BEN102 Biotechnology Introduction

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Questions and Answers

What is biotechnology?

The application of science and technology to environmental systems

The application of science and technology to inanimate objects

The application of science and technology to non-living organisms

The application of science and technology to living organisms (correct)

What is the primary component of the cell wall in bacteria?

Fats

Proteins

Polysaccharides

Peptidoglycan (correct)

What is a characteristic feature of bacterial cells?

DNA is not contained within a nucleus (correct)

They have a nucleus

They have membrane-bound organelles

They are eukaryotic cells

What is the size range of bacterial cells?

1 to 5 micrometers Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of microorganism that is not a bacterium?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the complex polysaccharide and protein substance that makes up the bacterial cell wall?

Peptidoglycan Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of bacterial DNA?

It is circular Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of biotechnology?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about yeast cells compared to bacteria?

Larger genomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bioremediation?

To stimulate activities of indigenous microorganisms to clean up pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the Lag phase of microbial growth?

Cells synthesize new components necessary for growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microorganisms in biohydrometallurgy?

To extract metals from ores Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the yeast strain that was the first eukaryotic organism to have its complete genome sequenced?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of biomarkers?

To diagnose diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Exponential (Log) phase of microbial growth?

Microorganisms grow and divide at a constant rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of yeast cells that makes them valuable model organisms?

Their chromosome structure similar to human chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the Human Genome Project?

Development of complex maps of human chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of S.cerevisiae?

As a product in bread production Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the yeast strain that is particularly useful for producing proteins at high levels?

Pichia pastoris Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wastewater treatment?

To clean up environmental pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the cytoplasm of yeast cells?

It contains a number of membrane-enclosed organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microorganisms in therapeutic purposes?

To produce proteins such as eritropoietin and interferons Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of yeast cells that distinguishes them from bacteria?

Yeast cells are eukaryotic Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of medical biotechnology?

To detect and diagnose diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure the number of plant, animal, and microbial species?

Counting the number of individuals in those species Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of biopesticides?

They reduce the risk of resistance development Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of biofertilizers?

To promote plant growth by increasing the supply of primary nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is industrial biotechnology also known as?

White biotechnology Signup and view all the answers

What is one application of biotechnology in industrial sectors?

Using enzymes and microorganisms to make products Signup and view all the answers

What is pollution prevention through source reduction, waste minimization, recycling, and reuse an example of?

Pollution prevention and cleaner production Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of genetic engineering in plant biotechnology to create herbicide resistance?

To make crops resistant to common herbicides Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of genetically engineering animals to produce leaner growth patterns?

More product Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using genetic engineering to produce golden rice?

To produce larger amounts of beta-carotene Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of genetic engineering in animal biotechnology to produce lactoferrin in milk?

Increase nutritional content with higher iron content Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of genetic engineering in plant biotechnology to produce vaccines for plants?

To stimulate the plant's immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of genetic engineering in animal biotechnology to produce human polyclonal antibodies in cattle?

Production of human polyclonal antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the application of science and technology to living organisms, to products and models of living organisms.

Fields of Biotechnology

Microbial Biotechnology
Medical Biotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology
Industrial Biotechnology

Microbial Biotechnology

Microorganisms, or microbes, are tiny organisms too small to be seen individually by the naked eye.
Microbes include bacteria, fungi (such as yeast and mold), algae, protozoa, and viruses.
Bacteria:
- Prokaryotic cells
- Smaller than eukaryotic cells
- Simple structure
- DNA is not contained within a nucleus
- May contain plasmid DNA
- Lack membrane-bound organelles, but have ribosomes
- Cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan
Yeasts:
- Single-celled eukaryotic microbes
- Belong to the Kingdom Fungi
- Contain membrane-enclosed organelles, a cytoskeleton, and chromosomes similar to human chromosomes
- Larger genomes than most bacteria
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the first eukaryotic organism to have its complete genome sequenced
Microbial growth:
- Lag phase: Cells synthesize new components necessary for growth
- Exponential phase: Microorganisms grow and divide at a maximal rate

Microorganisms as Tools

Microbial mining: Use of microbes to extract metals from ores
Bioremediation: Microbial cleanup of oil, toxic chemicals, or other environmental pollutants
Wastewater treatment
Microorganisms as products:
- S. cerevisiae as a product in bread

Medical Biotechnology

Human Genome Project: Developed complex maps showing the locations of normal and diseased genes on human chromosomes
Detection and diagnosis of diseases:
- Biomarkers: Indicators of diseases
- Searching for better biomarkers for early detection and disease diagnosis

Plant Biotechnology

Vaccines for plants: Protein produced from the viral gene stimulates the plant’s immune system
Genetic pesticides (Bt genes)
Herbicide resistance
Enhanced nutrition (Golden rice)

Animal Biotechnology

Genetic engineering to improve agriculture, industrial, or pharmaceutical applications
Cloning (e.g., Dolly)
Faster growth rates or leaner growth patterns
Healthier products (e.g., lower-cholesterol eggs)
Increase nutritional content (e.g., lactoferrin in milk)
Production of human polyclonal antibodies in cattle plasma

Environmental Biotechnology

Biofertilizers: Substances containing living microorganisms that promote plant growth
Pollution prevention and cleaner production:
- Source reduction
- Waste minimization
- Recycling and reuse
Biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas)
Bioplastics/biopolymers (PLA, PHB)
Enzymes
Biosurfactants

Industrial Biotechnology

Use of biotechnology for sustainable processing and production of chemicals, materials, and fuels
Biotechnological processing uses enzymes and microorganisms/cells to make products in various industrial sectors

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Description

Introduction to biotechnology, its definition, and fields such as microbial and medical biotechnology. Covers the application of science and technology to living organisms.