Highlight five areas where biotechnology | Class 12 Biology Chapter Biotechnology and its Application, Biotechnology and its Application NCERT Solutions

Following are the five areas where biotechnology has influenced our lives are as follows:

1. Diagnosis of diseases: various genetic and infectious diseases can be diagnosed by DNA technology. For example: ELISA (Enzyme- linked Immuno sorbent Assay) used for the detection of HIV; this test involves the linkage of label enzymes to either antigens or antibody and their reaction is measured using colorimetric signals, Hepatitis B and C. Probe consists of short segment of ssDNA attached to radioactive or fluorescent marker which is used to identify causative agents like HIV, virus of hepatitis B etc. Or, like in PCR when the source of DNA is impure, can be amplified by PCR technique. And when the sequence of HIV DNA is known, PCR method will help in the detection of HIV DNA in the blood or the tissues in suspected AIDS patients and to detect mutations in suspected cancer patients.
2. Gene Therapy: is a technique for correcting the defective genes responsible for disease development. It typically aims to supplement a defective mutant allele with a functional one. Several approaches have been given for correcting defective or abnormal genes like gene addition, gene replacement, and abnormal gene can be repaired through selective reverse mutation, which returns the gene to its normal function; these alter the specific genes to modify the patient’s genotype for the treatment for hereditary diseases (hemophilia, phenylketonuria etc.).
3. Production of transgenic animals: Animals that have been permanently engineered by the gene insertion are known as transgenic animals and these contains functional foreign genes that have been introduced into the genome by genetic engineering. These are used for studying how genes contribute to development of diseases and these are made to serve as the models for the human diseases like cancer, cystic fibrosis etc. They are produced to improve human health, for enhancing nutrition, environment protection, to increase animal welfare and decrease livestock disease.  
4. Production of transgenic plants: Many plants can be regenerated from the single somatic cell grown in culture, in this genetic manipulation is performed, which produces new plant with the new traits, also known as transgenic plants. Many crops have been engineered for the resistance of herbicides, insecticidal resistance etc. 
5. Production of Genetically Modified Microorganisms: Many microorganisms have been genetically engineered for variety of purposes like Bacterium Rhizobium meliloti is used as fertilizer; Bacillus thuringiensis produces endotoxins used for insect control.