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Biotechnology in India: GM Crops, CRISPR & Genome Sequencing

Introduction

Biotechnology uses living organisms to create products. It is the "Sunrise Sector" of India.

1. Colors of Biotechnology

• Red: Medical (Vaccines, Antibiotics).
• Green: Agriculture (GM Crops).
• White: Industrial.
• Blue: Marine.

2. Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

Regulated by GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) under MoEFCC.

• Bt Cotton: The only commercial GM crop in India. Toxic to Bollworm.
• DMH-11 Mustard: Herbicide Tolerant. Approved for field trials.

3. Gene Editing (CRISPR-Cas9)

Like a pair of molecular scissors, it can cut and replace DNA sequences with precision. Won Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2020).

Conclusion

Biotech helps in precision medicine and climate-resilient agriculture, but ethical concerns (Designer Babies) and safety must be addressed.