Biotechnology Chapter 2

Definition Biotechnology is defined as “The manipulation of biological organisms to make products benefiting human beings” (p. 19). Agricultural and Animal Cross-breeding for trait selection With the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in the 50’s, biotechnology has extended into the areas such as: Gene transfer through direct manipulation Human stem cell research Cloning Fusing of different types of cells to product medical products

Biotechnology Using biological agents in processes to produce goods or services

Biotechnology really the history of

Babylonians grew yeasts to produce beer….over 8000 years ago

All about the yeast Altering any part of this process is biotech

All about the yeast Yeast fermentation = ethanol + a little biotech = glycerol + tweaking fermentation = Beer and bread Explosives during WWII Antibiotics

Biotechnology in Agriculture Problem?  Pests and weeds Solution! Use viruses and bacteria to splice-in genes from resistant species e.g., bacterial gene produces a protein toxic to corn borers

Ears?! Huh? Yes. Yes

Biotechnology and humans Biotechnology is also being used to benefit the human population: Genetic testing Gene therapy Organ Transplants Stem Cells

Biotechnologies and medicine

cybermedicine Nanomedicine Pharmacogenomics Medical Simulations Minimally Invasive Surgery In Vitro Fertilization Fetoscopy

Breeding versus Biotechnology Cross-pollination Donor plant + commercial variety = new variety New variety has desired and undesired genes Genetic Engineering Desired gene + commercial variety = new variety New variety has ONLY desired genes But what of unintended consequences??

Gattaca Genetic discrimination as shown in Gattaca

biotechnology and food sources

Breeding versus Biotechnology Cross-pollination Donor plant + commercial variety = new variety New variety has desired and undesired genes Genetic Engineering Desired gene + commercial variety = new variety New variety has ONLY desired genes

Recombinant DNA

Biotechnology and other areas Biotechnology extends beyond application to food and medicine: Biomaterials used to produce consumer items Bioremediation to assist in waste management Biomining to extract precious metals and ores DNA chips to screen for water quality, determine the identity of endangered species, and allow rapid ID of crime suspects in the field.

DNA, Computers, and Walgreens? DNA Computer Gets Scaled Up (link)link Personal DNA Tests Arriving at Walgreens (link)link Synthetic Life Becomes Reality (video)video Rat Brain Flight Simulator (video)video