Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
Ethical Issues: The manipulation of living organisms by the human race cannot go on any further without regulation. Some ethical standards are required to evaluate the morality of all human activities that might help or harm living organisms.
GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee): An Indian government organization that makes decisions regarding the validity of GM (Genetically Modified) research and the safety of introducing GM-organisms for public services.
Biopiracy: The term used to refer to the use of bio-resources by multinational companies and other organizations without proper authorization from the countries and people concerned without compensatory payment.
Traditional Knowledge: Knowledge developed by indigenous communities over centuries regarding the use of biological resources (e.g., medicinal plants). This knowledge can be exploited to develop modern applications and is often the target of biopiracy.
Basmati Rice Controversy: In , an American company got patent rights on Basmati rice through the US Patent and Trademark Office. This allowed the company to sell a 'new' variety of Basmati, which actually originated from Indian farmer's varieties.
Indian Patents Bill: The Indian Parliament has recently cleared the second amendment of the Indian Patents Bill, which takes such issues into consideration, including patent terms, emergency provisions, and research and development initiative.
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
Discuss the case of Basmati rice as an example of biopiracy and how the patent was claimed.
Solution:
In , a US company () was granted a patent for 'Basmati rice lines and grains'. This 'new' variety was actually created by crossing Indian Basmati with semi-dwarf varieties and claiming it as an invention or novelty.
Explanation:
Basmati rice is indigenous to South Asia. By patenting it, the US company could restrict others from selling it and claim royalties, despite the biological resource and traditional knowledge belonging to Indian and Pakistani farmers.
Problem 2:
Why is the role of GEAC crucial in the field of Biotechnology in India?
Solution:
The is responsible for: 1. Assessing the validity of research. 2. Testing the safety of introducing organisms for public use.
Explanation:
Because genetic modification can have unpredictable results when organisms are introduced into the ecosystem, a regulatory body is needed to ensure environmental and biological safety.
Problem 3:
Explain how the patenting of Neem () was challenged.
Solution:
A patent was granted to a US multinational for a method of controlling fungi on plants using a hydrophobic extract of Neem. It was challenged on the grounds that the fungicidal properties of Neem were part of traditional Indian knowledge.
Explanation:
Since the knowledge was not 'novel' and had been used in India for centuries, the patent was eventually revoked, highlighting the fight against biopiracy.