Principles of Biotechnology Objective 7 11 Biotechnology defined

Principles of Biotechnology Objective 7. 11

Biotechnology defined n n Biotechnology- “Any technique that uses living organisms (or parts of organisms) to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific use. ” Or – all the technology connected with plant and animal life.

Biotechnology Areas n n Environmental Applications Agriculture and Biotechnology Bioprocessing Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology n n n Biological Controls Biosensors Biotreatment Biorestoration Phytoremediation n These are all means of using biotechnology to clean or protect the environment.

Biotreatment n Biotreatment - is the processing of waste or hazardous substance using living organisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoa.

Phytoremediation n n The word's etymology comes from the Greek φυτο (phyto) = plant, and Latin « remedium » = restoring balance, or remediation. Phytoremediation describes the treatment of environmental problems (bioremediation) through the use of plants

Environment Applications n Bioremediation – is using organisms in processes that help to clean polluted environments. n n Ex) Clean up of oil spills. Both the genetic alteration and the organism’s use on pollution are forms of biotechnology.

Examples of Environmental Applications of Bio-technology n Biosensor – may be deployed to detect changes in the health of the environment.

Agriculture and Biotechnology n n Genetically altered crops and animals are among the most significant applications of biotechnology. A farmer may use less herbicide (kills unwanted plants) if he or she grows weed resistant crops and uses organisms that eat weeds but leave crops untouched.

Bioprocessing n n n Biological organisms are also important in the production of products in industry. Bacteria are especially useful in purification and separation processes. Ex) Brewing Beer,

Genetic Engineering n n n Genetic engineering is based on the manipulation of genes. Genes hold the blueprint for how every living thing grows, looks, and behaves. Genes are made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Genetic Engineering n n For Example, a bacterium is resistant to a certain kind of mold. Another bacterium may actually produce a toxin that attacks mold. With genetic engineering a bacterium could be developed that would actually attack mold effectively.