8 th Grade Science

What is Biotechnology?  The science that manipulates living matter to improve the human condition or environment.  Specifically: The manipulation of matters’ genes.

History of Biotechnology  Newer science as a whole.  Originated to benefit to humans.  New developments being made and it has been said that we have only discovered “the tip of the ice berg” in this science.

History of Biotechnology Cont.  500 BC: The Chinese use moldy curds as an antibiotic to treat boils  1883: The rabies vaccine is developed  1949: Pauling proves that sickle cell anemia is a "molecular disease" caused by a mutation  1981: 1 st mice to be successfully cloned

Uses of Biotechnology:  Medicine: used in the production of medicines and vaccines in large quantities. Manipulation of bacteria to form new antibiotics. Medicines can be modified to fight specific diseases. ○ Ex. Insulin for Diabetes Human DNA is placed inside bacteria to produce insulin.

Uses of Biotechnology Cont.  Genetic Engineering: Genetic Cloning ○ Dolly the sheep Some medical disorders can be corrected through genetic modification. DNA Testing ○ Fighting crime through forensic science, paternity/maternity proof, and genetic testing for abnormalities.

Uses of Biotechnology Cont.  Agriculture: Developed disease resistant crops to improve crop yield and avoid using pesticides. Developed crops that can grow in different environments. Bioremediation: process of removing pollution from soil & water. In North Carolina, preserved and saved the Heritage trees from root rot. ○ Implanted a mold resistant gene.

Uses of Biotechnology Cont.  Food Science: Faster growing salmon Development of hybrid foods ○ Ex. Broccoflower, a cross between broccoli & cauliflower. ○ Ex. Pluot, a cross between a plum & an apricot.

Careers in Biotechnology  Farming  Researchers  Medical field  Chemists  Genetic Engineers  Forensic scientists

Careers in Biotechnology Cont.  Bioinformatics: giant computer database that stores and organizes genetic information, making it available to biotechnologists.  Input of this information is done by computer scientists.

Ethical Issues of Biotechnology  Ethics: morals, beliefs or values of an individual.  Some people believe that the science of biotechnology is unethical. “Playing God” ○ Cloning ○ Genetic Modification/Designer babies ○ Stem cell Research

Ethical Issues Cont.  Risks of this science: How will genetically altered food effect our long term health? How will genetic modifications effect allergens in food? Environmental issues for newly introduced seeds.