 eukaryotic species in the United
instructions for making antigen proteins. - i5K: Initiative to sequence the genomes of 5,000
an "invader" and attacks it. Kingdom
arthropod species (i.e. insects, myriapods (e.g.
centipedes), arachnids (e.g. spiders, mites and • The participating institutions have to raise their
scorpions), crustaceans (e.g. slaters, prawn and crabs). own funding. World Economic Forum
BOMBAY BLOOD GROUP
(WEF) is now backing this project.
- B10K: Birds 10,000 genomes project is an initiative
• The ‘Bombay blood group’ was first discovered by • An Antigen H blood test is required to test for hh to generate representative draft genome sequences from
Dr Y M Bhende in Mumbai,in 1952. blood. Generally, the ‘hh’ blood group is mistaken
HUMAN MICROBIOME PROJECT
• The rare ‘Bombay blood group’, also known as the as the O group. The difference between them is that
hh, is deficient in expressing antigen H. This means the O group has Antigen H, while the hh group does • Human Microbiome Project (HMP) was established
that the RBC has no antigen H. not. in 2008, with the mission of generating resources

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that would enable the comprehensive immune systems how to recognize dangerous • Even participants having a science background but • Under “IndiGen”, the CSIR has conducted Whole
characterization of the human microbiome and invaders etc. not necessarily involved in active scientific research Genome Sequencing of 1,008 Indians from
analysis of its role in human health and disease. • An ever-growing number of studies have can be part of this network. different populations across the country,
• HMP is an interdisciplinary effort funded by the demonstrated that changes in the composition of • The MANAV team has encouraged colleges and • The project ties in with a much larger programme
NIH Common Fund. (NIH: National Institute of our microbiomes correlate with numerous disease universities to register as teams and work in this Genome India project,
Health, US Govt. Agency) states, raising the possibility that manipulation of project. • IndiGenome card and IndiGen mobile
these communities could be used to treat disease. • Initially, DBT will accommodate colleges that application enables participants and clinicians to
The 5 stated aims of the project included: operate the DBT Star College scheme to register for access clinically actionable information in their
• Up to 90% of all diseases can be raced in some way
this Human Atlas programme. There is no genomes.
• Development of a reference set of 3,000 isolate back to the gut and health of the microbiome.
restriction on the time period set for student • The outcomes of the IndiGen will be utilised for
microbial genome sequences participation. understanding the genetic diversity on a population
• Initial 16S & mWGS metagenomic studies to scale, make available genetic variant frequencies
generate an estimate of the complexity of the Significance of MANAV project: for clinical applications and enable genetic
microbial community at each body site, providing • This will be for the first time; Indian scientists epidemiology of diseases.
initial answers to the questions of whether there is will be mapping every single tissue of the human • Analysis of largescale genomic data is expected to
a "core" microbiome at each site body to have deeper understanding of the roles of enable evidence and aid in the development of
• Demonstration projects to determine the tissues and cells linked to various diseases. technologies for clinical and biomedical
relationship between disease and changes in the • Such a database on individual tissues, once ready, applications in India.
human microbiome can come handy in tracing the causes of a disease,
INDIAN INITIATIVE ON EARTH BIOGENOME
• Development of new tools and technologies for understanding specific pathways and ultimately
SEQUENCING (IIEBS)
computational analysis, establishment of a data decode the body’s disease stage linked to tissues
analysis and coordinating centre (DACC), and and cells. • Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and
resource repositories • The teams will also study any potent elements or Research Institute (JNTBGRI) has been selected as
• Examination of the ethical, legal and social molecules that have never been used in the form of one of the Biological Knowledge and Resource
implications (ELSI) to be considered in the study drugs, to target the specific cells or tissues. Centres of the Indian Initiative on Earth
and application of the metagenomic analysis of the • Skill development of student community: This BioGenome Sequencing (IIEBS).
human microbiota platform will impart key skills to the student • Indian Initiative on Earth Bio genome Sequencing
community to read classified scientific literature, in (IIEBS) has been undertaken to participate in the
About Microbiome this case, on individual tissue-basis, and perform Earth Bio genome Project.
