Chapter 1 The Biotechnology Century and Its Workforce

Define Biotechnology The use of living organisms and biological molecules to solve problems or make useful products.

History of Biotechnology z Fermentation

History of Biotechnology z Selective breeding

History of Biotechnology z Mendel’s work in genetics

History of Biotechnology z Vaccinations

History of Biotechnology z Pharmaceuticals

History of Biotechnology z Genetic engineering

Relating Biotechnology to Current World Issues Biotechnology is used in: z z z z Agriculture – reducing the use of harmful pesticides Bioremediation – cleaning up the environment Food Processing – genetically modified food Textile industry– enzymes replacing harmful chemicals Forensics – criminal investigations Archeology – determine ancestry of mummies and fossils Medicine – cheaper medicines and diagnostic tests

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Biotechnology: A Science of Many Disciplines Basic sciences form the roots for biotech

Distribution of US Biotech Companies

Jobs in Biotechnology

Organization of a Biotech Company

Organization of a Biotech Company z Research and Development • Organizational unit in a company that finds ideas for products • Directly involved in designing and running experiments to see if the ideas are feasible • Responsible for developing promising ideas into marketable products

Organization of a Biotech Company z Production/Manufacturing • Manufactures products that have been given to them by R&D • Often involves scale-up of protocols • Routine cleaning, calibration and maintenance of equipment

Organization of a Biotech Company z Quality Assurance/Quality Control • Monitors and checks final products for quality before they are sent to the consumer • Compares data to established standards • Maintains documentation

Organization of a Biotech Company z Support Departments • Filling and packaging bulk products in individual containers for customer use • Metrology ensures instruments are operating properly • Facilities technicians maintain critical day to day functions such as housekeeping and repairs

Organization of a Biotech Company z Business Services • • • Marketing and sale of the product Accounting department manages financial reports Customer service interacts with customers to address questions and complaints

Organization of a Biotech Company z Regulatory Affairs • Many products are regulated by government agencies and a regulatory affairs staff is needed to interpret the rules and ensure compliance with these three federal agencies 1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – regulates the safety of genetically modified food and pharmaceutical products 2. U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – regulates the purity and quality of meat, poultry and eggs and monitors safety of genetically modified food and plants 3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – regulates environmental release of genetically modified organisms

Organization of a Biotech Company Virtual Tour of a Biotech Company