Biosafety: Definition, Levels, and Regulations in Biotechnology

Importance of Biosafety Issues

Biosafety issues are important because they help in meeting the standards which are designed to protect human health and the environment from biological agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. This involves the basic understanding and implementation of biosafety measures while handling it. The significance of biosafety is discussed below:

• Biosafety is important for controlling the release and impact of genetically modified organisms or biological agents in the ecosystem.

• It also becomes important when the biosafety regulations ensure that there is some kind of change in the core sector of the environment.

• It also comes from the risk of accidental exposure or release of some hazardous material which involves risk to the environment.

• Due to the presence of biosafety, there is also a rise in biosecurity and biopiracy. It is important for national security and the prevention of biological threats.

Rules and Monitoring Body for Biosafety

The public should be aware of the laws, guidelines, and oversight organizations. The researcher who is fully knowledgeable about biosafety concerns and precautions should be entrusted with carrying out all of these tasks. The following is the protocol's primary goal:

1. Its goal is to guarantee the secure transfer of live modified organisms across borders.

2. It also serves this purpose by formulating and disseminating the concepts and procedures for risk assessment through the use of clearing houses and other biosafety measures.

Authorities that Regulate Biosafety Measures

There are numerous organizations that oversee biosafety measures, including the State Biotechnology Coordination Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

• The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI): According to the regulations of the Bill submitted in Parliament in 2013, the primary goal of this regulatory body is to govern the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio): The Ministry of Science and Technology established CTNBio. This authority's responsibilities include developing rules and specifications to facilitate biotechnology activity at various stages while guaranteeing biosafety.

Biosafety Levels

A set of biocontainment safeguards known as biosafety levels are intended to safeguard lab workers as well as the community and the environment. They are ranked according to the species being studied in labs. Following are the biosafety levels described in detail:

GMO Ethical Issues

The three moral problems with GMOs that endanger both human life and the environment are listed below.

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can have unpredictable and detrimental effects when they are introduced into the natural ecosystem.

• Here, the GMO patent right claim is another problem that has obscured the fundamental goal of GMOs, which was to satisfy dietary and medicinal requirements.

• Traditional bioresource knowledge is something that developing and poor nations have, while developed nations use the same resources.

Biosafety in NEET, CBSE & Paramedical Exams

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biosafety Issues are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Biosafety NEET MCQs

Q1. Prevention of large scale loss of biological integrity termed as

1. Biopiracy

2. Biowar

3. Biosafety

4. Biopatent

Correct answer: 3) Biosafety

Explanation:

Biosafety refers to the practice of preventing large-scale loss of biological integrity, particularly by avoiding risks to human health, safety, and the environment. This is especially crucial in the context of the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and infectious agents in research and commercial activities. Biosafety measures aim to minimize potential hazards, such as unintended harm from GMOs or the spread of infectious diseases, by ensuring proper containment, regulation, and monitoring. The goal is to protect both humans and ecosystems from adverse effects resulting from the release or mishandling of potentially hazardous biological materials.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Biosafety.

Q2. How Genetic modification of plants has improved agriculture?

1. Crops became more tolerant to abiotic stresses, such as cold, drought, salt, heat, etc.

2. Dependence on chemical pesticides reduced, i.e. pest-resistant crops.

3. The nutritional value of food is enhanced, e.g. vitamin-A enriched rice.

4. All of above

Correct answer: 4) All of above

Explanation:

Crops that have been genetically modified are proven to be effective complements to those grown using traditional techniques for supplying the world's desire for high-quality foods.

Genetically modified crops can be used to improve yields and nutritional quality as well as their tolerance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses.

There have been some biosafety and health concerns raised about GM crops, but there is no reason to be hesitant about consuming products that have undergone thoughtful development and thorough testing.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of the above.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Ethical Issues and Biopiracy

• Cloning Vector

• Biodiesel

FAQs on Biosafety

Define Biosafety.

Biosafety is a set of rules or guidelines that are designed to prevent accidents from harmful biological hazards like viruses, bacteria, or toxins from plants and animals. These rules ensure that there is proper handling and disposal of the hazardous substances. It makes sure to protect the laboratory technicians as well as the environment from the harmful effects of these harmful biological waste.

Why is biosafety important in biotechnology?

Biosafety is very important in biotechnology as it prevents the spread of harmful pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It reduces the harmful impact on the environment that can be caused by these pathogens. Additionally, it ensures safe experimentation and maintain public trust in biotechnology reseacrh.

What are biosafety levels?

Biosafety levels (BSL) are a set of safeguard levels given to laboratories according to the types of biological agent used. They start from BSL-1 which is at the lowest risk to BSL-4 which is at the highest risk. Each level has its own rules, equipment, and practices that need to be followed. This ensures proper handling of microorganisms and protects the lab workers from accidents.

What are some ethical issues related to GMOs and biosafety?

Some of the common ethical issues related to GMOs and biosafety are concerns about the health effects of consuming GMOs, contamination with the pure breed of species, and potential loss of biodiversity. There are also debates about labeling GMO products and balance between scientific advancements and safety of the environment.