Biotechnology affects our everyday lives, it is involved in a huge range of processes that we take for granted. From the manufacturing of cheese and alcohol to the development and production of much needed medication.
Agricultural biotechnology has improved crop production. It has enhanced crop yield, ease of production, processing, storage and spoilage. These developments to agronomic reasons in the first world have had an advantageous effect on the third world countries. The human population in less developed countries is increasing quickly but arable land has a finite quantity so people are suffering from insufficient nutritional intake; biotechnology has had an enormous effect on improving their health. During the 1960's the Green Revolution began, its practices being important in achieving increased crop yields. Increased crop production cannot prevent malnutrition alone, but will help to ensure the welfare of a vast proportion of the world's population. For example, the Green Revolution has enabled India to greatly amplify its food self-sufficiency, therefore reducing any financial commitment for food imports and limiting the destruction of its natural habitat. .
Genetic engineering is one of the reasons that this impact has been made possible, the ability to manipulate existing genes or add genes allowing the genetic code to contain a specific trait. Using genetic engineering scientists are able to enhance nutritional content, yield, disease resistance and other properties of crop production.
Vitamin A deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder; approximately one million children living in Asia and Africa suffer from this deficiency every year. Ingo Prokarytus engineered rice to produce enhanced quantities of vitamin A; this is an excellent example of how genetic engineering of plants benefits the disadvantaged developing countries.
Some of the most promising and powerful applications of genetic engineering are in the field of medicine.
