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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of ancient biotechnology?
Which of the following best defines gene biotechnology?
Which method is NOT associated with non-gene biotechnology?
What major advancement is included in modern biotechnology?
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Which of the following is considered a danger associated with some products of biotechnology?
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What is a common application of bioinformatics in biotechnology?
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Which of the following describes selective breeding?
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What is a potential health risk associated with biotechnology?
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What was the significance of the FLAVR SAVR tomato?
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Which company was known for the first biotechnology product for human benefit?
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Which technique is used to make millions of copies of a particular section of DNA?
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Who is credited with coining the term ‘biotechnology’?
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What was cortisone developed to treat?
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Which of the following was developed by Lewis Sarett in 1950?
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What is the primary focus of the work done by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek?
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Which of the following statements about Genentech is true?
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Which scientist is credited with the creation of the first successful vaccine?
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What did F. Paul Burg achieve with DNA?
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Which statement best describes the Central Dogma of molecular biology proposed by Francis Crick?
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Who elucidated the role of chromosomes in heredity?
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Which pair of scientists discovered the double helix structure of DNA?
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What was the primary contribution of Marshall Nirenberg in genetics?
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What technique did Kary Mullis invent in 1985?
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Which scientist is associated with observing changes in bacteriophage DNA after it invaded resistant strains of bacteria?
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What is the primary function of antibiotics?
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Which substance is credited with the discovery of antibiotics?
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What was a significant outcome of the Human Genome Project?
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Which process is primarily involved in gene engineering?
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What was an essential achievement of the Human Genome Project?
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During which years did the Human Genome Project take place?
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What was the primary focus of Celera Genomics?
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What is one of the advancements in research made possible by the Human Genome Project?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Biotechnology
- Biotechnology utilizes living organisms or their products for human benefit.
- It encompasses applications of biological materials such as enzymes, DNA/RNA, tissues, cells, and microorganisms.
Types of Biotechnology
- Non-Gene Biotechnology: Involves whole cells or organisms; examples include fermentation, plant tissue culture, and immunochemistry.
- Gene Biotechnology: Focuses on the transfer of genes between organisms.
Historical Timeline
- Ancient Biotechnology (8000-2000 BC): Emphasis on food production and domestication; practices included selective breeding, alcohol production, and ancient medicine.
- Classical Biotechnology (1800-1900 AD): Key developments include Mendel's Law of Inheritance, Darwin's Theory of Evolution, and early vaccines.
- Modern Biotechnology (1900 AD onward): Major milestones include the double helix model of DNA, insulin production, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Multidisciplinary Nature
- Biotechnology intersects with fields such as mathematics, computer science, chemistry, statistics, and physics.
- Bioinformatics is a new discipline that emerged to analyze biological data, crucial in drug development and environmental assessments.
Dangers of Biotechnology
- Endangerment of Species: New dominant species may overwhelm existing ones.
- Bioweapons Risks: Potential misuse of genetically engineered organisms to cause harm.
- Health Risks: Concerns about cancer, horizontal gene transfer, and allergenic potential.
- Ecosystem Imbalance: Loss of genetic diversity in crops may disrupt ecological balance.
Benefits of Biotechnology
- Fermentation: Ancient method using yeast to produce alcohol; also used in baking.
- Selective Breeding: Mating organisms to produce offspring with favorable traits; example includes mules from donkeys and horses.
- Antibiotics: Produced by microorganisms to inhibit bacterial growth; penicillin was the first widely used antibiotic.
- Gene Cloning: Reproducing specific genes for various applications.
- Gene Engineering: Involves recombinant DNA techniques to create genetically modified organisms, essential for producing hormones and medical treatments.
Human Genome Project
- Conducted from 1990-2003 under Francis Collins; aimed to identify and sequence all human genes.
- Revealed gene locations and sequences related to traits and diseases.
- Led to advancements in genomics and therapeutic strategies, including CRISPR-Cas9.
Notable Biotechnological Companies and Products
- Calgene: Established the Flavr Savr tomato, the first GMO crop for human consumption.
- Genentech: Pioneered recombinant insulin and other transformative pharmaceutical products.
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Developed the COVID-19 vaccine, among other medical products.
Influential Figures in Biotechnology
- Karl Erkey: Introduced the term “biotechnology” in 1919.
- Louis Pasteur: Father of fermentation; introduced pasteurization and developed an early rabies vaccine.
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek: First to observe bacteria and protozoa, debunking spontaneous generation.
- Gregor Mendel: Established the principles of heredity through pea plant experiments.
- Charles Darwin: Formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- James Watson and Francis Crick: Discovered the DNA double helix structure and proposed the Central Dogma of molecular biology.
- Frederick Sanger: Developed the first DNA sequencing methodology.
Key Technologies in Biotechnology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A technique for amplifying DNA segments, invented by Kary Mullis.
- Sanger Sequencing: First method developed for DNA sequencing, revolutionizing genetic research.
Summary
- Biotechnology has evolved dramatically from ancient practices to modern genetic engineering, impacted by a multidisciplinary approach and notable figures that advanced the field. Understanding both the risks and benefits is crucial for ethical and scientific progress in the application of biotechnology.
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Description
Explore the fascinating field of biotechnology, which utilizes living organisms and their products for the benefit of humanity. This quiz covers various types of biotechnology, from non-gene to gene biotechnology, as well as a historical timeline detailing its evolution from ancient practices to modern innovations.
