Question

Explain how a DNA vaccine differs from traditional vaccines. What are the advantages?

Describe the role of biotechnology in the production of antibiotics. What benefits are possible?

(In your own words)

Answer 1

Traditional vaccines stimulates humoral immunity. Humoral immunity is mediated by bone marrow derived lymphocyte cells called B-cells. The humoral immune response constitutes second line of defense mechanism. While on the other hand, DNA vaccines can stimulate cell mediated immunity which is accomplished by T-cells in association with other immune component cells.

The advantages of DNA vaccines are:

1. It induces long term immune response.

2. DNA vaccines are heat stable.

3. Large scale production of DNA vaccines is easy.

4. It can induce both cell-mediated and humoral immune response.

Role of biotechnology in production of antibiotics-

Biotechnology plays an important role in production of antibiotics. Biotechnology uses living organisms for synthesis of products. Antibiotics are produces by microorganisms. The process of fermentation is used to isolate antibiotics from microorganisms. Microbial cells can produce human growth hormone, nerve growth factor, insulin, interleukins etc. For example- fungi are also used to produce antibiotics for treating bacterial infections like penicillium which secretes penicillin.