• Human Microbiome is the collection of all the annotation and curation. • The whole genome sequencing of 1,000 species of
microorganisms living in association with the human • Future research: It will also identify gaps in the plants and animals will be taken up in the initial
body. These communities consist of a variety of current biological knowledge, which could be basis phase of IIEBS to be completed over a period of five
microorganisms including eukaryotes, archaea, for future studies - for both future researchers and years at an estimated cost of ₹440crore.
bacteria and viruses. to the clinicians and drug developers • National Institute of Plant Genome Research,
• These microbes are essential for maintaining health. New Delhi is the coordinating centre for the
For example, they produce some vitamins that we do nationwide project involving a total of 24 institutes.
not have the genes to make, break down our food to
INIDIGEN Significance
extract nutrients we need to survive, teach our
• IndiGen programme aims to undertake whole • India’s participation in the EBP would provide a
genome sequencing of thousands of individuals boost for the field of genomics and bioinformatics
representing diverse ethnic groups from India. within the country.
• This initiative was undertaken by two CSIR • It will help in preventing biopiracy.
MANAV- THE HUMAN ATLAS INITIATIVE institutions — Institute of Genomics and • It will also help in preservation of endangered &
Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and Centre for economically important species and hence better
• The MANAV Project aims to create an open and Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, with technical support Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), conservation of biodiversity.
interactive atlas of human biology, compiling, from Persistent Systems Hyderabad. • It will pave way for treatment of infectious and
curating and synthesizing data at the molecular, • The project can be signed up by students who are in • The objective is to enable genetic epidemiology and inherited diseases, improved agricultural products,
cellular, tissue and organismic level from their final year graduation and above. Students from develop public health technologies applications biofuel development etc.
scientific literature and public databases the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, using population genome data.
• MANAV is funded by DBT and co-funded by the microbiology, botany, zoology, bioinformatics,
technology company Persistent Systems. health sciences, systems biologists,
• It will be executed by two of India’s major research pharmacologists and data sciences can associate
Institutes, Indian Institute of Science Education and with this project. GOLDEN RICE
Research (IISER), Pune, and National Center for

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• Golden rice is a variety 2. Pro-vitamin A is found in plant-based foods such • GM mosquitoes, involve transgenic male Aedes • According to the company, the technology targets
of rice produced through as fruits and vegetables. The most common type of aegypti which carries a self-limiting gene. only specific species of mosquito, and unlike
genetic engineering. pro-vitamin A is beta-carotene. pesticides, it doesn’t kill beneficial microbes or
• Golden rice differs from • Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of leave toxic residual.
its parental strain by the preventable blindness in children worldwide. An • However, government has been reluctant to give
addition of three beta-carotene biosynthesis genes. estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children become nod to field trials of these mosquitoes due to
• Conventional rice plants already contained beta blind every year because of vitamin A deficiency. following concerns:
carotene, but only in their leaves and stems, not in Half of these children die within a year of losing
the kernels. Golden Rice also carries the substance their sight. - Since Aedes aegypti is a part of food chain of
in edible part of the plant. • In pregnant women, vitamin A deficiency causes frogs, lizards, spiders etc, its rapid decrease of this
mosquitoes species will adversely impact these prey
• Provitamin A is responsible for imparting golden night blindness and may contribute to maternal
mortality. species.
colour of the rice. Once this provitamin A is
absorbed by the body, it gets converted into Vitamin - There is also a possibility that the engineered genes
A. MUKTOSHRI RICE
could directly harm the species that consume
• Vitamin A is made from beta-carotene, which is • Also known as IET 21845, it is a rice variety jointly mosquitoes.
found in carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and other developed by Rice Research Station at Chinsurah
vegetables • Another form of GMO mosquitoes have been
& National Botanical Research Institute,
• Golden Rice project intended to produce a fortified Lucknow. • When these male mosquitos mate with female
implanted with bacteria called Wolbachia to fight
food to be grown and consumed in areas with a dengue fever.
