Biotechnology and Its Applications

Flashcards covering key concepts related to biotechnology, including definitions and applications of various techniques.

What is Biotechnology?

The application of a technological process, invention, or method to living organisms.

Selective Breeding

Allowing only animals with desired characteristics to breed and produce offspring, taking advantage of naturally occurring genetic variation.

Hybridization

The crossing of dissimilar individuals to bring together the best traits of both organisms.

Animal Cloning

A population of genetically identical cells produced from a single cell; Dolly the sheep was the first clone created in 1977.

Genetic Variation

Breeders can increase genetic variation in a population by introducing mutations, which are the ultimate source of biological diversity.

Gene Therapy

The changing of a gene to treat a disease or disorder.

Designer Babies

Children that have been genetically modified for specific traits using gene editing techniques.

Golden Rice

A genetically modified variety of rice developed to combat chronic vitamin A deficiency.

DNA Fingerprinting

Analyzes sections of DNA that may vary widely among humans, used in crime solving by comparing DNA patterns.

Bacterial Mutations

Heritable changes in DNA that occur spontaneously; can be induced to produce bacteria that can clean up environmental pollutants.