GENETICALLY MODIFIED MICRO ORGANISMS
What are Genetically Modified Micro organisms?
A genetically modified micro organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as Recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes.
HISTORY
Twenty years ago the discovery that vibrio cholerae does not die off in the environment was made. We hypothesized that this gram negative, rod shaped bacterium possessed the capacity to survive for very long periods of time, under conditions adverse to active growth and reproduction. The term somnicell was proposed in to describe this state of being. Subsequently a series of experiments showed that his phenomenon was not unique to Vibrio cholerae. Many other gram negative bacteria were found to undergo the viable but not culturable state in response to adverse environmental conditions.
The phrase viable but nonculturable was coined to describe these bacteria that were apparently in a dormant state.
One implication of these findings for the release of genetically engineered organisms is that highly specific methods of detection and monitoring are required, with direct detection by fluorescent antibody the most reliable at the present time.
APPLICATIONS OF gmM
Microorganisms have been used for centuries in the manufacturing of food and feed. With the advancement of gene modification techniques, GM microorganisms have now found wide applications in the following fields:
Enzyme Production
By far, the most common application of GM microorganisms is in enzyme production. These microorganisms range from fungi like Aspergillus to bacteria like Bacillus and are usually selected by the availability of genetic tools and their capabilities to produce and/or secrete enzymes. The enzymes produced may be used in making “washing powders” (lipases), in food production, or they may have important medical uses.
Production of Pharmaceuticals
GM microorganisms are also being used for the commercial production of pharmaceutical products such as insulin, interferon, human growth hormone & viral vaccines. Prior to such advances in biotechnology, the few protein drugs available were taken directly from human and animal corpses. For instance, human growth hormone was taken from human corpses and insulin required to treat diabetes was collected from slaughtered pigs. These drugs were expensive as they were available only in limited supplies. Biotechnology offers a cheap and efficient way of producing high quality drugs.
Biodegradation/Bioremediation of Xenobiotics
Some GM microorganisms can be used in waste treatment or in the cleaning of contaminated land and water.
Crop Production & Protection
This can be done through biological control of insects, fungal diseases, and frost damage.
HAZARDS INVOLVING GMM
Many commercial applications of GM microorganisms are conducted in closed production facilities, that is, under contained use’. Drugs derived from GM microorganisms are produced under such conditions. Because of the tight controls on 'contained uses’ of GM microorganisms, these applications are very unlikely to offer threats to the environment.
However, for GM microorganisms which are developed, or being considered, to solve environmental problems ,there may be concerns about possible risks to the environment and to human health upon their release.
Many microorganisms do not cause diseases and are normally harmless to human health. However, when a microorganism is manipulated genetically, there is a chance that the modification may increase its virulence or pathogenicity. To minimize risks, scientists who work on GM microorganisms must observe proper measures to ensure biosafety
INDIAN SCIENTISTS QUIZ
Atmoism –Nyaya and Vaishesika
Ammonium-Prafulla Chandra Roy
Ayarveda-Atreya
Yoga-Patanjali
Ashtanga Hridaya-Vagbhata
Sidhayoga-Vrudkunta
Reserpine-Jal Vakil
Father of Research Laboratories-Shanti Swarop Bhatnagar
Father of ISRO-Vikram Sarabhai
Mobile , Light and Sound Show-Surya Krishna Murthy
Indian Statistical Institute-P.C Malonobis
Bhaba Heiteler Cascade Theory-H.M.Bhaba
Raman Effect-C.V.Raman and S.Radhakrishnan
Molecular Disfraction of Light- C.V.Raman
Movement of Earth around the Sun- Aryabata
Bounce lighting-Subratamitra
Anesthesia-Sushruta
Bose-Eienstein-S.N.Bose
Molecular Biophysics-G.N.Iyer Ramachandran
Simputer-Swami Manohar
Universe –Vedas
Wilson-Bappu effect – Manalikallatvainu Bappu
Founder of Atomic Theory- Acharya Kannad
Wizard Of Chemistry- Nagarjuna
Father of Medicine – Acharya Charak
Charak Samitha
Father of Plastic Surgery- Acharya Sushrut
Father of Cosmology- Acharya Kapil
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TEXT BOOK 2ND TERM
NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
1.http://www.fsl.orst.edu/pnwerc/wrb/Atlas_web_compressed/7.Trajectories/7h.nat_veg_web.pdf%20%20%20%20
2.http://www.blurtit.com/q246814.html
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Vegetation or natural vegetation supports critical functions in the biosphere, at all possible spatial scales. First, vegetation regulates the flow of numerous biogeochemical cycles, most critically those of water, carbon, and nitrogen; it is also of great importance in local and global energy balances. Such cycles are important not only for global patterns of vegetation but also for those of climate.
Second, vegetation strongly affects soil characteristics, including soil volume, chemistry and texture, which feed back to affect various vegetational characteristics, including productivity and structure.
Third, vegetation serves as wildlife habitat and the energy source for the vast array of animal species on the planet and, ultimately, to those that feed on these. Vegetation is also critically important to the world economy, particularly in the use of fossil fuels as an energy source, but also in the global production of food, wood, fuel and other materials.
Perhaps most importantly, and often overlooked, global vegetation including algal communities has been the primary source of oxygen in the atmosphere, enabling the aerobic metabolism systems to evolve and persist.
Lastly, vegetation is psychologically important to humans, who evolved in direct contact with, and dependence on, vegetation, for food, shelter, and medicine.
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals, and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative.
Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems, Deserts, rain forests, plains, and other areas—including the most developed urban sites—all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities.
Anthropologists believe that the Stone Age peoples and hunter-gatherers relied on wildlife, both plant and animal, for their food. In fact, some species may have been hunted to extinction by early human hunters.
Many wildlife species have spiritual significance in different cultures around the world, and they and their products may be used as sacred objects in religious rituals. For example, eagles, hawks and their feathers have great cultural and spiritual value to Native Americans as religious objects
All wild populations of living things have many complex intertwining links with other living things around them. Large herbivorous animals such as the hippopotamus have populations of insectivorous birds that feed off the many parasitic insects that grow on the hippo. Should the hippo die out so to will these groups of birds, leading to further destruction as other species dependent on the birds are affected. Also referred to as a Domino effect, this series of chain reactions is by far the most destructive process that can occur in any ecological community.
Today, hunting, fishing, or gathering wildlife is still a significant food source in some parts of the world. In other areas, hunting and non-commercial fishing are mainly seen as a sport or recreation, with the edible meat as mostly a side benefit.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
WET SCRUBBER
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_scrubber (1)
http://slyfilters.com/pdf/WetScrubber.pdf (2)
Medicinal Plants sold in B'lore
http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/118-health-heritage-create-your-own-herbal-garden-healthgardening
http://www.agricultureinformation.com/
http://www.hotfrog.in/Products/Herbal-Drugs-and-Medicinal-Plants/Karnataka/Bangalore
