Biopiracy and Intellectual Property Rights

The video tutorial covers the ethical issues in biotechnology, focusing on genetic modification, patency problems, and biopiracy. It discusses the unpredictable results of genetic modification and the role of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GIAC) in approving GM research. The tutorial also highlights issues with patents on genetic materials and indigenous resources, using examples like Basmati rice and turmeric. Biopiracy is explained as the unauthorized use of bio resources and traditional knowledge, emphasizing the need for laws to prevent exploitation. The session concludes the chapter on biotechnology applications.

What is a potential risk when GMOs are introduced into ecosystems?

• They always improve biodiversity.

• They can cause unpredictable results.

• They are always beneficial to the environment.

• They have no impact on ecosystems.

Which committee must approve GM research in India?

• Biotechnology Regulatory Authority

• National GMO Safety Board

• Genetic Engineering Approval Committee

• Indian Biotechnology Committee

What issue arises when companies patent genetic materials traditionally used by indigenous people?

• It leads to increased biodiversity.

• It ensures fair compensation to indigenous people.

• It has no impact on traditional practices.

• It can make it difficult for indigenous people to use their traditional resources.

Which product did India successfully reclaim patent rights for?

• Sugarcane

• Turmeric

• Wheat

• Basmati Rice

What is a key feature of Basmati rice that was patented?

• Its resistance to pests

• Its unique aroma and flavor

• Its high yield

• Its short growth cycle

What is biopiracy?

• A type of genetic modification

• Unauthorized use of bioresources and knowledge

• A method to increase biodiversity

• The legal use of bioresources

Why is it important to develop laws against biopiracy?

• To promote the free use of all resources

• To prevent unauthorized exploitation of bioresources and traditional knowledge

• To encourage multinational companies to invest more

• To reduce biodiversity

How does biopiracy affect developing countries?

• It enhances their traditional knowledge.

• It leads to unauthorized exploitation of their resources.

• It has no impact on them.

• It provides them with new technologies.

What does the Indian patent bill aim to protect?

• Only new inventions

• Only pharmaceutical products

• Traditional knowledge and bioresources

• Foreign patents

What is the significance of the Indian Parliament's Second Amendment of the patent bill?

• It restricts all genetic research.

• It includes provisions for patent terms and emergency measures.

• It only applies to foreign companies.

• It allows free use of all bioresources.