Many proteins are secreted in their inactive form. This is also true to many toxic proteins produced by microorganisms. Explain how the mechanism is useful for the organism producing the toxin?
Many proteins including certain toxins are secreted in their inactive form. They get activated only when exposed to a specific trigger ( pH , temperature etc.). This mechanism is advantageous to the organism (e.g., bacteria) producing the toxins, as the bacteria does not get killed by the action of proteins present in the toxin.
While creating genetically modified organisms, genetic barriers are not respected. How can this be dangerous in the long run?
Genetic modification of organisms can have unpredictable results when such organisms are introduced into the ecosystem. Because the real effects of gene manipulation are visible only when such organisms interact with other components and organisms of the ecosystem.
Why has the Indian parliament cleared the second amendment of the country's patents bill?
Amendments to the patent bill has empowered India to prevent unauthorised exploitation of our bio-resources and traditional knowledge by other countries. This bill also considers patent terms and initiated research development in this field.
Give any two reasons why the patent on Basmati should not have gone to an American Company.
The patent on Basmati should not have gone to an American Company, because of the following reasons
(i) The Basmati rice variety has been grown in India since time immemorial. Traditionally, it belongs to India.
(ii) The new variety of Basmati that got patent rights to an American Company is actually derived from 'Indian farmers variety'.
How was insulin obtained before the advent of rDNA technology? What were the problems encountered?
Insulin is used for diabetes treatment and it was earlier extracted from the pancreas of slaughtered cattle and pigs.
This insulin caused some patients to develop allergy or other types of reactions to the foreign protein.