Next Generation DNA Sequencing

23.12.2024

Next Generation DNA Sequencing

Why in the news?                   

                  Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.

About Next Generation DNA Sequencing:

• It is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously.
• This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health.

○In wildlife conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying population genetic health with respect to genetic diversity, information on genetic barriers and their effect on populations, unique adaptations and species with unique evolutionary histories, understanding disease outbreaks, detecting illegal wildlife trade, and studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

• This cutting-edge NGS facility positions the Wildlife Institute of India as a leading centre for molecular and genetic research in wildlife conservation.

Key points about the Pashmina Certification Centre:

• It was established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
• It was set up to:

○To streamline the Pashmina Trade.

○To provide a one-stop testing facility to certify genuine Pashmina Products free from any prohibited fibres to the associated manufacturers, exporters, and traders.

○All the tested products will be labelled with a traceable unique id tag with individual e-certificates, enabling a seamless trade of such products in national and international markets.

• The upgraded Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification now includes a dedicated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which enhances the precision and reliability of wool testing and certification.
• The upgraded facility offers:

○Advanced Fiber Analysis: SEM-EDS technology to accurately identify and authenticate Pashmina fibers.

○Streamlined Certification: Unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.

○Global Trade Facilitation: Hassle-free movement of certified products, eliminating delays and financial losses due to fibre scrutiny at exit points.

                                                                          Source: PIB

Consider the following statements regarding the Next Generation DNA Sequencing:

1. It is a technology that enables the rapid decoding of entire genomes.

2. It helps in understanding disease outbreaks in wildlife and the effect of climate change on biodiversity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C