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Showing posts with the label Animal Biotechnology

Testing of the viability of isolated protoplasts

Staining Methods for Assessing Protoplast Viability Staining methods are essential for determining the viability and functional status of protoplasts. The most commonly used methods include: 1. Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) Staining Method Principle: FDA is a dye that passes through the plasma membrane of viable cells and accumulates inside. Once inside, it is hydrolyzed by cellular esterases, producing a fluorescent product. Procedure: Dissolve FDA in acetone to make a 0.01% solution. Add FDA to the protoplast suspension. Observe under a fluorescence microscope within 5–15 minutes. Result: Viable Protoplasts: Fluoresce yellow-green. Non-Viable Protoplasts: Do not fluoresce. Limitation: Fluorescence diminishes after 15 minutes due to dissociation from membranes.   2. Phenosafranine Staining Principle: Phenosafranine selectively stains dead protoplasts by penetrating ...

Tissue engineering overview

Applications of Tissue Engineering and Bioartificial Organs In Vitro Meat : Edible, artificial animal muscle tissue cultured in vitro. Provides a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat production. Bioartificial Liver Device (Temporary Liver) : Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device (ELAD) : Uses the human hepatocyte C3A cell line in a hollow fiber bioreactor to mimic liver functions. Designed for acute liver failure cases to temporarily replace liver function. Prevents the need for transplantation by allowing the individual's liver to regenerate. Artificial Pancreas : Focused on diabetes management by using islet cells to regulate blood sugar levels. Research aims to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into beta cells responsible for insulin production. Bioartificial Heart : Developed by Doris Taylor’s lab as a "landmark" achievement. Process involves: Decellularizing a rat heart to create a scaffold. Re-cellularizing t...

Human Forensics: An Overview

Introduction: Human forensics involves the application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes, resolve legal disputes, and identify individuals. It integrates principles from biology, chemistry, physics, and anthropology to provide evidence in criminal and civil cases. Branches of Human Forensics: Forensic Biology: Analysis of biological samples like blood, hair, and saliva. Forensic Anthropology: Study of human skeletal remains to identify age, sex, and cause of death. Forensic Toxicology: Detection of drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological samples. Forensic DNA Analysis: Identification of individuals through unique genetic markers. Forensic Odontology: Examination of dental evidence for identification. Forensic Pathology: Determining cause of death through autopsies. Digital Forensics: Recovery and investigation of digital evidence from devices. Key Techniques in Human Forensics: 1. DNA Profiling: Uses: Identifying suspects, exonerating innocent individ...

Ethical Issues in Biotechnology

Ethical Issues in Biotechnology Biotechnology involves the manipulation of living organisms or their components for useful products. It has major benefits in fields like medicine , agriculture , and industry . Ethical concerns include issues like human genetic modification , cloning , GMOs , and animal testing . These concerns challenge our moral values and societal norms. Ethical balance is needed between progress and protection of rights . ELSI of Biotechnology ELSI stands for Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of biotechnology. Genetic testing can reveal disease risks, but it may lead to discrimination or stigma . Legal protections are required to safeguard genetic information . The social impact involves ensuring that biotechnology benefits society equitably . Proper regulations are necessary to address the ethical concerns arising from biotechnology advances. Risk and Ethics of Biotechnology Biotechnology offers great potential but comes with certain risks. Genetic m...

Bio Terrorism

Introduction Definition : Bioterrorism refers to the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or their by-products (e.g., toxins) to cause illness or death in humans, animals, or plants. Characteristics of Bioterrorism Agents: These agents are naturally occurring organisms or toxins. They can cause sporadic diseases under natural conditions. In some cases, medical manipulation is attempted to: Enhance resistance to antibiotics. Increase the virulence of the organism. Reasons for its Use as a Weapon: Biological agents are relatively easy and cost-effective to acquire. They are simple to distribute or disseminate. They can instill widespread fear and panic, surpassing the extent of actual physical harm. Key Features of Biologic Agents Used as Bioweapons High Morbidity and Mortality: Capable of causing severe illness and a high death rate. Person-to-Person Spread : Can easily transmit between individuals, increasing the outbreak's scale. Low Infective Dose and High Infectivity via A...