• It is resistant to Arsenic. Aedes aegypti and their progeny will inherit these
shortage of dietary vitamin A. • Wolbachia stops the dengue virus from replicating
• Previous research has shown that arsenic from modified genes.
• Research has indicated that one cup of Golden Rice ground water & soil can enter food chain through • But due to the altered genes, the hatchling will have
inside the mosquito, making it impossible for dengue
can provide up to 50 per cent of the daily to pass on to humans.
paddy. a drastically reduced lifespan, and not reach
requirement of an adult for vitamin A. • Scientists hope that the Wolbachia mosquitoes will
• Also states like UP, West Bengal. Bihar, Jharkhand, adulthood.
• The Golden Rice can be grown just the same way Assam are affected by Arsenic and are also has high • Over two or three generations, the population of
then mate with the wild population, creating
we grow normal rice. There is no change in cost of mosquitoes that are not able to carry and transmit
rice consumption. these mosquitoes will get decimated. Reduction in dengue
cultivation and the agronomy also doesn’t change.
• West Bengal had notified last year of commercial such carrier mosquitoes will prevent the spread of
• In fact, it reduces water use by up to 30 per cent use of Muktoshri Rice. viral diseases.
without any yield loss
• However Golden Rice should not be stored for more
than three months. It may lose its nutrients after that IRRAI ARTIFICAL RIPENING OF FRUITS
• In 2005, Golden Rice 2 (GR-2) was announced,
which produces up to 23 times as much beta- • IRRI is an independent, non-profit, research and • Most fruits produce a gaseous compound called • It may affect the neurological system by inducing
carotene as the original golden rice. ‘GR-2 was educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford ethylene naturally that starts the ripening process. prolonged hypoxia which causes headache,
developed using a maize gene instead of the one and Rockefeller foundations with support from Its level in under-ripe fruit is very low, but as the dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental
from daffodils. the Philippine government. fruits develop, they produce more significant confusion, memory loss, cerebral oedema (swelling
• It is headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has amounts of the chemical that speeds up the ripening in the brain caused by excessive fluids) and seizure.
About Vitamin A offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and process or the stage of ripening known as the • Calcium Carbide also breaks down the organic
Africa, and more than 1,000 staff. “climacteric. composition of vitamins and other micronutrients.
• Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin.
• It is the world’s premier research organization • Artificial Ripening is a process to promote the • Calcium carbide is banned in India under PFA
• Vitamin A has multiple functions: it is important for
dedicated to reducing poverty & hunger through ripening of fruits using colour changes effectively Rules, 1955 and also under Food Safety and
growth and development, for the maintenance of the
rice science; improving the health and welfare of through use of chemicals. Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on
immune system, and for good vision.
rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice- • The most commonly used chemical is called Sales) Regulations, 2011.
• There are 2 types of Vitamin A:
growing environment for future generations. ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid). It
1. Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is found in animal Bharatiya POSHAN Krishi Kosh
penetrates the fruit and decomposes ethylene.
products. Its sources includes fortified milk, eggs, IRRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global
meat, cheese, liver, halibut fish oil, cream and • Calcium Carbide is another commonly used • Ministry of Women and Child Development along
research partnership committed to a food-secure future. chemical for artificial ripening.
kidneys. with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
• Calcium carbide reacts with water, to produce announced the Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh
acetylene gas (popularly referred to as carbide gas) (BPKK).
which is an analogue to ethylene and quickens the • The programme has two components:
ripening process. It is said to have the same effect
as ethylene the natural ripening hormone. - Development of a Food Atlas
GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITOES.
