Transcript The Raw Materials of Biotechnology

Introduction to
Biotechnology
Beginning Biotech
Part one
What is Biotechnology?
bio = life
technos = tools
ology = study of
The study of living organisms and
their parts for use as tools.
What is Biotechnology?
•Biotechnology is the study and
manipulation of living things or their
component molecules, cells,
tissues, or organs.
NOTE: it’s not just DNA and it’s been around a
really, really long time!
Biotechnology—FOOD
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yogurt
cheese
bread
wine
beer
Biotechnology—FOOD
CHEESE!!!
Living organism/part?
enzyme from calf
stomachs
What IS an enzyme?
A type of protein that
enables or speeds up a
chemical reaction
It’s not just for headwear anymore!!!
Biotechnology—FOOD
YOGURT!!
Living organism/part?
bacteria
Process?
Cellular respiration
Product?
Lactic acid
Biotechnology—FOOD
BREAD, BEER, WINE!!
Living organism/part?
yeast
Process?
Cellular respiration
Product?
Alcohol & CO2
Traditional Agriculture
• ALL of today’s crops, livestock,
and pets came from wild
ancestors that were selectively
bred for particular traits
Modern Agriculture
Using selected genes from a wide variety
of organisms, crops and livestock can be
genetically modified for
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Golden rice
Increased yield
Increased nutrition
Decreased use of fertilizers and pesticides
Increased disease/pest resistance
Papaya infected with ringspot fungus (left),
virus-resistant (right)
Genetic Testing
Determine your DNA
sequence to predict
genetic traits you
might possess or pass
to your children.
Gene Therapy
• Changing your
genes to eliminate
a genetic disorder
Pharmacogenomics
• Prescribing
medication based
on your DNA
sequence
(personalized
medicine)
Drug Production and Discovery
• Genetically-engineered
bacteria produce human
insulin
• Enzyme produced to treat
the symptoms of cystic
fibrosis
Bioremediation
• Using living organisms
to remove toxins
from soil, to clean up
oil spills, etc.
Biofuels
• Using living
organisms to
produce ethanol,
hydrogen, etc. for
use as fuels
Feedstocks
• Using living organisms
instead of petroleum to
create plastics and other
chemicals
= bio-derived chemicals