Unit One || Biotechnology Study Guide

  1. Define biotechnology:

    • Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop or create products and applications for various industries.

  2. Difference between classical and modern biotechnological techniques:

    • Classical techniques rely on natural processes (e.g., selective breeding, fermentation), while modern techniques involve manipulation of genes and molecules (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, rDNA) for precise control and faster results.

  3. Examples of products made using modern biotechnology:

    • GMFs, vaccines, enzymes, biofuels, monoclonal antibodies, insulin, gene therapies, biodegradable plastics.

  4. Examples of selective breeding and fermentation:

    • Selective breeding: Wheat, corn, dogs; Fermentation: Bread, beer, yogurt.

  5. Three main modern biotechnology techniques with examples:

    • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): DNA amplification.

    • Gel Electrophoresis: Separation of DNA fragments.

    • rDNA (Recombinant DNA): Inserting foreign genes into organisms.

  6. Differentiate gene therapy, genetic counseling, and pharmacogenetics:

    • Gene therapy modifies genes for treating diseases.

    • Genetic counseling assesses and advises on genetic risks.

    • Pharmacogenetics studies how genetics influence drug responses.

  7. Comparison of cloning whole organisms and individual genes:

    • Cloning whole organisms replicates entire organisms; cloning genes produces identical copies of specific genes.

  8. Purpose of PCR and Gel Electrophoresis:

    • PCR amplifies DNA; Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on size.

  9. Difference between cloning whole organisms and in vitro fertilization:

    • Cloning replicates entire organisms; in vitro fertilization involves combining egg and sperm outside the body.

  10. Comparison of making rDNA with restriction enzymes and CRISPR/Cas9:

    • Both methods modify DNA; restriction enzymes cut and paste, CRISPR/Cas9 edits specific genes.

  11. Categorizing biotechnology applications:

    • Industrial/environmental, medical/pharmaceutical, agricultural, diagnostic research.

  12. Controversy around HeLa cells:

    • HeLa cells were taken without informed consent, leading to ethical concerns about privacy and ownership.

  13. Significance of Diamond vs. Chakrabarty case:

    • Allowed the patenting of genetically modified organisms, encouraging biotechnological innovation.

  14. Educational requirements for technical roles and advanced positions:

    • Technical roles may require diplomas or associate degrees; advanced positions typically require bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degrees.

  15. Comparison of professional and graduate degree requirements:

    • Professional degrees (e.g., Master of Biotechnology) focus on practical skills; graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.) emphasize research and theory.

  16. Identifying safety hazard pictograms:

    • Examples: Flame (flammability), Skull and Crossbones (toxicity), Exclamation Mark (irritants).

  17. Reading an NFPA diamond:

    • Diamond with color-coded sections indicating health, flammability, instability, and special hazards.

  18. Informed consent and researcher practices:

    • Informed consent is voluntary agreement after understanding risks; researchers explain procedures, risks, and benefits to obtain it.

  19. Placing safety information in SDS sections:

    • Sections include product identification, hazard identification, composition, first aid measures, etc.

  20. Enzyme function affecting drug response:

    • Genetic variations in enzyme function can influence drug metabolism and efficacy.

  21. Differences between preclinical, clinical, and post-clinical trials:

    • Preclinical tests on cells/animals; clinical involves human trials; post-clinical monitors post-market drug performance.

  22. Comparison of the three phases of clinical trials:

    • Phase 1 tests safety, Phase 2 assesses efficacy, Phase 3 evaluates effectiveness and monitors side effects.

  23. Roles of OSHA, FDA, EPA, and USDA:

    • OSHA ensures workplace safety; FDA regulates food and drugs; EPA oversees environmental protection; USDA manages agriculture and food safety.

  24. Rights and responsibilities under right-to-know laws:

    • Employers must inform employees about hazardous substances, providing access to safety data.

  25. Difference between IRB and IACUC in bioethics:

    • IRB (Institutional Review Board) oversees human research; IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) ensures ethical treatment of animals in research.