Role of Biotechnology

What has modern biotechnology techniques enabled?

Increased food production to feed and maintain the rapidly increasing human population.

How can modern biotechnology techniques maintain and feed human population?

Large quantities of microorganisms an be cultured for food.

What’s an example of microorganisms cultured for food?

Mycoprotein

What is mycoprotein?

A protein-rich vegetarian food harvested and purified after growing the fungus fusarium on glucose syrup in aerobic conditions.

How can modern biotechnology techniques maintain and feed human population? (2)

Genetically modified crops (GM)

What can GM crops have?

Increased yields, increased resistance to changes in their environments, or improved nutritional values.

How can modern biotechnology techniques maintain and feed human population? (3)

Bacteria can be genetically modified to produce human insulin.

What can happen to bacteria producing human insulin?

Harvested, purified and used to treat diabetes.