Question

Explain the role of biotechnology in the food industry with examples.

Answer 1

Hint: Biotechnology is a technique of using living organisms and their products for various applications. Biotechnology is the combination of biology with technology. Biotechnology is an age-old technology which has been in use since ancient times. However, the term biotechnology was first coined in 1919 by Karl Erkey, an engineer from Hungary.

Complete answer:
• Biotechnology is widely used in food industries to produce different food products such as genetically modified food, to enhance the taste, to enhance the yield, to increase the shelf life and to improve the nutritive value.

• Example 1: Food industries use various enzymes that are generated with the help of biotechnology. Enzymes produced by biotechnology are used in food production and food processing. These enzymes are produced by using genetically modified organisms. Some of the genetically modified enzymes and their role in food industry is as follows:
- Catalase enzymes are used to produce a thick sauce called mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is commonly used in sandwiches as dressing.
- Chymosin is used in cheese making.
- $\alpha$ amylase is used for baking purposes.
- Protease is used to make meat tender in a process known as meat tenderization process. It is also for other purposes like in baking and making of dairy products.

• Example 2: Biotechnology can be used to increase the shelf life of food products. Many juicy fruits such as tomatoes have a short shelf life. For transportation purposes, tomatoes are picked before ripening and they are later ripened using ethylene. However, temperature changes influence the ripening process. High temperatures can lead to early ripening while low temperatures can lower the taste. Biotechnology solved this problem through the production of genetically engineered/modified tomatoes. Genetically modified tomatoes have a longer shelf life and hence they can be transported easily.

Note: Biotechnology is used in different disciplines to produce various products. It is used in medical science, pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, energy production, waste treatment, and bioremediation. Despite its many advantages, biotechnology also has some disadvantages. For example – genetically improved foods and crops carry risk of causing health problems like food allergies. Biotechnology can also affect the environment and biodiversity.