Application of Biotechnology Medicine

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:23 PM IST

Biotechnology has revolutionised and transformed many areas of activity, particularly medicine, with new solutions for diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases. Biotechnology applications, especially in medicine, focus on producing medical products and therapies from biological systems, organisms, or their derivatives. This topic is covered in class 12 of the CBSE Biology chapter on Biotechnology and Its Applications. It is important to the students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, AIIMS, nursing and paramedical entrance exams.

This Story also Contains

Medical Biotechnology
Major Advancements In Medical Biotechnology
Applications Of Biotechnology In Medicine
Application Of Biotechnology On Medicinal Plants
Other Applications Of Biotechnology
Scope Of Biotechnology
Ethical And Medical Issues Of Biotechnology
Tips, Tricks, And Strategies For Learning Biotechnology Applications
Weightage Of Biotechnology Applications In Exams
Types Of Questions Asked In Exams From The Topic Biotechnology Applications In Medicine
Recommended Video On Applications Of Biotechnology In Medicine

Medical Biotechnology

It is a branch of medicine that makes use of cell materials and living cells for the research and development of pharmaceutical products. These products are used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various diseases. Human DNA has been mapped with about 23 markers identified. Vaccines for various deadly diseases like smallpox and COVID-19 have been developed. Drug treatments for diseases like cancer and artificial tissue culture are the most recent developments in the field of medical biotechnology.

Major Advancements In Medical Biotechnology

CRISPR: It stands for the molecular DNA splicing mechanism. The Cas9 protein is used as a molecular scissor for DNA slicing and in genetic engineering. It helps in the alteration of gene sequences for various applications like the treatment of diseases, agricultural improvement, and prevention of the spread of diseases.
Recombinant DNA: As the name suggests, it involves the recombination of the DNA molecules of two different species and the insertion of the recombinant DNA into the host cell. The host organism with recombinant DNA produces results that will have the combined effect of the parent genes. It is a method used for improvements in the agricultural industry by combining two superior genes to produce super-quality seeds.
HPV vaccine: The vaccine is used for the treatment of cervical cancer caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). It has significance since cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer in women.

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Applications Of Biotechnology In Medicine

Biotechnology has great importance in medicine since it helps in the development of various drugs to cure diseases. Some of its applications are:

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is the direct alteration of an organism's DNA via biotechnology. In medicine, it has several applications,

Gene Therapy: By modification of genes, it has been able to treat or prevent disease conditions. It will be highly beneficial for disorders due to faulty genes in humans, such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and muscular dystrophy.

Production of Insulin: The insulin was previously obtained from animals. The process was rather long-winded and not very efficient. Using genetic engineering, human insulin is produced through the introduction of the gene for insulin into bacterial cells, making its mass production possible.

Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals are pharmaceutical drugs produced through biotechnology, usually through genetically engineered organisms. Some of the major applications of biotechnology in biopharmaceuticals are:

Monoclonal Antibodies: They are artificial proteins produced in the laboratory, aiming to reproduce the ability of the immune system to fight pathogens. These monoclonal antibodies are used for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

Vaccines: Biotechnology helps to prepare recombinant vaccines using parts of the pathogen, such as proteins, to achieve an immune response without causing the disease.

Stem Cell Therapy

The field of regenerative medicine is expanding speedily with stem cell therapy. The direct application of stem cells for the repair and replacement of damaged tissues and cells is being used.

Applications include leukaemia diseases to be cured with bone marrow transplantation, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders in the form of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup dictates responses to drugs. The field allows:

Personalized medicine: Tailoring therapeutic approaches according to an individual's genetic profile leads to enhanced therapeutic outcomes and reduces adverse drug reactions.

Drug development: Biotechnology enables the rapid development of drugs since drugs can be designed to target specific genetic mutations.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics are the applications of biotechnology in the detection of diseases at a molecular level.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is used to amplify targeted DNA sequences since genetic mutations and infectious agents like viruses have to be detected.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): The strength of NGS is in the sequencing of the complete genomes, which serves to provide personalized treatment of cancer and inherited diseases.

Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering comes in the category of biotechnology. This is to create artificial organs or tissues that will be made with the assistance of biological materials. It may be used for:

Organ Transplant: Artificial organs or tissue-engineered constructs may help to reduce the number of requests placed by a person for donor organs.

Skin Graft: Biotechnologically engineered skin may be used on burn patients or those suffering from severe injuries in the skin.

