Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Gene Bank A gene bank, also known as a genetic bank, is a storage facility whose purpose is to collect, store and preserve genetic samples from various species of plants, animals or microorganisms. The goal is to maintain the genetic diversity that exists in nature and provide genetic resources that are important for scientific research, conservation and development of genetically superior varieties of plants or animals. Gene banks can store many types of genetic samples, including seeds, plant tissue, embryos, cells, or DNA. These samples are taken from a variety of sources, including wild populations, developed genetic collections, or plant or animal varieties that have desirable superior traits. Gene banks have several main purposes, including: 1. Conservation of genetic diversity: Maintaining the genetic diversity of plants, animals, and microbes to ensure that important genetic resources are not lost and can be accessed for future use. 2. Development of superior varieties: Providing genetic resources that are important for the development of new genetically superior varieties of plants or animals, either to increase agricultural productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, or adaptation to environmental changes. 3. Scientific research : Provides resources for scientific research in a variety of fields, including biology, agriculture, conservation, and medicine. Genetic samples stored in gene banks can be used to study genetic interactions, understand the evolution of species, or develop genetic therapies for human diseases. 4. Endangered species conservation: Storing and preserving genetic samples from endangered species to maintain their existence and genetic diversity as reserves for the future. 5. Public education and awareness : Educate the public about the importance of genetic diversity and species conservation and promote the use of gene banks as a valuable tool in preserving biodiversity on Earth. By providing access to valuable genetic resources, gene banks play an important role in advancing science, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting conservation and sustainable development efforts. Here are some examples of gene banks operating around the world: 1. Global Seed Vault (Svalbard Seed Vault): Located on the Svalbard Islands, Norway, this seed bank is the most famous gene bank and has an important role in storing seed samples from various important food crops from around the world. The aim is to provide safe seed reserves for the future in the face of threats to crop genetic diversity. 2. The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership : Founded by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in the UK, this is the largest seed bank project in the world. Its main purpose is to store seed samples from wild and important endangered plants around the world for conservation and research. 3. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): IRRI has a gene bank that stores important genetic collections from various rice varieties for the development of new varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases and climate change. This plays an important role in increasing the productivity and resilience of rice, which is an important food source for a large part of the world's population. 4. The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP): Based in the United States, NAGP is a genetic bank that stores genetic samples from various types of livestock for conservation and breeding purposes. It provides important genetic resources to breeders for the development of genetically superior varieties. 5. The Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) : Located in Sweden, NordGen is a gene bank focused on conserving the genetic diversity of plants, animals and microorganisms in the Nordic countries. It stores seed, tissue, and DNA samples from a variety of plants and animals, and facilitates access and exchange of genetic resources among researchers and breeders. These are just a few examples of gene banks operating around the world. Each gene bank has a different focus depending on the type of genetic resources they store and their specific goals in genetic conservation and development. In conclusion, gene banks are important storage facilities in maintaining the genetic diversity of plants, animals and microorganisms throughout the world. By storing genetic samples from various species, gene banks help in the conservation of valuable genetic resources, provide resources for scientific research and development of superior varieties, and support efforts to maintain environmental sustainability and global food security. Through the collection and maintenance of genetic samples, gene banks play a role in maintaining the genetic diversity that exists in nature, which is an important asset for life on Earth. They also provide important access for researchers and breeders to use these genetic resources in scientific research, the development of superior plant or animal varieties, and conservation efforts for endangered species. Thus, gene banks have a very important role in advancing science, increasing food security, and maintaining environmental sustainability. Efforts to maintain and utilize the genetic diversity that exists on Earth must continue to be supported and enhanced through investment in gene banks and ongoing conservation efforts.