The rise of technology allows scientists to modify and enhance organisms down to the molecular level. Agriculture biotechnology is a prime example. Although traditional breeding of plants and animals has worked for many years, farmers need a new method to keep up with consumers. With agricultural biotechnology, farmers now have the ability to keep up with the demand for products.
What is Agricultural Biotechnology?
Agriculture biotechnology is the use of scientific methods to improve plants and animals. Using scientific techniques, scientists can improve and increase agricultural productivity. Although typical cross-breeding yields limiting results, biotechnology takes it a step further. In fact, biotechnology allows scientists to pinpoint certain traits in DNA and apply them to plants and animals. This technology will enable scientists to make enhancements that would not be possible in normal cross-breeding. Thus, creating enhancements within agriculture that can keep up with consumers.
Uses for Agricultural Biotechnology
There are many ways scientists and farmers use agricultural biotechnology. However, according to the US Department of Agriculture, the use of this type of science is essential for other topics besides just farming. For example, here are some ways scientists use agricultural biotechnology.
Genetic Modification
Genetic modification is the process scientists use to move genes from one organism to another. Likewise, using this technique allows scientists to identify specific traits and characteristics that are valuable. Then, scientists can implement these traits and characteristics into new plants or animals to enhance them. For example, these enhancements can create better yielding plants.
Molecular diagnosis
This method helps scientists identify particular DNA disorders of plants and animals. In turn, this science will help reduce product loss and increase other healthy crop and livestock options.
Molecular markers in Agricultural Biotechnology
Just as genetic modification works, molecular markers aid in this process. Molecular markers are the method scientists use to identify certain valuable traits that cannot be necessarily seen from the naked eye. This process allows scientists to identify specific characteristics for implementation into new crops or livestock to create enhancements.
Biotechnology Deriving Vaccines
Unlike traditional vaccines, biotechnology-derived vaccines have several benefits for humans and livestock. These types of vaccines can be cheaper, healthier, and safer than conventional vaccines. Professionals can also store these vaccines at room temperature, as opposed to keeping them refrigerated. Like traditional vaccines, they work to provide protection against infectious diseases in humans and livestock.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is the use of scientific methods to regenerate plants from disease-free plant parts. The reproduction of disease-free plant parts aids in the growth and production of healthy plants.
While there are many great uses for agriculture biotechnology, this method is used for more than just farms. The production of plants and animals is vital to the health and maintenance of the world. With agriculture biotechnology, scientists can now aid in the growth and production of agriculture. This technology helps farmers keep up with demand, creates better yielding plants, and saves many plants from disease destruction.
