Authors: Yahaya Sumara Sulley1, Lydia Quansah1,2 Shamsiyatu Murtala2 & Sena Abla Zonu2
Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale – Ghana
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale – Ghana
Biotechnology is a field of science that uses biological processes for commercial, scientific, and other objectives. This field applies biology and engineering to develop new technologies and products for various industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and energy. Particularly biotechnology comes to play when microbes are genetically altered to produce drugs like antibiotics and hormones (1). This is a clear instance where biotechnology provides diverse opportunities highlighting the need to think beyond GMOs in Ghana.
Biotechnology has the potential to address various societal challenges, including food security, energy production, justice dispensation and disease treatment. However, the field of biotechnology has often been mired in controversy, particularly regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As a result, many people have a negative perception of biotechnology and believe that GMOs in Ghana are bad and are the only products of the industry (2). In this article, we will discuss other biotech products beyond GMOs.
The history of biotechnology can be traced back to ancient times when humans used fermentation to produce food and drinks. However, modern biotechnology began in the mid-20th century when scientists discovered the structure of DNA, which led to the development of recombinant DNA technology (1). This technology allowed scientists to manipulate DNA and create new organisms with desired traits. The first genetically modified organism was created in 1973 (3), and since then, the field of biotechnology has grown exponentially, with many advancements in genetic engineering, gene editing, and synthetic biology.
GMOs have been the most controversial aspect of biotechnology due to concerns about their safety and impact on the environment. The story of GMOs in Ghana is no different. Despite these concerns, many countries have embraced GMOs, particularly in agriculture, to increase crop yields, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and reduce the need for pesticides. Some countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina, have large areas dedicated to GMO crops, while others, such as the European Union, have strict regulations and limited GMO cultivation (4).
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are a specific application of biotechnology. Biotechnology is a broad field that encompasses a range of techniques and tools used to manipulate living organisms at the molecular level (5). GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through breeding or natural recombination. This is achieved by introducing foreign genes from other organisms to create desired traits in the modified organism. While GMOs are one of the most well-known applications of biotechnology, they are not synonymous with the field as a whole.
GMOs in Ghana
It is essential to distinguish between GMOs and biotechnology since GMOs are just one aspect of the broader field. In agriculture for instance, biotechnology has played a significant role in the development of crops with improved characteristics, such as drought resistance and disease tolerance. For instance, biotechnology has been used to develop the recently approved Bt cowpea in Ghana, which resistant to pests and diseases (6). This has become a shining example of GMOs in Ghana. Biotechnology has also been applied to the production of livestock and fish feed, resulting in more efficient and sustainable production methods.
GMOs across the continent of Africa
Since 2008, the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project (7), which is a partnership between the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, uses biotechnology to develop maize varieties that can withstand drought conditions. These maize varieties have been developed through conventional breeding techniques combined with modern biotechnology tools such as marker-assisted breeding and genetic engineering. Biotechnology has helped to produce crops that have improved nutritional content.
Furthermore, biotechnology has also been used in environmental remediation. Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to break down pollutants in the environment. Bioremediation can be used to clean up contaminated soil, water, and air. For example, certain bacteria have been used to break down petroleum spills, such as the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989 (8).
In addition to the above examples, there are several other biotech products and techniques that are not GMOs. For example, gene editing is a technique that allows scientists to precisely modify or delete genes in an organism’s DNA. This can be used to improve crop yields, develop new medicines, and treat genetic diseases.
One application of gene editing is the creation of disease-resistant crops. By using gene editing to introduce or modify genes responsible for resistance to pests or diseases, scientists can develop crops that are less susceptible to damage, leading to increased yields and less need for pesticides.
Beyond GMOs, there are several biotech products and applications that have benefited society. For example, biotechnology has played a significant role in the development of vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, which has helped to save countless lives. Biotech has also produced enzymes and proteins used in laundry detergents and other household products, making them more effective and environmentally friendly (9).
One example of the use of biotechnology is DNA fingerprinting for forensic purposes. DNA fingerprinting is a method of analyzing DNA samples to determine an individual’s unique genetic profile (10). This technology uses biotechnology methods to help in the identification of suspects and match biological evidence found at a crime scene to a particular individual. Most of this DNA evidences has been used to exonerate wrongly accused individuals, as well as to convict guilty individuals.
Another example of forensic biotechnology is the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify small amounts of DNA. This technology is used to generate enough DNA for analysis, even when only small amounts of biological material are available (11). PCR has been used to identify victims of mass disasters and in the field of anthropology to study ancient human remains genetic makeup of human populations in the past.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool in biotechnology that offers numerous benefits (12). The system allows for precise and efficient editing of DNA, which can be used to correct genetic defects, develop disease-resistant crops, and even cure genetic diseases. CRISPR-Cas9 is cost-effective, easy to use, and has a high success rate, making it an attractive option for researchers in the biotechnology industry (13). It has revolutionized gene editing and allowed scientists to explore new applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used to study gene function and improve our understanding of various biological processes (14). Overall, CRISPR-Cas9 is a valuable tool in biotechnology that offers a range of benefits for research and development.
In conclusion, biotechnology is more than just GMOs and the fear of GMOs in Ghana. It encompasses various fields and has a wide range of applications, including agriculture, medicine, forensic and environmental science. The public perception of biotechnology needs to move beyond a fear of GMOs in Ghana and recognize the potential benefits of biotechnology in other areas.
The examples from the use of GMOs in Ghana demonstrates the potential of biotechnology to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of people. For too long, biotechnology has been misunderstood and viewed with suspicion by many in Ghana. However, it’s time to recognize the incredible benefits that biotechnology can offer to the people of Ghana. Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, medicine, and industry, providing solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.
Acknowledgment
Special thanks are due to “The Biotechnology Research Interest Group 2022” of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Department of Biotechnology class of 2021 for their contribution towards the preparation of this article.
Reference
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