biotechnology

1. Biotechnology
is the use of biological systems,
such as microorganisms, whole
cells or their molecules, to solve
problems or to make useful
products.

2. Tools of Biotechnology
1. Bioprocessing technology
• Using whole living cells or components of
them to manufacture desired products.
• Most common whole cells used are yeast and
bacteria (one-celled organisms).
• Most common components are enzymes
(proteins that catalyze chemical reactions).
• Microbial fermentation
• Cells isolated from animals and plants also
are used to produce desired products.

3. 2. Genetic engineering
• The technique of removing, modifying or adding
genes to a DNA molecule to change the
information it contains.
• Is known more specifically as recombinant DNA
(rDNA) technology.
• The product of rDNA technology is known as a
genetically modified organism, or GMO.
• Example: Gene for human insulin inserted into
E.coli → bacteria that make human insulin (a
biopharmaceutical).
Tools of Biotechnology

4. Practical Applications of Biotechnology
1. Agricultural applications
• Better crops
• Improved animal health
2. Medical and health care applications
• New tests
• New vaccines
• New medicines
3. Chemical and environmental applications
• Better manufacturing processes
• Improved consumer products

5. 1a. Agricultural applications: improve crops
 Improve crop yields by introducing genes that
confer resistance to insects, tolerance
to herbicides and resistance to environmental
stresses (drought, heat, cold).
 Create disease- and insect-resistant trees to
help meet demand for wood products.
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

6. 1b. Agricultural applications:
improve animal health
 Better detection of disease
 More nutritious feed
 New and more effective vaccines
 Improved treatments for diseases
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

7. 2. Medical and health care
applications
 New diagnostic tests
Example: new generation of home pregnancy
and strep tests
 MANY new treatments for diseases and conditions
Examples: diabetes, stroke, anemia, cystic fibrosis, growth
deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, hepatitis, genital
warts, transplant rejection, leukemia and other cancers
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

8. 3. Chemical and environmental
applications (industrial biotechnology)
 Produce enzymes used in laundry detergents
 Use genetically modified microorganisms that
break down industrial waste
 Develop bio-based, biodegradable plastics
 Improve manufacturing that reduces the amount of waste products
Practical Applications of Biotechnology