BIOBANK:
ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: Remember
Jurassic Park — in a first in the country Darjeeling Zoo gets ‘bio bank’ to
collect DNA materials
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The biobank at Darjeeling Zoo, in
collaboration with CCMB under the Ministry of Science and Technology, preserves
DNA and cell samples from endangered species, aiding in research and potential
revival of extinct or nearly extinct species using cryogenic technology.
Biobank
Establishment and Collaboration
- Initiative Details: Established in July 2024 by
Darjeeling Zoo in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology (CCMB).
- Purpose: To collect and preserve cellular, tissue, and
reproductive samples of endangered animals for long-term research and
conservation efforts.
Sample
Collection and Preservation
- Types of Samples: Includes cell and tissue
samples from live endangered animals and gametes from deceased ones.
- Preservation Technique: Samples are stored at -196
degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen, ensuring their viability for 40 to
45 years through cryopreservation.
Applications
of Collected Samples
- Research and Development: Facilitates studies on
genetic mutations and the impacts of climate change on these organisms.
- Conservation Efforts: Critical for the potential
revival of critically endangered or extinct species through advanced
reproductive technologies.
Cryogenics
and Its Applications
- Definition and Importance: Cryogenics involves studying
and utilizing materials at extremely low temperatures (below -150 degrees
Celsius).
- Applications in Various Fields:
- Cryosurgery: Uses extreme cold to destroy
abnormal tissue, including cancer cells.
- Cryopreservation: Applies to the freezing of
biological samples for various purposes including fertility treatments
and vaccine storage.
- Cryonics: Experimental preservation of humans and animals
aiming for future revival.
- Cryoelectronics and Cryoengines: Studying electronic
properties at low temperatures and developing rocket engines using
cryogenic fuels.
Biobanks
in India
- Scope and Regulation: As of 2024, India hosts 19
registered biobanks containing a wide array of biological specimens,
including those crucial for cancer research.
- Need for Regulation: Highlights the necessity for
comprehensive national standards and regulations to manage biobanking
practices ethically and efficiently.
Padmaja
Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Overview
- Location and Significance: Situated in Darjeeling, West
Bengal, it is the largest high-altitude zoo in India.
- Specialization: Focuses on breeding animals
adapted to alpine conditions with successful programs for species like the
snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and red panda.
- Diverse Fauna: The zoo houses a variety of
endangered species, making it a critical center for conservation and
study.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/in-a-first-darjeeling-zoo-gets-biobank-to-collect-cell-tissue-samples-9838337/