Biotechnology and Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is crucial for the growth of new biotechnology?

Government regulations

Market demand

Public debate (correct)

Scientific breakthroughs

What is White Biotechnology associated with?

Agricultural production

Medical applications

Environmental conservation

Industrial processes (correct)

What is the main advantage of bioplastics produced from microbial polymers?

They are degradable and environmentally friendly (correct)

They are more durable than traditional plastics

They are cheaper to produce

They are stronger than traditional plastics

What is bioremediation?

The use of organisms to remove pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What are xenobiotics?

Synthetic materials that do not exist naturally Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of an industrial biotechnology process?

Upstream processing Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during upstream processing?

The preparation of raw materials for the target microorganism Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for materials that can be broken down by biological action?

Biodegradable Signup and view all the answers

What did Karl Ereky refer to as 'biotechnology' in 1917?

The use of living things to produce products from raw materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis of biotechnology in the 1960s?

Genetic engineering Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a useful commercial product produced through biotechnology?

Insect-resistant plants Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with coining the term 'biotechnology' in 1917?

Karl Ereky Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between traditional biotechnology processes and modern biotechnology practices?

Traditional biotechnology is based on empirical observations, while modern biotechnology is based on scientific scrutiny Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of biotechnology?

To synthesise, break down, or transform materials Signup and view all the answers

When did the biotechnology revolution begin?

1970s and early 1980s Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the precise alteration of the genetic constitution of living organisms?

Genetic engineering Signup and view all the answers

What is another example of a commercial product produced through biotechnology?

Banana vaccines Signup and view all the answers

What did a Danish microbiologist refer to as 'biotechnology' in 1941?

A technique for precise selection of yeast strains Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the expected breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture due to genetic engineering?

Development of new pharmaceutical drugs and therapies, and production of healthier foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the common thread among various definitions of biotechnology?

The use of living organisms or their components Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of genetic engineering on traditional biotechnology?

It has had a profound impact on almost all areas of traditional biotechnology Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the areas where genetic engineering has led to breakthroughs?

Medicine Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the recent advances in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and fermentation process technology?

New aspects of biotechnology are finding wide industrial application Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the expected outcomes of genetic engineering in agriculture?

Production of healthier foods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safety, Ethics, and Welfare in Biotechnology

Public debate is essential for the growth of biotechnology and its scrutiny in the foreseeable future.
Public understanding of biotechnology could hasten public acceptance.

White Biotechnology

A branch of industrial biotechnology that uses living cells (bacteria, fungi) and enzymes to synthesize easily degradable products.
Examples: production of bioplastics from microbial polymers, and biofuel production from starch and lignocelluloses.

Biodegradable Materials and Bioremediation

Biodegradable materials can be broken down by biological action, e.g., by microorganisms (bacteria, fungus, etc.).
Bioremediation: use of organisms to remove materials from contaminated sites.

Key Stages in Industrial Biotechnology

Upstream processing: preparation of raw materials for use as a food source for microorganisms.

Traditional and Modern Biotechnology

Traditional biotechnology encompasses processes such as brewing, baking, winemaking, and sewage treatment.
Modern biotechnology began in the 1970s with genetic engineering, leading to breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture.

Genetic Engineering and Its Impact

Genetic engineering allows for precise alteration of genetic constitution of living organisms.
Impact: breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, pharmaceutical drugs, healthier foods, selective pesticides, and innovative environmental technologies.

Introduction to Biotechnology

Biotechnology refers to the use of microbial, animal, or plant cells or enzymes to synthesize, break down, or transform materials.

Historical Development of Biotechnology

1917: Karl Ereky used the term to refer to industrial fermentation processes and integrated processes for large-scale production.
1941: A Danish microbiologist used the term to refer to precise selection of yeast strains.
1960s: Biotechnology was used to describe industrial production of goods and services using biological processes.
Modern definition: manipulation of living organisms or their components to produce commercial products.

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Description

Explore the safety, ethics, and welfare concerns associated with genetic manipulation and biotechnology, as well as the importance of public understanding and debate.