Application Of Biotechnology On Medicinal Plants

Biotechnology affects medicinal plants more indirectly, providing some techniques for medicinal compound production and further improvement of plant traits:

Modified Medicinal Plants: With biotechnology, yield levels of medicinal compounds in plants like Artemisia, used for malaria treatment, may be increased.

Plant-Based Vaccines: Vaccines can also be made using plants as bioreactors. Plants such as tobacco and potatoes have already been engineered to produce vaccines for hepatitis, for example.

Other Applications Of Biotechnology

The production of alcohol, curd, and bread by fermentation is the earliest form of biotechnology.
Crop breeding by creating varieties mixing the desirable characteristics of species benefits the agriculture sector.
Tissue culture helps in the multiplication of plants with the help of plant tissue. Endangered plants can be multiplied by this method.
Biotechnology in forensic science is used to solve parental disputes and criminal identification.

Scope Of Biotechnology

Biotechnology has applications in pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, medicine, and many other industries. Genetic engineering is gaining popularity for producing biological organisms and other materials like proteins. Developing antibodies, transgenic animals and plants, tissue culture, etc., are some branches where biotechnology has been established.

Ethical And Medical Issues Of Biotechnology

Human life at risk - The clinical trials of the new medicines put human life at risk.
High cost - These most modern technologies involve a huge expenditure, making the cost of such treatments higher.
Privacy issues - Interpreting the DNA sequence of a person is a breach of a person's privacy.
Bioterrorism - Biowars are possible using these technologies. These lead to the depletion of funds in search of a cure to the diseases caused intentionally.

Tips, Tricks, And Strategies For Learning Biotechnology Applications

Diagrams and Tables: Make flowcharts for complex processes, like recombinant DNA technology or PCR.

Mnemonics: Memes can be developed for remembering the applications of biotechnology. For instance, "GET PH" can be associated with Gene Therapy, Enzyme Production, Tissue Engineering, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormones.

Multimedia Learning: The message that should be delivered by the animation or video regarding genetic engineering and molecular diagnostics should be viewed.

Flashcards: Flashcards can be made for some of the important terms such as recombinant DNA, monoclonal antibodies, stem cells, etc.

Weightage Of Biotechnology Applications In Exams

Below is the table for the weightage of questions from biotechnology applications in medicine in various exams:

Exam Type	Weightage of Biotechnology Applications
CBSE Board Exams	5-7%
NEET	2-4%
AIIMS and Paramedical Exams	3-5%

Types Of Questions Asked In Exams From The Topic Biotechnology Applications In Medicine

The table given below indicates the types of questions asked about this topic in various exams:

Exam Type	Type of Questions
CBSE Board Exams	Short answers on applications of biotechnology in medicine
NEET	MCQs on gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals
AIIMS	Case studies on pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine
Paramedical Entrance Exams	Questions on the impact of stem cell therapy and tissue engineering

Also Read:

Bt Cotton	DNA Fingerprinting
Biopiracy	Bioreactor Obtaining Foreign Genes
Cloning Vector	Restriction Enzyme

Recommended Video On Applications Of Biotechnology In Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is red biotechnology?

It refers to the use of biotechnology in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Red biotechnology includes the production of vaccines, antibiotics, and artificial organs.

2. List a few applications of biotechnology in the field of medicine.

Biotechnology has several applications in medicine.

Recombinant DNA
Recombinant Insulin
Edible vaccines
Gene therapy
CRISPR

3. What is the application of biotechnology in agriculture?

In agriculture, new varieties are created by mixing desired traits/ genes of related varieties. It aids the development of agriculture by producing more yield (quality and quantity).

4. List a few biotechnology products.

The products of biotechnology are numerous of which are listed below:

Bioinformatics - application of biotechnology in computations.
Bt. cotton (genetically modified cotton)
Antibiotics
Industrial products like alcohol, bread, and yoghurt.
Pharmaceutical products
Agricultural seeds

5. What is ELISA?

ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. It works based on antigen-antibody reactions. ELISA can detect the presence of antigens of foreign pathogens, or antibodies produced against these pathogens, for the detection of infections.

6. Is biotechnology used in medicine?

Yes, biotechnology widely applies in medicine to produce a new form of therapeutics, diagnostic devices, and medicines. Some applications include gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, and the production of biopharmaceuticals.

7. What are the 4 applications of biotechnology?

The four key applications of biotechnology in medicine are:

Genetic engineering
Biopharmaceuticals
Stem cell therapy
Molecular diagnostics

8. What are the applications of biotechnology in medicinal plants?

Biotechnology is used to genetically modify medicinal plants to increase the yield of therapeutic compounds, produce plant-based vaccines, and enhance plant traits for better medicinal properties.

