The Phenomena of Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Technology What is it?

Using laws of nature to create devices we use Then: trial and error Now: study why things behave in a particular manner

Most advanced computer/network applications = simple compared to: Body of a mammal Functions of all the systems of a corn plant

Unlocking the Secrets of Living Organisms Scientists just now unlocking secrets of nature

New breakthroughs very complicated and intricate Why the difference?

Mechanical and electronic technology Biological technology

Answer: Mechanical and electronic: applying principles and

laws already understood Biological: begin with complicated operational

systems

Biotechnology - Defined

With a partner…

Come up with a definition.

Write it on the board.

Defining Biotechnology How would you define it?

Many ways! Simplest: manipulation of living organisms to

make products useful to humans Modifying cell activities Genetically manipulating organisms to alter their

behavior, characteristics, or value Most potential, most controversial

Development Slow – why?

Using living organisms that grow and reproduce Care and welfare of animals Manipulation of cells must be done carefully with

many safeguards Public hesitance

Need for Biotechnology World population: 6.7 billion

India: over 1 billion 2040 projection: 10 billion

Lesser-developed countries Contribute most to population increase Already inadequate food supplies

Present rate of food production + advancement trends Running out of food still a danger!

Genetic Improvement Existing technology can

engineer plants and animals to produce more efficiently Change genetic makeup

Better growth Higher yields Shorter generations Improve nutrition

Current Uses of Biotechnology

Can you name some??

Current Uses of Biotechnology Plant Biotechnology

Cloning Transgenic crops

Resist insects Resist certain types of herbicides Increased nutrition

Custom-design plants to increase production and nutrition

Current Uses of Biotechnology Animal Science

Making cheese from milk using animal enzymes & bacteria

Artificial insemination Embryo transfer Cloning

Current Uses of Biotechnology Medicine

Insulin Insulin-producing genes are spliced into bacteria that

are reproduced for extraction of the insulin Gene therapy

Treats and cures genetic disorders and illnesses once considered untreatable

Vaccine-containing plants Genetic mapping

Helps determine if a person has inherited a genetically transmitted disorder (cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, etc.)

Current Uses of Biotechnology Environment

Plants developed to indicate pollutants Bioremediation

Examples: Certain microorganisms feed on toxins in

polluted soil Digest toxins and convert to harmless

substances (i.e. carbon dioxide) Certain plants can absorb pollutants from

soil or water