BioTech The study of:

BioTech Definition of 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" (Wells, Poszywak, & Dunham, 2000, p. 63).

BioTech Beyond brewing beer or making cheese, biotechnology has been improving society in profound ways via new medicines, foods, fertilizers, and a wide range of processes.

BioTech However, biotechnology has also caused society to examine its values by expanding toward the implementation of technologies like "designer babies," replacement limbs and organs grown from stem cells, biological warfare agents, and the artificial extension of life by slowing the aging process.

BioTech Environmental Applications z Bioremediation is using organisms in processes that help to clean polluted environments. Biological controls, biosensors, biotreatment, biorestoration, and phytoremediation are all means of using biotechnology to clean or protect the environment.

BioTech Agriculture and Biotechnology z Genetically altered crops and animals are among the most significant applications of biotechnology. Genetic engineering has enabled both crop and livestock producers to create improvements to stocks and implement them in one or two generations.

BioTech Bioprocessing z Biological organisms are also important in the production of products in industry. Bacteria are especially useful in purification and separation processes. For example, one particular type of bacteria is being used in the mining and refining of gold.

BioTech Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering is based on the manipulation of genes (Grace, 1997). Genes hold the blueprint for how every living thing grows, looks, and behaves. If there were two organisms, say bacteria, and each had different but desirable characteristics, then the genes responsible for each characteristic could be combined in one of the organisms.

BioTech Stem cell research Biological warfare agents Artificial extension of life Bioremediation BioTreatment BioSensors Phytoremediation Careers Trends in Biotechnology Laws concerning BioTech Genetic engineering- plants Genetic engineering- animal BioProcessing Genomics Immunology DNA Medicine Future of Biotechnology