9. What is systems pharmacology and how does it relate to drug discovery?

Systems pharmacology integrates systems biology and pharmacology to study drug effects on entire biological systems. In drug discovery, it helps predict drug efficacy and side effects, understand drug interactions, and design multi-target drugs, potentially leading to more effective and safer medications.

10. What is genome mining and how is it used in drug discovery?

Genome mining involves searching genomic data for genes that could produce useful compounds. In drug discovery, it's used to identify new antibiotics, anticancer agents, and other therapeutic compounds, particularly from microorganisms. This approach can uncover novel drug candidates that traditional methods might miss.

11. What is pharmacoproteomics and how does it relate to drug development?

Pharmacoproteomics is the study of how drugs affect protein expression and function. In drug development, it helps identify new drug targets, understand drug mechanisms of action, predict drug efficacy and toxicity, and develop biomarkers for drug response, ultimately leading to more effective and safer medications.

12. What is genome editing and how does it differ from genetic engineering?

Genome editing refers to precise modifications of DNA sequences within a genome, often using tools like CRISPR-Cas9. While genetic engineering broadly involves manipulating genes, genome editing allows for more targeted and accurate changes, potentially reducing unintended effects and opening up new therapeutic possibilities.

13. What is biotechnology in medicine?

Biotechnology in medicine refers to the use of living organisms, biological systems, or their derivatives to develop new medical treatments, diagnostic tools, and preventive measures. It involves applying biological knowledge and techniques to improve human health and combat diseases.

14. How has genetic engineering revolutionized medicine?

Genetic engineering has revolutionized medicine by allowing scientists to modify genes to treat genetic disorders, produce therapeutic proteins, develop gene therapies, and create genetically modified organisms for medical research. This technology has opened up new possibilities for personalized medicine and targeted treatments.

15. What are stem cells and why are they important in medical biotechnology?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into various specialized cell types. They are important in medical biotechnology because of their potential to regenerate damaged tissues, treat degenerative diseases, and provide insights into human development and disease processes.

16. How does gene therapy work?

Gene therapy works by introducing functional genes into a patient's cells to replace or supplement defective genes. This can be done using viral vectors, non-viral methods, or gene editing techniques like CRISPR. The goal is to treat genetic disorders by addressing the underlying cause at the molecular level.

17. What is pharmacogenomics and how does it relate to personalized medicine?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. It relates to personalized medicine by allowing healthcare providers to tailor drug treatments based on a patient's genetic profile, optimizing efficacy and minimizing side effects.

18. What are the ethical considerations in using biotechnology in medicine?

Ethical considerations include issues of genetic privacy, equitable access to biotechnology-based treatments, potential misuse of genetic information, concerns about genetic enhancement, and the ethical implications of altering the human genome. These issues require ongoing dialogue and regulation.

19. How are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) used in medical research?

Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. In medical research, they are used to model diseases, test drugs, develop personalized therapies, and potentially create patient-specific tissues for transplantation, all while avoiding ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells.

20. What is xenotransplantation and how might biotechnology make it feasible?

Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, typically from animals to humans. Biotechnology might make it feasible by genetically modifying animals to reduce rejection risks, creating chimeric organs, or developing methods to "humanize" animal organs for transplantation.

21. What is synthetic biology and how might it impact medicine?

Synthetic biology involves designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, or redesigning existing natural biological systems. In medicine, it could lead to the creation of synthetic organs, engineered probiotics for targeted therapies, and novel biosensors for diagnostics.

22. What is pharmacogenetics and how does it differ from pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenetics focuses on how specific genes affect a person's response to drugs, while pharmacogenomics looks at how a person's entire genome influences drug response. Pharmacogenetics typically deals with individual genes, while pharmacogenomics takes a broader, genome-wide approach.

23. What is gene editing and how might it impact future medical treatments?

Gene editing is a technique that allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA sequences. Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have made gene editing more accessible and accurate. In the future, this could lead to treatments for genetic disorders, enhanced cancer therapies, and even the prevention of inherited diseases.

24. How has biotechnology improved vaccine development?

Biotechnology has improved vaccine development by enabling the creation of recombinant vaccines, DNA vaccines, and mRNA vaccines. These new approaches allow for faster production, increased safety, and the ability to target diseases that were previously difficult to vaccinate against.

25. How does bioinformatics contribute to medical biotechnology?

Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and data analysis to interpret biological data. In medical biotechnology, it helps in analyzing genetic sequences, predicting protein structures, designing drugs, and understanding disease mechanisms, ultimately accelerating research and drug discovery.