• The fast-ripened fruits contain harmful properties
- Documentation of promising practices for Jan-
• Mumbai-based biotech GBIT and its UK partner because Calcium Carbide contains traces of arsenic
Andolan for POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Oxitec, have developed genetically modified the and phosphorus and the production of acetylene
Aedes aegypti (AA), the species that causes dengue. gas has a hazardous effect on human. • The Agro-Food Atlas is to act as a repository of
diverse crops across 127 agro-climatic zones of the

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country having three parts- crops currently being partners via BIO One-on-One Partnering, ➢ It is an enclosed unit hence the working • As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Product
grown, agro-ecological conditions (soil, organic educational resources. environment is dust free. Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, the
carbon content, ground water availability etc.) and ➢ Excellent air quality surrounding the plant. irradiated products are labelled and can be
guidance on how a greater diversity of crops GLOBAL BIO-INDIA 2019 ➢ Biological decomposition is not allowed as the identified with ‘Radura’ logo.
could be encouraged in a particular district or block Waste is treated as it is received.
• Global BIO INDIA 2019 was as mega international ➢ The foot print of the plant is small hence the area
to promote dietary diversity and nutrition.
congregation of biotechnology stakeholders, • Setting up of Irradiation
• The project includes diverse data sources like required for installing the plant is less when facilities for preservation of the
including international bodies, regulatory bodies, compared with conventional method of processing.
National Sample Survey, Agri-Census, Soil Health food products like onion,
Central and State Ministries, SMEs, large ➢ All constituents are converted into valuable energy
Cards, ISRO’s Advanced Wide Field Sensor potato etc is one of the
industries, bio clusters, research institutes,
(AWiFS) and National Aeronautics and Space thereby making it Zero Discharge Process. components of Cold Chain
investors, and the start-up ecosystem.
Administration’s (NASA’s) Moderate Resolution ➢ Gas generated in the process is re-used to provide Scheme.
• It was organized by Department of Biotechnology, energy to the system thereby making it self-
Imaging Spectro-Radio meter.
Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India Benefits of Food Irradiation
• The project also documents social, behavioral and reliantand also bring down the operating cost.
& it's Public Sector Undertaking, Biotechnology ➢ There is no atmospheric emission during the
cultural practices that promote and reinforce • Radiation processing does not alter significantly
Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). process unlike other conventional methods except
healthy dietary behaviours.
• It was one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders nutritional value, flavour, texture and
• A Technical Support Unit has been set-up under for combustion gases which have pollutants less
appearance of food
conglomerate held for first time in India at New than the prescribed norms the world over.
NITI Aayog which undertakes/conducts/ facilitates • The process does not leave any harmful or toxic
Delhi. ➢ Operates around 450 degrees, making it a low
regular monitoring and evaluation of the National radioactive residues on foods. Hence it does not
Nutrition Mission to assess the impact of the temperature process when compared with other
POLYCRACK make the food radioactive.
programme. options.
➢ Safe and efficient system with built-in safety • Prevention of Foodborne Illness.
• A National Council on India’s Nutritional • Polycrack is world's first patented heterogeneous • Due to the highly penetrating nature of the
Challenges under the Chairmanship of Vice- catalytic process which converts multiple feed features enables even an unskilled user to operate
the machine with ease. radiation energy, it is very effective method
Chairman NITI Aayog has been constituted to stocks into hydrocarbon liquid fuels, gas, carbon
➢ Low capital cost and low operating cost. • Radiation processing facilities are environment
provide policy direction, review and effective and water.
➢ Fully automated system requires minimum man friendly and are safe to workers and public around.
coordination and convergence between Ministries • The process is a closed loop system and does not
power. • Pre-packaged foods can be treated for
which have a sectoral responsibility for the emit any hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere.
hygienization.
challenge of nutrition. The combustible, non-condensed gases are re-used
FOOD IRRADIATION
for providing energy to the entire system and thus, Limitations of Food Irradiations
BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION the only emission comes from the combustion of
gaseous fuels. • Cannot be applied to all kinds of foods.
• BIO International Convention is hosted by •
• The emissions from the combustion are found to be Radiation processing cannot make a bad or spoiled
Biotechnology Innovation Organization. food look good.
much less than prescribed environmental norms.
