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.
Table of Content
Section A. Genetically Modified Plants and Biodiversity .- 1. Transgenic Crops to preserve Biodiversity; C. Emani.- 2. Genetically modified Crops in Africa; G.D. Arthur, K.S. Yobo.- 3. Agriculture and Environmental Impacts of Glyphosate-tolerant Soybean Cultivation in Romania; E.M. Badea, P.I. Otiman.- 4. The Effects of Transgenic Crops on Non-target Organisms; C. Emani.- 5. Agricultural Biotechnology for Health and the Environment; S.O. Hansson.- 6. Next Generation Plant Biotechnology; M.R. Ahuja.- Section B. Biotechnology and Conservation of Biodiversity .- 7. Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources; M. Šijačić-Nikolić at al.- 8. Advances in Cryogenic Techniques for the Long-Term Preservation of Plant Biodiversity; M.T. Gonzalez-Arnao et al.- 9. Biotechnology in Biodiversity Conservation: Overview of its Application on Conservation of Endangered African Tree Species; T.D. Houehanou et al.- 10. Biotechnology for Endangered Plant Conservation; A. Manole-Aifitimie.- 11. Biotechnological approaches to medicinal plants of Aravalli Hills: conservation and scientific validation of biological activities; S. Goyal et al.- 12. Biotechnological approaches towards micropropagation and conservation of Cycads and Ephedrales; M. Dhiman, I. Rautela.- 13. Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria through Biotechnology Approaches; J.U. Ogbu.- 14. Biotechnology Tools for Conservation of the Biodiversity of European and Mediterranean Abies species; J. Krajňáková et al.- 15. Conservation of Global Wheat Biodiversity: Factors, Concerns and Approaches; M. Asif et al.
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