26. How are monoclonal antibodies used in medicine?

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that can bind to specific targets in the body. They are used in medicine for various purposes, including cancer treatment, autoimmune disease therapy, and diagnostic imaging. They can also be used to deliver drugs directly to specific cells or tissues.

27. What is recombinant DNA technology and how is it applied in medicine?

Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic sequences. In medicine, it is used to produce therapeutic proteins (like insulin), develop vaccines, create diagnostic tools, and engineer organisms for research purposes.

28. How are biomarkers used in medical biotechnology?

Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological states or conditions. In medical biotechnology, they are used for early disease detection, monitoring treatment effectiveness, predicting disease outcomes, and developing personalized treatment strategies. They can be genetic, molecular, or physiological in nature.

29. What are biosensors and how are they used in medical diagnostics?

Biosensors are devices that use biological components (like enzymes or antibodies) to detect specific molecules. In medical diagnostics, they are used for rapid, sensitive detection of diseases, monitoring of health conditions, and analysis of biological samples, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses.

30. How does tissue engineering contribute to regenerative medicine?

Tissue engineering involves creating functional tissues to repair or replace damaged ones. It combines cells, scaffolds, and growth factors to regenerate tissues and organs. This field contributes to regenerative medicine by offering potential treatments for organ failure, severe burns, and degenerative diseases.

31. What is nanomedicine and how does it relate to biotechnology?

Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology in healthcare. It relates to biotechnology by using nanoscale materials and devices for drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapy. This includes targeted drug delivery systems, nanoparticle-based imaging agents, and nanorobots for precise medical interventions.

32. How does proteomics contribute to medical research and drug discovery?

Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins. In medical research and drug discovery, it helps identify new drug targets, understand disease mechanisms at the protein level, develop biomarkers for diseases, and predict drug interactions and side effects.

33. What are organoids and how are they used in medical research?

Organoids are three-dimensional tissue cultures that mimic the structure and function of organs. In medical research, they are used to study organ development, model diseases, test drugs, and develop personalized treatments. They offer a more accurate representation of human biology compared to traditional cell cultures.

34. How does systems biology contribute to medical biotechnology?

Systems biology studies complex biological systems as a whole, rather than individual components. In medical biotechnology, it helps in understanding disease mechanisms, predicting drug interactions and side effects, and developing more effective treatment strategies by considering the entire biological context.

35. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of diagnostic tools?

Biotechnology contributes to diagnostic tools through techniques like PCR for detecting pathogens, DNA microarrays for genetic testing, biosensors for rapid diagnostics, and imaging technologies using bioengineered contrast agents. These tools enable faster, more accurate, and often less invasive diagnostic procedures.

36. What is gene drive technology and how might it be used in medicine?

Gene drive is a genetic engineering technique that increases the chance of a particular gene being inherited. In medicine, it could potentially be used to control disease-carrying insects (like mosquitoes that spread malaria), modify disease-causing microorganisms, or even correct genetic disorders in human populations.

37. What is optogenetics and how might it be used in medicine?

Optogenetics is a technique that uses light to control cells in living tissue, typically neurons, that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels. In medicine, it could potentially be used to treat neurological disorders, control pain, restore vision, or regulate heart rhythms.

38. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of cell-free protein synthesis systems?

Biotechnology enables the development of cell-free protein synthesis systems by providing the necessary components (enzymes, ribosomes, etc.) and optimizing reaction conditions. These systems allow for rapid production of proteins for research, diagnostics, and potentially for personalized medicine applications.

39. What is synthetic genomics and how might it impact medicine?

Synthetic genomics involves designing and constructing new genomes or substantially modifying existing ones. In medicine, it could lead to the creation of synthetic microorganisms for producing drugs or vaccines, developing new antibiotics, or engineering probiotics for targeted therapies.

40. What is metabolic engineering and how is it applied in medical biotechnology?

Metabolic engineering involves modifying metabolic pathways in organisms. In medical biotechnology, it's applied to enhance the production of therapeutic compounds, create new pathways for drug synthesis, develop probiotics with specific health benefits, and potentially treat metabolic disorders.

41. How does epigenetics relate to medical biotechnology?

Epigenetics studies heritable changes in gene expression that don't involve changes to the DNA sequence. In medical biotechnology, understanding epigenetic mechanisms can lead to new therapies for diseases like cancer, develop biomarkers for disease risk and progression, and potentially reverse harmful epigenetic changes.

42. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of biologics?

Biotechnology is crucial in developing biologics - medical products derived from living organisms. This includes producing recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and cell therapies. Biotechnology enables the large-scale production of these complex molecules and ensures their purity and consistency.

43. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of organ-on-a-chip technology?

Biotechnology contributes to organ-on-a-chip technology by providing methods to culture and maintain human cells, engineer microfluidic systems, and create biomimetic environments. These miniature models of human organs can be used for drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine applications.

44. What is gene silencing and how is it applied in medicine?

Gene silencing is the process of preventing gene expression. In medicine, it's applied through techniques like RNA interference (RNAi) to treat diseases caused by overactive genes, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders. It can also be used to study gene function and develop new therapies.

45. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of personalized cancer treatments?

Biotechnology contributes to personalized cancer treatments by enabling genetic profiling of tumors, developing targeted therapies based on specific genetic mutations, creating immunotherapies that harness the patient's immune system, and designing diagnostic tools for early detection and monitoring.

46. How does metabolomics contribute to personalized medicine?

Metabolomics, the study of small molecule metabolites in biological samples, contributes to personalized medicine by providing insights into an individual's metabolic state. This can help in diagnosing diseases, predicting drug responses, and tailoring nutritional and lifestyle interventions to individual patients.

47. What is theranostics and how does it combine diagnostics and therapy?

Theranostics is an approach that combines diagnostics and therapy. It involves using a single agent for both diagnosing and treating a disease. For example, a nanoparticle might be designed to both detect cancer cells and deliver a therapeutic payload, allowing for personalized and targeted treatment.

48. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of bioartificial organs?

Biotechnology contributes to bioartificial organs by combining artificial materials with biological components. This includes developing scaffolds for tissue growth, engineering cells to perform specific functions, and creating bioreactors for organ cultivation. These technologies aim to address organ shortages and rejection issues in transplantation.

49. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of cancer immunotherapies?

Biotechnology contributes to cancer immunotherapies by enabling the development of techniques like CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These approaches harness or enhance the body's immune system to fight cancer cells, offering new hope for difficult-to-treat cancers.

50. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of biosimilars?

Biotechnology is crucial in developing biosimilars - biological products highly similar to already approved biologics. It enables the creation of complex proteins and antibodies that closely mimic the original product. This involves precise genetic engineering, careful manufacturing processes, and extensive testing to ensure similarity and efficacy.

51. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of gene therapies for rare diseases?

Biotechnology enables gene therapies for rare diseases by providing tools to identify disease-causing genes, develop delivery methods for genetic material, and engineer therapeutic genes or gene-editing components. This offers hope for treating conditions that were previously considered untreatable.

52. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of RNA-based therapeutics?

Biotechnology enables the development of RNA-based therapeutics by providing tools for RNA synthesis, modification, and delivery. This includes creating siRNA for gene silencing, mRNA vaccines, and antisense oligonucleotides for treating genetic disorders, offering new approaches to previously untreatable conditions.

53. What is synthetic immunology and how might it impact future medical treatments?

Synthetic immunology involves engineering immune cells or creating synthetic immune components. It could impact future medical treatments by enabling the creation of more effective cancer immunotherapies, developing synthetic antibodies for treating diseases, or engineering immune cells to combat autoimmune disorders.

54. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of phage therapy?

Biotechnology contributes to phage therapy by enabling the identification, characterization, and modification of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). This includes techniques for phage isolation, genetic engineering of phages for enhanced efficacy, and developing delivery systems for phage-based treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

55. What is metabolite repair and how might it be applied in medicine?

Metabolite repair refers to correcting errors in cellular metabolism caused by enzyme deficiencies or toxic metabolites. In medicine, it could be applied to treat inborn errors of metabolism, develop therapies for metabolic disorders, or enhance cellular function in age-related diseases.

56. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of 3D bioprinting for medical applications?

Biotechnology contributes to 3D bioprinting by providing methods to culture and maintain cells, develop bioinks (printable materials containing living cells), and create scaffolds for tissue growth. This technology could potentially be used to create custom implants, tissue models for drug testing, or even entire organs for transplantation.

57. What is synthetic neurobiology and how might it impact treatments for neurological disorders?

Synthetic neurobiology involves engineering neural circuits or creating artificial neural components. It could impact treatments for neurological disorders by enabling the development of brain-computer interfaces, neural prosthetics, or engineered neural networks to replace damaged brain tissue.

58. How does biotechnology contribute to the development of liquid biopsy techniques?

Biotechnology enables liquid biopsy techniques by providing methods to detect and analyze circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and exosomes in blood samples. This includes developing sensitive detection methods, creating biomarkers for specific cancers, and engineering nanoparticles for capturing rare cells or molecules, potentially revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and monitoring.