Biotechnology: Definition & History
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Biotechnology: Definition & History

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What is a primary application of biotechnology in food production?

  • Developing artificial flavors
  • Using living organisms for fermentation (correct)
  • Creating synthetic pesticides
  • Enhancing food preservation methods

    • What defines selective breeding in biotechnology?

  • Isolating genes from organisms
  • Randomly crossing different species
  • Choosing specific traits for reproduction (correct)
  • Using genetic modification to enhance traits

    • Which organism is often used as a model in biotechnology studies due to its visible internal structures?

  • Roundworm
  • Mouse
  • Zebrafish (correct)
  • Fruit fly

    • What discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928 significantly advanced the field of biotechnology?

    <p>The antibiotic penicillin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of biotechnology?

    <p>Production of artificial fertilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In historical biotechnology practices, which ancient civilization is known for its use of yeast in bread-making?

    <p>Roman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does biotechnology contribute to the agriculture of crops like corn?

    <p>Selective breeding for larger kernels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did fermentation historically play in food production?

    <p>Creating alcoholic beverages and dairy products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one benefit of using gene transfer in crops like Golden Rice?

    <p>It allows for increased crop yield per acre.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a function of antibodies produced by transgenic animals?

    <p>They protect the body by recognizing foreign materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are transgenic animals beneficial in treating hemophilia?

    <p>They produce clotting factors in their blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of DNA fingerprinting in forensic biotechnology?

    <p>To identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which recent event demonstrated the use of bioremediation for environmental recovery?

    <p>The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In aquatic biotechnology, which of the following refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms for food?

    <p>Aquaculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes model organisms like mice and rats in biotechnological research?

    <p>They can be transgenic and share similar genetics with humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What environmental issue did the use of oil-degrading bacteria address?

    <p>Oil spills affecting marine ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential benefit of identifying SNPs in patients?

    <p>It can lead to new, safer, and more effective treatment strategies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can SNPs influence an individual's health?

    <p>They may influence responses to stress and disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of SNPs in pharmacogenomics?

    <p>They help in customizing medicine based on an individual's genome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technological method is used to test for SNPs in genetic mapping?

    <p>DNA microarray (gene chip)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during SNP testing with a DNA microarray?

    <p>Color changes indicate DNA bindings with complementary sequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the nature of SNPs?

    <p>SNPs represent the most common type of genetic variation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following diseases is mentioned as associated with SNPs?

    <p>Sickle cell anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a haplotype in relation to SNP analysis?

    <p>A group of individuals with the same SNPs in a designated region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technology allows for the precise editing of genes to identify diseases?

    <p>CRISPR-Cas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes DIY biotechnology?

    <p>It emphasizes community involvement and accessible technology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of biotech companies in the US are focused on producing medicines?

    <p>65%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company received the first approval for recombinant insulin?

    <p>Genentech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'proteome' refer to?

    <p>The collection of proteins responsible for human cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of SNPs in personalized medicine?

    <p>They are used to identify variations in DNA sequences among individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary focus of drug development in the biotech industry?

    <p>Treating major diseases affecting humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did German authorities discover in a CRISPR kit that posed a health risk?

    <p>Pathogenic bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes gene therapy?

    <p>A technique to repair or replace defective genes with normal copies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was noted as particularly significant for new biotech drug approvals in the US?

    <p>2017</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using nanotechnology in medicine?

    <p>To deliver drugs directly to cells using small particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do massive databases play in precision-guided therapies?

    <p>They provide the data needed for developing accurate diagnostic tools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines bioinformatics in the context of biotechnology?

    <p>Using computers to analyze genetic sequences and protein structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common result of DIY biotechnology practices?

    <p>Innovative low-cost scientific instruments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is gel electrophoresis primarily used for?

    <p>To separate DNA or proteins based on size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the major concerns associated with unregulated DIY biotechnology?

    <p>Environmental impact of genetic modifications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes regenerative medicine?

    <p>It uses stem cells and genetic manipulation to repair or create tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of arthritis, how are different forms of the disease characterized?

    <p>By the presence of exactly the same symptoms across all forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biotechnology: Definition & Applications

    • Biotechnology is using living organisms or parts of them to produce products that benefit humans or solve problems.
    • Examples include:
      • Fermentation, using microbes to break down and change products (e.g., sour cream).
      • Vaccines with antibodies.
      • Developing enzymes to modify fabrics (e.g., blue jeans).

    History of Biotechnology

    • Ancient Times (2000 B.C. and earlier):
      • Early humans used yeast for baking bread, fermenting alcohol, and making yogurt and cheese.
      • Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, Greeks, and Chinese all practiced forms of biotechnology, including sourdough bread production.
    • Selective Breeding & Animal Domestication:
      • Choosing organisms with desirable traits and breeding them together.
      • Examples: breeding corn for larger kernels and turkeys for larger breasts.
    • Model Organisms:
      • Organisms used for scientific research to study the basic principles of biology.
      • Examples:
        • Casper Fish: genetically modified fish transparent for viewing internal structures.
        • Zebrafish: used to study cell migration, cancer metastasis, and other biological processes.
    • 1928: Alexander Fleming discovers Penicillin:
      • Observed a mold (Penicillium) killing bacteria on a petri dish.
      • This discovery led to the development of the first antibiotic, penicillin.
    • 1940s: Penicillin is used to treat bacterial infections:
      • This was a major breakthrough in medicine, saving countless lives.

