Ava Resendez- Chapter 1: Intro to Biotech

What is the definition of biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their components to develop products and processes for various applications, including agriculture, medicine, and industrial processing.

What are three traditional products?

Fermented foods, vaccines, and antibiotics.

What are two examples of modern biotechnology products?

Examples include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biopharmaceuticals.

What did the modern biotechnology industry begin?

The modern biotechnology industry began in the late 20th century with advancements in genetic engineering, including the development of recombinant DNA technology.

What did early humans begin selectively breeding plants and livestock?

To enhance desirable traits such as size, yield, and resistance to disease, leading to improved agricultural productivity.

When was wine first invented?

Wine was first invented around 6000 BC in the region that is now modern-day Georgia.

Who developed brewing and cheese making? When?

The earliest evidence of brewing dates back to 7000-6000 BCE in ancient China, while cheese making is believed to have originated around the same time in the Middle East. Both processes were developed by early humans as methods of preserving food.

What was the first antibiotic used? Which culture? When?

The first antibiotic used was penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, primarily utilized in Western medicine.

Who developed the first small pox vaccine?

Edward Jenner in 1796

Who discovered proteins?

Proteins were first discovered by Johann Friedrich Miescher in 1869 when he isolated a substance from the nuclei of white blood cells.

When was the Origin of Species published?

The Origin of Species was published in 1859 by Charles Darwin, introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection.

When was pasteurized first developed?

The process of pasteurization was first developed by Louis Pasteur in the 1860s to kill harmful bacteria in beverages like wine and milk.

When did Mendel establish the principles of genetics?

Gregor Mendel published his work on the principles of genetics in 1866, outlining the laws of inheritance through his experiments with pea plants.

Who developed the first rabies vaccine?

Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885, successfully using it to immunize a young boy bitten by a rabid dog.

When did the term “biotechnology” first appear in print?

The term "biotechnology" first appeared in print in 1917, used by Hungarian engineer Karl Ereky. It refers to the use of living organisms or their products to develop or create products.

Who discovered penicillin?

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, marking the beginning of modern antibiotics.

Who discovered DNA as the carrier of genetic information?

James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA as the carrier of genetic information in 1953, presenting the double helix structure of DNA.

When was the double-helix structure of DNA discovered?

The double-helix structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick, who revealed its role in genetic information.

When the mRNA discovered?

mRNA was discovered in 1961, providing insight into how genetic information is translated into proteins.

When was the gene first completely synthesized?

The first gene was completely synthesized in 1978 by Har Gobind Khorana and his team, paving the way for advancements in genetic engineering.

When was recombinant insulin produced? By which company?

Recombinant insulin was produced in 1978 by Genentech, marking a significant advancement in biotechnology and diabetes treatment.

When was DNA fingerprinting first used?

DNA fingerprinting was first used in 1984. It is a method for identifying individuals based on their unique genetic makeup.

When were the first genetically modified tobacco plants grown?

The first genetically modified tobacco plants were grown in 1983. These plants were engineered to be resistant to an antibiotic, specifically kanamycin. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by introducing a gene for antibiotic resistance into the tobacco plant's genome

When was the Human Genome Project first launched?

The Human Genome Project (HGP) officially began in 1990

What was the first cloned mammal? What year?

The first cloned mammal was Dolly the sheep, cloned in 1996.

When was Golden Rice developed?

Golden Rice was initially developed in the 1990s, with the first prototype expressing beta-carotene in 1999

When was the Human Genome Project completed?

The Human Genome Project was completed in April 2003

When was the first HPV vaccine approved?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2006

When was the first self-replicating bacterial cell created?

The first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell was created in 2010 by researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute

When was CRISPR-CAS9 used for gene editing?

A year later, in January 2013, several research groups published papers showing how the system could be used to edit genomes in human cells. 

When were mRNA vaccines first used?

The first mRNA vaccine for human use was a rabies vaccine, tested in humans in 2013

What are the different sectors in biotechnology?

Biological research, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.

What are the key techniques in biotechnology?

Molecular biology, cell biology and genetic engineering.

What is the ethical consideration around biotechnology?

Equality, safety, long term impact.

What are the tools in biotechnology?

Whole cells, DNA, RNA, proteins

What are two of the key instruments in biotechnology?

Spectrophotometer, PCR machines for DNA replication.

What is chromatography?

an analytical technique for separating a mixture into its individual components based on their different affinities for a stationary phase and a mobile phase

What is gene transfer?

the process of introducing genetic material (DNA or RNA) into a cell or organism to alter its characteristics or function

What is protein purification?

a process that isolates a single, target protein from a complex mixture of proteins found in cells or tissues, using various biochemical and physical separation techniques

What is a spectrophotometer?

an instrument used to measure the intensity of light transmitted through a sample across different wavelengths

What is PCR?

a laboratory technique that quickly creates millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA segment, a process called amplification

What are the key concepts behind using biotechnology in nation defense?

Biotechnology, the manipulation of biological processes for technological applications, is rapidly becoming integral to national defense strategies due to its potential to revolutionize warfare and enhance security measures. 

Which company was the founding biotechnology company? What was their first product?

The founding biotechnology company was Genentech, established in 1976 by biochemist Herbert Boyer and venture capitalist Robert Swanson. Its first product was recombinant human insulin, marketed under the brand name Humulin. 

What is the difference between Biotech and Pharmaceutical industries?

The founding biotechnology company was Genentech, established in 1976 by biochemist Herbert Boyer and venture capitalist Robert Swanson. Its first product was recombinant human insulin, marketed under the brand name Humulin. 

Who are the key users of biotechnology?

Key users of biotechnology span across multiple industries, including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and environmental management. These users can be businesses seeking to develop and manufacture new products, governments investing in research and public health, or individual consumers benefitting from biotech innovations. 

What is genomics?

the branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.

What is proteomics?

the study of proteomes and their functions.

What is precision medicine?

medical care designed to optimize efficiency or therapeutic benefit for particular groups of patients, especially by using genetic or molecular profiling.

What happens during the drug discovery phase of drug development?

understanding a disease and identifying a specific biological target (like a protein or gene) involved in its process.

What happens during phase 1 clinical trials?

During Phase 1 clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment on a small group of people to determine its safety and appropriate dosage. This is the first time the treatment is tested in humans after extensive laboratory and animal (preclinical) testing

What happens during phase 2 clinical trials?

During phase 2 clinical trials, researchers give a new treatment to a larger group of people (usually 100–300) with a specific disease to assess its effectiveness and continue monitoring its safety. The goal is to gather preliminary data on whether the drug works well enough to be tested in a large-scale Phase 3 tria

What happens during phase 3 clinical trials?

compare a new treatment against the current standard of care to determine if it's more effective or has fewer side effects