Biotechnology & Its Applications: 5 Must-Know Facts

Insulin chain lengths: A chain = 21 amino acids, B chain = 30 amino acids; both expressed separately in E. coli (Eli Lilly, 1983).
Cry gene-crop match: Bt cotton = cry1Ac + cry2Ab; Bt corn = cry1Ab. Cry proteins are inactive protoxins inside Bt; alkaline insect gut activates them.
Gene therapy (ADA deficiency): Retroviral vector delivers ADA gene to lymphocytes; NOT permanent — bone marrow transplant is the permanent cure.
Three diagnostics: PCR (DNA detection), ELISA $\frac{antigen}{antibody detection}$ , Autoradiography (radioactive probe hybridization).
Biopiracy trio (India): Neem (antifungal), Turmeric (wound healing), Basmati (grain traits) — all challenged by India; GEAC is India's GMO regulator.