• The first BIO International Convention was held in •
1993. • This process will produce energy in the form of It cannot destroy already present pesticides and
Light Diesel Oil which is used to light furnaces toxins in foods.
• It is the largest global event for biotechnology
• Indian Railways has commissioned country’s first
industry which attracts the biggest name in biotech MILK ADULTERATION IN INDIA
governmental Waste to Energy Plant in
and offers key networking & partnering
opportunities & insights of major trends affecting Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop at
• Food irradiation (the application of ionizing • 'National Milk Safety and Quality Survey 2018 was
the industry. Bhubaneswar in East Coast Railway. carried out by FSSAI.
radiation to food) is a technology that improves the
• This Waste to Energy Plant uses POLYCRACK, is •
• BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology safety and extends the shelf life of foods by According to FSSAI, this is the first time a detailed
first-of-its-kind in Indian Railways and fourth in survey of the presence of Aflatoxin M1 in milk has
companies, academic institutions, state reducing or eliminating microorganisms and
India. been done in the country.
biotechnology centres and related organizations insects
• Polycrack Plant can be fed with all types of Plastic, •
across the United States and in more than 30 other • Ionizing radiation, such as from gamma rays, x- Among top three states with highest levels of
nations Petroleum sludge, Un-segregated MSW (Municipal Aflatoxin M1 residues are Tamil Nadu (88 out of
rays and electron beams are used for this purpose.
Solid Waste) with moisture up to 50%, E–Waste,
• BIO members are involved in the research and • Gamma rays are emitted by radioisotopes such as 551 samples), Delhi (38 out of 262 samples) and
Automobile fluff, Organic waste including bamboo, Kerala (37 out of 187 samples).
development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137 while electrons and
industrial and environmental biotechnology garden waste etc. and Jatropha fruit and palm bunch • Aflatoxins are the most carcinogenic natural
X-rays are generated by machines using electricity.
products. Advantages of Polycrack over the conventional • In India only those food duly permitted under the compounds known. It is more dominant in
• Profits from the BIO International Convention approach of treating solid waste: - Atomic Energy (Radiation Processing of Food processed milk than raw milk, which is life
are returned to the biotechnology industry by and Allied Products) Rules, 2012 can be threatening, usually through damage to liver. It
supporting BIO programs and initiatives. ➢ Pre-segregation of waste is not required to reform processed by radiation. comes in the milk through feed and fodder that are
• the waste. Waste as collected can be directly fed currently not regulated in the country
BIO International Convention 2020 is to be hosted • Also food can be irradiated only in a food
in San Diego, US in June. It launched virtual Agent into Polycrack.
irradiation plant authorised by the Atomic Energy • Hydrogen peroxide, detergent, urea or neutralisers
BIO Digital 2020 for virtual gathering of the global ➢ It has high tolerance to moisture hence drying of were also found in some of the samples.
Regulatory Board and licensed by the competent
biotech industry and providing access to key waste is not required.
Government Authority. • Adulterants like salt, detergents and glucose add to
➢ Waste is processed and reformed within 24 hours. the thickness and viscosity of the diluted milk while
starch prevents its curdling.

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SURROGACY (REGULATION) BILL 2019 exploiting or disowning surrogate child. E.g. For arrested persons, authorities are required to • It is proposed to establish Gene Therapy Advisory
obtain written consent if the offence carries a and Evaluation Committee (GTAEC) with
• Regulation of Surrogacy: It prohibits commercial punishment of up to seven year. secretariat at Indian Council of Medical Research
surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy Explaintion of certain terms: • DNA Data Bank: The Bill provides for the (ICMR). GTAEC shall be an independent body of
• Permits Surrogacy under following cases. • Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and experts representing diverse areas of biomedical
Surrogacy is permitted when it is: compensation to the surrogate mother other than Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two research, concerned government agencies and
I. for intending couples who suffer from the medical expenses and insurance coverage or more states. DNA laboratories are required to other stakeholders.
