Biotech Industry (Ch 1)

What is biotechnology?

Technology based on biology, using living organisms or systems to make products or processes.

Who defines biotechnology officially?

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992).

How did ancient civilizations use biotechnology?

Through selective breeding and fermentation to produce yogurt, bread, and wine.

What modern techniques define biotechnology today?

In vitro nucleic acid techniques, recombinant DNA, direct nucleic acid introduction, and cell fusion beyond taxonomic families.

What fields contribute to biotechnology?

Genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, engineering, chemistry, physics, and information technology.

What is the biotechnology toolkit?

A set of biological, chemical, instrumentation, and software tools to solve problems.

Example of a biological tool in biotechnology?

Enzymes that cut and reattach DNA.

What is genetic engineering?

Moving a gene from one organism to another to express a useful trait.

Example of genetic engineering success?

Bacteria producing human insulin.

What are chemical tools in biotechnology?

Chromatography resins that purify proteins based on properties.

Example of an instrument tool in biotechnology?

Spectrophotometers measure light absorbance for quantifying bacteria, proteins, or DNA.

What is PCR (polymerase chain reaction) used for?

Rapid DNA replication, used in forensic DNA finger

What is the goal of biotechnology research?

To develop products and processes that solve problems.

What is bioethics?

The study of ethical concerns raised by biotechnology's capabilities.

What major conference addressed DNA technology ethics?

The Asilomar Conference of 1975.

What is "pharming"?

Using farm animals to produce therapeutic drugs in their milk.

What is recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST)?

An injectable hormone used to increase milk production in cows.

What is Smartstax corn?

Corn variety with eight stacked genetically engineered traits.

What plant is being explored to produce recombinant insulin?

Safflower.

What is the concern with genetically engineered salmon?

Potential environmental impact if they escape into the wild.

What is golden rice?

Genetically engineered rice expressing beta-carotene to combat vitamin A deficiency.

How has biotechnology improved dairy production?

By genetically engineering virus-resistant fermentation bacteria.

What is an example of industrial biotechnology?

Using cellulase enzymes to soften denim instead of acid washing.

Why are enzymes from extremophiles useful?

They can function under harsh conditions like high salt, extreme temperatures, or pH.

What are biological plastics?

Plastics made from plant sugars that are biodegradable.

What is bioprocessing in mining?

Using bacteria to extract metals like copper from ore.

What is bioremediation?

Using organisms to detoxify polluted environments.

Example of bioremediation success?

Oil-eating bacteria cleaning up oil spills.

What bacterium has been engineered for radioactive waste cleanup?

Deinococcus radiodurans.