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  • Essay / How to conserve biodiversity with the help of synthetic biology

    Table of contentsOpponents and supporters of the gene drive techniqueSummaryReferencesHow to conserve biodiversity with the use of synthetic biology? The essay explores this question by showing how synthetic biology can help solve the challenges of biodiversity conservation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Although many people, because of previous unpleasant experiences with certain genetic technologies, would doubt the potential of synthetic biology to address many of the threats to biodiversity conservation in the environment, I begs for it. differ in such a position. To better delve into the topic, I would like to briefly elucidate some key terminologies that may require some clarification from readers. Synthetic biology is the application of science, technology and engineering to facilitate and accelerate the design, manufacture and/or modification of genetic material in living organisms. It is a multidisciplinary scientific field that simply involves the application of engineering principles to biology. One of the disciplines of synthetic biology that has recently attracted the attention of researchers and which I would like to focus on in this topic is gene drives. It is essentially a genetic engineering technique that modifies genes in such a way that the usual rules of heredity are not followed. Gene drive technology can increase the likelihood that a particular gene will be passed on to the next generation and spread rapidly, causing permanent genetic changes in the population (modification drives aimed at increasing the resilience of species) or designed to cause the extinction of threatening species (suppressive impulses). Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, preservation and management of ecosystems and natural habitats for the variety of species and genes to ensure that they remain healthy and functional. This is particularly important because plants, animals, microbes and genetic resources for food production, nutrient recycling and insects to fight disease are protected. The main objective of protection is to maintain important ecological processes and survival systems on which human existence depends, preserving genetic diversity and, finally, ensuring sustainable use of species and ecosystems. The rate of biodiversity loss on earth is accelerating in the face of numerous conservation efforts at global, regional, national and local levels aimed at mitigating the threat. This is one more reason why the application of the powerful gene drive technique is urgently needed to have the opportunity in the field of biodiversity conservation to make its contribution as a growing technology quick to save the day under carefully monitored and controlled conditions to mitigate or avoid possible associated risks. Opponents and supporters of the gene drive technique A gene drive could spiral out of control and spread violently across national borders, potentially creating additional legal problems. This anticipated risk of gene drives is now a headache of the past as Xu et al. recently developed two methods to prevent gene drives from spreading beyond a certain point. Using these methods, gene drives can either be turned off orsuppressed over five to ten generations to prevent uncontrolled spread. Depending on the specific role of the species targeted by gene drive technology in a particular ecosystem, predators, prey species, competitors, or even complex species ecological functions may be negatively affected. To prevent this situation from occurring before the gene drive technique is used in a particular ecosystem, the ecological importance of the target species must be critically examined and confirmed that it far exceeds the cost of the threats that it poses in the ecosystem to inform a final decision. whether an application of gene drives would be necessary. For example, to address this potential problem, Target Malaria, an international nonprofit research consortium, is conducting a study in Ghana to assess the role that malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes play in their ecosystem. CRISPR-based gene drives are likely to be invasive in wild populations with unknown potential for ecological effects. I believe this concern could be addressed when an implementing regulation would ensure that a test of the technology is carried out for a stipulated period (e.g., 5 years or more) in a small area outside the laboratory to evaluate the impact on the ecosystem before a mass release. Gene drive organisms are allowed in the wild. The issue of patents related to gene drives could be addressed as part of a broader consultative dialogue with stakeholders with a view to achieving consensus and standardization to regulate commercial activities related to this technology. How long does it take for a gene drive to remain functional in order to achieve the goal of its release and whether this can be reliably projected. This concern could be addressed through scientific research on a case-by-case basis since the target species, chosen environment, and objective of applying a specific gene drive may differ. On the contrary, gene drives as a means of controlling invasive species compared to conventional methods. The means are environmentally friendly (non-toxic), easy to apply, their impact can quickly cover a wider area in the shortest possible time and therefore could be classified as a cost-effective approach, especially when applied on a larger area. Additionally, threatened bird populations can also be relieved of pressure from rodents and mosquitoes carrying the avian malaria pathogen through a gene drive system by making all offspring male or sterile. Other ideas, via gene drives, could modify the genome of coral reefs to tolerate high temperatures to mitigate the effect of global warming on coral bleaching. Synthetic rhino horn or alternative products could be created using gene drive technology to alleviate stress on the endangered rhino wildlife trade.SummaryIn conclusion, it is important to highlight that gene drive technology Genetics has the potential to affect nature conservation in positive and positive ways. negative ways. For example, the ability of gene drive approaches to eradicate invasive species from an ecosystem could significantly benefit local conservation efforts. On the other hand, they are more likely to harm the environment if genetically modified organisms escape to geographic regions where these species are native or have their center of origin. Any organisms escape genetically.1001530.