proven infertility; during the pregnancy. share DNA data prepared by them with the National • It is mandatory for all institutions and entities
II. altruistic; • Commercial surrogacy includes surrogacy or and Regional DNA Data Banks. engaged in development of Gene Therapy
III. not for commercial purposes; its related procedures undertaken for a monetary • Removal of DNA profiles: The Bill provides for Products (GTPs) to establish an Institutional Bio-
IV. not for producing children for sale, benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the removal of the DNA profiles of the following
basic medical expenses and insurance coverage. safety committee (IBSC), constituted as per the
prostitution or other forms of persons:
exploitation; and • A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon Regulations and Guidelines on Biosafety of
1. of a suspect if a police report is filed or court order
V. for any condition or disease specified fulfilment of the following conditions: recombinant DNA Research and Biocontainment
given,
through regulations. (i) a certificate of proven infertility of one or 2. of an undertrial if a court order is given, and 2017.
• Eligibility criteria for intending couple: The both members of the intending couple from a 3. on written request, for persons who are not a • Research involving development of new GTPs
intending couple should have a ‘certificate of District Medical Board; suspect, offender or undertrial, from the crime needs to obtain approvals from IBSC and
essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued (ii) an order of parentage and custody of the scene or missing persons’ index. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). In the event
by the appropriate authority. surrogate child passed by a Magistrate’s court; • DNA Regulatory Board: The Bill provides for the the GTPs involving stem cells are proposed,
• Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother: To and establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which additional approval from the Institutional
obtain a certificate of eligibility from the (iii) insurance coverage for a period of 16 months will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR) is
appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to covering postpartum delivery complications for laboratories. The Secretary, Department of required.
be: the surrogate. Biotechnology, will be the ex officio Chairperson • GTPs should have prior approval of Review
i. a close relative of the intending couple; • The certificate of eligibility to the intending of the Board. Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM).
ii. a married woman having a child of her own; couple is issued upon fulfilment of the following • DNA laboratories: Any laboratory undertaking
iii. 25 to 35 years old; conditions: DNA testing is required to obtain accreditation from Responsibilities of investigators/ institution/
iv. a surrogate only once in her lifetime; and (i) the couple being Indian citizens and the Board. Further, every DNA laboratory is sponsors/ Institutional Ethics committees
v. (v) possess a certificate of medical and married for at least five years; required to follow standards for quality assurance in
psychological fitness for surrogacy. Further, (ii) between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 • It is mandatory for all investigators, institutions and
collection, storing, and analysis of DNA sample.
to 55 years old (husband); sponsors conducting or involved with research,
the surrogate mother cannot provide her • Offences: The Bill specifies penalties for various
own gametes for surrogacy. (iii) they do not have any surviving child development and clinical trial to fully understand
offences, including: (i) for disclosure of DNA
• Appropriate authority: The central and state (biological, adopted or surrogate); this would not and be conversant with this document.
information, or (ii) using DNA sample without
governments shall appoint one or more appropriate include a child who is mentally or physically • Storage and disposal of the GTPs or its components
authorization. For instance, disclosure of DNA
authorities within 90 days of the Bill becoming an challenged or suffers from life threatening information will be punishable with imprisonment should be as per the Regulations and Guidelines on
Act.. The function of these clinics inlcude: disorder or fatal illness; and of up to three years and fine of up to one lakh Biosafety of recombinant DNA Research and Bio-
I. granting, suspending or cancelling (iv) other conditions that may be specified by rupees. containment 2017.
registration of surrogacy clinics; regulations. • Biological material from humans can be procured
II. enforcing standards for surrogacy clinics; NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR GENE only from clinics/hospitals that have an IEC. The IEC
III. investigating and taking action against THEREPY must ensure that the SOPs are in compliance with
breach of the provisions of the Bill; the national guidelines. Investigators should treat
IV. recommending modifications to the rules DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) • It aims to ensure that the gene therapies can be
REGULATION BILL 2019 the biological material with utmost respect and
and regulations. introduced in India and their clinical trials can be
adequate care to avoid its misuse.
