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February 2024
Researcher: Aditi Gaur
Editor: Ramisha Irfan
How Can Genetic Engineering Improve Deep-sea Organisms for Survival and Adaptation?
Through stem cell research, genetic engineering has the potential to help deep-sea organisms survive and adapt. Stem cells could be cloned and sub-pooled for genetic experimentation to test different traits in a single coral. It would enable scientists to establish which characteristics to favour for survival and adaptation in the deep sea environment. Furthermore, industrial-scale production of coral larvae could use stem cells from newly created breeds. Such an approach would allow scaling up efforts to restore large sections of coral reefs destroyed by environmental factors like climate change and ocean acidification. The production of genetically engineered coral larvae with traits that enhance their survival in harsh conditions could help rebuild reef ecosystems and increase the resilience of deep-sea organisms. These developments in genetic engineering could have a significant impact on the preservation of deep-sea biodiversity, as well as fostering sustainable marine resource management.
What are the Potential Biotechnological Applications of Genetically Modified Deep-sea Organisms?
The possible biotechnological uses for genetically modified deep-sea organisms are numerous and varied. Deep sea thermophiles, halophiles, and psychrophiles can produce new thermostable, pH-stable, cold-active enzymes with notable industrial importance. For instance, some of these enzymes, Thermolysin (Deep Sea thermophilic protease) and Pre-Taq Protease are used in generating dipeptides or cleaning up DNA before PCR amplification. Bacillus sp. JM7 Keratinase Ker02562, isolated from the deep sea, is vital in detergents as it is stable at high temperatures and alkaline conditions. The lipolytic nature of Halophilic enzymes from the deep sea offers opportunities for production of biodiesel, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and food. Halophilic amylases from deep-sea bacteria can be utilised in treating wastewater with high salt concentrations and starch residues. Again, novel β-agarases that are thermostable, pH stable, and endolytic on agar degradation for potential biotechnological applications in food have been produced by deep-sea organisms. Cold active cellulose-degrading enzymes like glucosidases.
How Do Genetics Enhance Understanding of Deep-sea Ecosystems and Biodiversity?
A prime contribution of genetic engineering to the comprehension of deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity is its use in biotechnology. Genomic advances have introduced possibilities for conservation frameworks that promote sustainable ocean ecosystems, and genomics could be an innovative strategy to supplement and underpin ocean conservation. We can deploy genomic tools as part of strategies to conserve biodiversity, fight diseases, or offer synthetic substitutes. While its application in wild ecosystems is still low, there are prospects that it might enhance our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity. For example, genetic engineering could bring about new ways of addressing threats to ocean health. One way this could be used is by creating organisms capable of breaking down pollutants in the sea or organisms that can adapt to changes of environment. These genetically modified organisms would provide valuable information on how deep-sea ecosystems operate, and suggestions on how they should be protected. Thus if we continue to unfold all its aspects, genetic engineering may significantly redefine our grasp on deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.
References
Novak, B. J., Fraser, D., & Maloney, T. H. (2020). Transforming Ocean Conservation: Applying the genetic Rescue Toolkit. Genes, 11(2), 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11020209
Jin, M., Gai, Y., Guo, X., Hou, Y., & Zeng, R. (2019). Properties and Applications of Extremozymes from Deep-Sea Extremophilic Microorganisms: A Mini Review. Marine Drugs, 17(12), 656.
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