The science for this century

Introduction to Biotechnology

BiotechnologyBiotechnology

Biotechnology

Biotechnology — collection of technologies that capitalize on the attributes of cells and put biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, to work for us.

Bio— the use of biological processes; and

Technology— to solve problems or make useful

products

What is Biotechnology?The term “biotechnology” refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment.The term “biotechnology” was coined in 1919 by Karl Ereky, an Hungarian engineer.

• Techniques that allow DNA to be manipulated, i.e. to move genes from one organism to another. 

• It involves relatively new technologies whose consequences are untested and should be met with caution. for e.g. stem cells, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms. 

'Biotechnology' is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit.

For example, in industry, medicine and agriculture, biotechnology is used to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.

Researchers can take a single gene from a plant or animal cell and insert it into another plant or animal cell of a different species (this is called transgenic technology).

Modern biotechnology also includes altering the genes within an organism to control the expression of a particular protein.

What is new about biotechnology today?

We should study following:

1. Biomolecules and energy2. cell structure and cell division3. Information methods of a cell4. Genetics5. Immunology6. Immunotherapy and other bioengineering applications7. Recombinant techniques8. proteomics9. etc

Application of Biotechnology

1.Medical application2. Agricultural application3. Industrial and environmental application

Application of BiotechnologyMedical application;

Recombinant DNA (rDNA): most successful technology. rDNA technology allows genes coding for human proteins to be inserted into bacterial cells, yeast and mammalian cells. The recipient cells can then be induced to produce the desired protein. First human recombinant protein was human insulin.

Vaccines: rDNA proteins can be used to prepare vaccines. Traditional vaccines require either dead pathogen or a formthat is weak. The proteins produced by rDNA are designedto prime the immune system against the pathogen atissue without using any part of the pathogen itself.

rDNA derived therapeutics:

• alpha interferon- chronic hepatitis C

• Bone morphogenic protein- induce bone healing

• Calcitonin- promotes calcium retention in bones

• EGF- promotes healing of skin lesions

• Erythropoietin- induce RBC production

• Factor VII, VIII- promotes blood clotting

• Hepatitis B vaccine- immunity against hepatitis B

• Insulin- therapy for diabetes

• Insulin-like Growth Factor-1- induces growth

• interleukin-2- stimulate immune system

• mAb- targets specific protein structure. Used the diagnosis, treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease etc.

• Relaxin- induce muscle relaxation during childbirth

• superoxide dismutase- work as anti-oxidant

• Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)- attacks tumor cells.

rDNA derived therapeutics: contd.

Agricultural application:

• GM (genetically modified) crops. • Insect resistance• Pathogen resistance• Nutritional enhancement• control of seeds• Bioengineering of livestock• salt tolerance crops• Tissue culture

Industrial and environmental application:

• Use of bioreagents in industry (textile, food, pharmaceuticals)• Finding suitable bioreagents• Modifying enzyme• Bioreactor• hazardous waste management• air emissions

www.biotechinstitute.orgwww.biotechno.netfirms.com

Further reading:

Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry (Text Book)Voet & Voet: Biochemistry (Text book)

www.gene.com