The practice of modifying the genetic makeup of plants, animals, or microbes utilized in the production of food is known as food biotechnology and is a subfield of biotechnology. Fermentation was one of the earliest forms of biotechnology used to manufacture wine, beer, and bread, and it has a long history of application in the production and processing of food.
Food biotechnology's main goal is to develop new species of plants and animals with desired traits, such as drought- and disease-resistant plants, leaner meat, and improved flavor and nutritional value. Biotechnology advances and improves processes that result in novel plants and animals. Selective breeding has produced thousands of regional variations with higher yields than their wild progenitors of staple grains like rice, maize and wheat.
Food biotechnology has been utilized to create insulin, cancer treatments, life-saving vaccinations, and other medications that enhance quality of life. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is a technology used by scientists to transfer genes from one organism to another and exclude undesired features. This makes it possible for food producers to acquire enhancements to animals and crops in a way that is much more exact, controlled, and predictable.
The following are some examples of how food biotechnology is used in food production:
- Crops that have undergone genetic modification through the use of biotechnology are referred to as genetically modified crops. The crop may be genetically modified to increase its nutritional value or to increase its resilience to pests and herbicides.
- Enzyme engineering is the practise of altering enzymes to enhance their functionality during food processing. Enzymes that are better at digesting complex carbohydrates or proteins can be made using this approach.
- Fermentation: In the fermentation process, bacteria, yeast, and other microbes transform carbohydrates into ethanol or organic acids. This method is used to make bread, wine, cheese, yoghurt, and beer.
- Animal cloning: The method of generating a perfect genetic replica of an animal is known as animal cloning. This procedure can produce animals with desirable characteristics like leaner meat or more milk output.
- Transgenic animals: Transgenic animals are those that have undergone genetic modification through the use of biotechnology. The animal's growth rate or disease resistance may be improved by genetic alteration.
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