What is Biotechnology? How Long have humans used Biotechnology?

Historical Context

The Human Genome Project Determining the human DNA sequence Understanding the function of the human genetic code Identifying all of the genes Determining their functions Understanding how and when genes are turned on and off throughout the lifetime of an individual Rough Draft-2000 Declared complete-2003 Complete sequence of last chromosome- 2006

The absolute definition is “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organism, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use” (The United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity in 1992) This would include selective breeding of plants and animals, making of yogurt, bread, wine and beer.

Modern biotechnology is defined as the application of techniques “that overcome natural physiological reproductive or recombination barriers and that are not techniques used in traditional breeding and selection” (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biologyical Diversity 2003) What does this mean? “In vitro nucleic acid techniques, such as recombinant DNA, direct introduction of nucleic acid into cells or organelles, or the fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family”

What is basic research? Directed at improving fundamental knowledge of biological systems, disease processes, and potential points of therapeutic intervention Generally does not directly produce drugs; it lays the foundation upon which drugs are developed and produced Eg. Genomics, proteomics, molecular physiology What is applied research ? Utilizes knowledge from basic research to identify and develop therapeutic agents or other products Required to enable further development Biotechnology is a marriage of knowledge from basic research and applied research

Universities and Government Labs - conduct “pure science” or basic research, nonprofit Biotechnology Companies – use applied research to produce and sell commercial “for- profit” products

Genetically modified organisms – organisms that contain DNA from another organism and produce new proteins encoded on the acquired DNA Gene Engineered Plant. Scientists have learned how to transfer genes from one species to another. The organism that gets the new genes will then have the potential to express the new traits coded in the newly acquired genes. Is this an example of basic or applied research?

Producing Genetically Engineered t-PA. Humans make only a small amount of human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) naturally. By genetically modifying Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, scientists can make large amounts of t- PA for therapeutic purposes, such as to clear blood vessels in the event of a heart attack or stroke. Is this basic or applied research?

Biotechnology Products: Examples:  Human Insulin  Human Growth Hormone  Vitravene  AntiTNF monoclonal antibodies  Stone washed jeans  Cold water laundry detergents  etc.

Domains of Biotechnology. The major domains of biotechnology include 1) industrial and environmental; 2) medical/pharmaceutical; 3) agricultural; and 4) diagnostic/research Growth in the Biotechnology Industry

Looking Ahead  Science and Business of Biotechnology  Basic Biology and Chemistry Concepts  Recombinant Protein Product  Applications of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals  Recent Advances in Biotechnology

Vocabulary Insulin – a protein that facilitates the uptake of sugar into cells from the blood DNA – abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, a double- stranded helical molecule that stores genetic information for the production of all of an organism’s proteins Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology – cutting and recombining DNA molecules Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – a technique that involves copying short pieces of DNA and then making millions of copies in a short time Cloning – a method of asexual reproduction that produces identical organisms Fermentation – a process by which, in an oxygen-deprived environment, a cell converts sugar into lactic acid or ethanol to create energy

Vocabulary Diabetes – a disorder affecting the uptake of sugar by cells, due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective use of insulin Proteases – proteins whose function is to break down other proteins Antibodies – proteins developed by the immune system that recognize specific molecules (antigens) Pharmaceutical – relating to drugs developed for medical use Research and development (R&D) –the early stages in product development that include discovery of the structure and function of a potential product and initial small-scale production Basic research – scientific research whose main purpose is to enrich the scientific knowledge base

Virus – a particle containing a protein coat and genetic materials (either DNA or RNA) that is not living and requires a host to replicate Applied research – the practice of utilizing scientific knowledge for practical purposes, including the manufacture of a product NIH – abbreviation for National Institutes of Health; the federal agency that funds and conducts biomedical research CDC – abbreviation for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the national research center for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities to improve public health DNA fingerprinting – an experimental technique that is commonly used to identify individuals by distinguishing their unique DNA code Vocabulary