    Genomics & Genome Editing

    • Understanding the sequence of genes (genome) of plants, animals, and humans.
    • Genome sequencing has led to:
      • Genetic ancestry analysis.
      • Genetic testing for diseases.
      • Disease diagnosis.
    • Genome editing (CRISPR-Cas technology): allows for accurate identification of diseases and the development of novel genetic modifications.
    • Artificial/Synthetic Genomes:
      • Scientists can now create artificial genomes.
      • Examples: creation of a synthetic version of yeast chromosome 3 with only essential elements.

    DIY Biotechnology

    • Biotechnology now accessible outside traditional research environments.
    • "Biohackers" use DIY methods to experiment with biotechnology.
    • Examples:
      • Building circuit boards at home.
      • Developing inexpensive instruments for DNA amplification and malaria detection.
      • Gene-cloning experiments in home kitchens.

    Biotechnology as an Interdisciplinary Field

    • Biotechnology combines different scientific disciplines.
    • It's rooted in basic sciences, exploring fundamental processes of living organisms at the biochemical, molecular, and genetic levels.
    • Bioinformatics: using computational science to analyze genetic sequences and protein structures

    Products of Modern Biotechnology

    • Over 65% of U.S. biotech companies focus on developing medicine.
    • Many of these medicines are recombinant proteins, produced through gene cloning and recombinant DNA techniques.
    • 1982: Genentech, the first biotechnology company, receives approval for recombinant insulin.

    Drug Development in Biotechnology

    • Focuses on combating major diseases like cancer.
    • Cancer drugs account for a large number of new biotechnology drug approvals.
    • Over 350 biotechnology medicines are currently in development, targeting over 200 diseases.

    Applications of Biotechnology in Other Fields

    • Animal Biotechnology:
      • Animals can be genetically modified to produce medically valuable proteins like antibodies.
      • Transgenic animals produce proteins in their milk.
      • Model organisms (mice and rats) are used to study human diseases and for drug development.
      • Transgenic animals can be created to produce clotting factors for treating hemophilia.
      • Cloning: the process of creating an identical copy of an organism. (Example: Dolly the sheep).
    • Forensic Biotechnology:
      • DNA fingerprinting: analyzes an organism's unique DNA pattern.
      • Used in law enforcement, endangered species tracking, and disease surveillance.
    • Bioremediation:
      • Using biotechnology to clean up pollutants in the environment.
      • Examples: oil-degrading bacteria used to clean up oil spills.
    • Aquatic Biotechnology:
      • Aquaculture: raising fish and shellfish for food under controlled conditions.
      • Bioprospecting: identifying organisms with valuable commercial properties.

    Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

    • Point mutations: changes in a single nucleotide (building block of DNA).
    • SNPs are variations in DNA sequences between individuals.
    • They can:
      • Influence responses to disease and stress.
      • Cause disease. (Example: sickle cell anemia)
    • SNPs are used to identify genes associated with various diseases including:
      • Arthritis
      • Stroke
      • Cancer
      • Heart disease
      • Emotional illnesses

    SNPs in Biotechnology

    • SNP maps of the human genome are used to locate SNPs.
    • DNA microarrays (gene chips) can be used to identify SNPs in a person's DNA.
    • SNPs have contributed to the development of pharmacogenomics (personalized medicine).

    Pharmacogenomics: Customized Medicine

    • Tailoring drug therapy and treatment strategies based on a patient’s unique genetic profile.
    • SNP analysis helps identify genes involved in a disease so doctors can target the most effective treatment for each patient.
    • Requires an understanding of the structure and function of proteins (proteome).
    • Some drugs work better in specific individuals based on their genetic makeup.
    • Scientists organize people into haplotype groups based on their SNPs, which helps identify individuals who may respond to certain drugs.
    • Precision medicine helps:
      • Early detection of disease.
      • Develop healthier lifestyle strategies.
      • Create more effective and safer treatment options.

    Future of Biotechnology

    • Advances in nanotechnology and genetic engineering are leading to new breakthroughs in:
      • Drug delivery systems.
      • Gene therapy.
      • Stem cell therapy.

    Gel Electrophoresis

    • A technique used to separate molecules based on their size and charge.
    • Uses an electric current to move molecules through a gel matrix.
    • Larger molecules move slower than smaller molecules.
    • Commonly used to analyze DNA fragments.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of biotechnology, from its ancient roots to modern applications. This quiz covers key concepts, historical milestones, and various uses of living organisms in producing beneficial products. Test your knowledge on fermentation, vaccines, and selective breeding.

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