• Registration of surrogacy clinics: Clinics must performed in an ethical, scientific and safe manner.
It seeks to regulate use and application of DNA • Any GTP of foreign origin or its modified variants
apply for registration within a period of 60 days technology for the purposes of only establishing identity Mechanism for Review and Oversight that will be first in human use is not permissible for
from the date of appointment of the appropriate of certain categories of persons, including victims, direct first in human trials in India.
authority. offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and
• National and State Surrogacy Boards: The unknown deceased persons and related matters. Good manufacturing Guidelines
central and the state governments shall constitute
the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) and the State Key Provisions • Personnel Training: All personnel engaged in GTP • Waste materials and by-products of the GTP
Surrogacy Boards (SSB), respectively. production for eventual clinical use must be well manufacturing process must be securely
• Use of DNA Data: Under the Bill, DNA testing is
• Penalties & Offences: The penalty for such trained in aseptic procedures, testing for decontaminated and transported as per
allowed only in respect of matters listed in the contaminants, GTP production processes. appropriate biohazard disposal protocol.
offences is imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine
Schedule to the Bill. These include offences under
up to 10 lakh rupees. Offences included within act • The quality control (QC) processes and procedures
the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and for civil matters
are advertisement of commercial surrogacy, selling should be established to ensure the quality, purity,
such as paternity suits.
or importing human embryo for surrogacy, potency and identity of the final GTP stocks.
• Collection of DNA: Authorities are required to
obtain consent for collection in certain situations.

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MICROBIOME RESEARCH IN INDIA scientists say, a study on the tribal population

• India doesn’t have a dedicated national human would help improve knowledge of evolution of the
microbiome project. But, the proposed Indian mutualism between gut microbiota and the host.
Human Microbiome Initiative holds a lot of
potential.
UNIQUE METHODS OF MANAGEMENT AND
• Scientists at NCSS have conducted a meta-
TREATMENT OF INHERITED DISORDERS
analysis on gut microbiota of healthy Indian
individuals and compared it with that of • UMMID is a Department of Biotechnology
individuals from other parts of the world. (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology
• It shows that the Indian population harbours a initiative
distinct gut microbial community, which, • It was launched to create awareness about
scientists say, calls for an in-depth investigation of genetic disorders amongst clinicians and
the Indian microbiome. establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals for
• India has a large number of tribal populations the benefit of patients in India.
largely unaffected by “modern” diet and lifestyle. • The plan of the UMMID initiative is to link the well-
• The prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders such established centres of Medical Genetics in India to
as obesity and diabetes has been known to be upcoming centres and to establish clinical genetics
significantly lower compared to the non-tribal
facilities in district hospitals.
(urbanised) populations across the globe. Hence,
• UMMID plans to work at three levels of -NIDAN Kendra (Diagnostic Centres) : Hospitals with
medical care which will work in close interested doctors, committed administrators and
collaboration with a close link between training basic infrastructure have been selected and have been
and establishment of diagnostic services. funded to establish genetic laboratories.
- Fellowship in Genetic Diagnostics: Hands-on -Prevention of genetic Disorders in Aspirational
training for six months will be provided to doctors Districts: Each of the 7 centres providing genetic
working in government hospitals by eight training have adopted one aspirational district
departments with state-of-the-art DNA-based and will establish a program for prevention of genetic
diagnostic services for genetic disorders. disorders including beta thalassemia and new
born screening for treatable disorders.

GENETIC ENGINEERING APPRAISAL COMMITEE

• It functions under Ministry of Environment, engineered (GE) organisms and products

Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) . into the environment including experimental
• It is responsible for appraisal of activities field trials.
involving large scale use of hazardous • GEAC is chaired by the Special
microorganisms and recombinants in Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC
research and industrial production from the and co-chaired by a representative from
environmental angle. the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• The committee is also responsible for appraisal
of proposals relating to release of genetically

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