Biotechnology and Biodiversity (Sustainable Development and Biodiversity, 4)

The purpose of this book is to assess the potential effects of biotechnological approaches particularly genetic modification on biodiversity and the environment. All aspects of biodiversity such as ecological diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity are considered. Higher organisms contain a specific set of linear DNA molecules called chromosomes and a complete set of chromosomes in an organism comprises its genome. The collection of traits displayed by any organism (phenotype) depends on the genes present in its genome (genotype). The appearance of any specific trait also will depend on many other factors, including whether the gene(s) responsible for the trait is/are turned on (expressed) or off, the specific cells within which the genes are expressed and how the genes, their expression and the gene products interact with environmental factors. The primary biotechnology which concerns us is that of genetic manipulation, which has a direct impact on biodiversity at the genetic level. By these manipulations, novel genes or gene fragments can be introduced into organisms (creating transgenics) or existing genes within an organism can be altered. Transgenics are a major area of concern, combining genes from different species to effectively create novel organisms. Current rates of disappearance of biological and cultural diversity in the world are unprecedented. Intensive resource exploitation due to social and economic factors has led to the destruction, conversion or degradation of ecosystems. Reversing these trends requires time to time assessment to integrate conservation and development.

This book provides complete, comprehensive and broad subject based reviews complete in it-self, useful for students, teachers, researchers and all others interested in the biodiversity conservation. The field of biotechnology has been kept broad to accommodate the wide ranging topics. How biotechnology can affect and solve the problems related to biodiversity management, protection and conservation are described.

Current rates of disappearance of biological and cultural diversity in the world are unprecedented. Intensive resource exploitation due to social and economic factors has led to the destruction, conversion or degradation of ecosystems. Reversing these trends requires time to time assessment to integrate conservation and development. Biotechnological tools, particularly the micropropagation technique has been helpful in developing protocols for multiplication of endangered and threatened species. Chapters are written by leading scientists in their field and include biotechnological approaches to threatened and endangered species, pteridophytes, conifers, non-conifer species of gymnosperms, tree species, impact of genetically modified crops, cryopreservation of diverse species, conservation of forest resources, and health and environment.

The book will be useful to botanists, biotechnologists, environmentalists, policy makers, conservationists and NGOs working for environment protection.