Biotechnology Overview and History

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of ancient biotechnology?

Fermentation processes

Development of vaccines

Selective breeding and food domestication (correct)

Gene transfer techniques

Which of the following best defines gene biotechnology?

Transfer of genes between organisms (correct)

Fermentation of sugars to produce alcohol

Use of enzymes in industrial processes

Application of biological materials in agriculture

Which method is NOT associated with non-gene biotechnology?

Plant tissue culture

Fermentation

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing (correct)

Immunochemistry

What major advancement is included in modern biotechnology?

Double helix model of DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a danger associated with some products of biotechnology?

Endangerment of existing species Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of bioinformatics in biotechnology?

Understanding biological data for drug development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes selective breeding?

Purposely mating organisms with desired features Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential health risk associated with biotechnology?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the FLAVR SAVR tomato?

It was the first genetically modified crop to receive license for human consumption. Signup and view all the answers

Which company was known for the first biotechnology product for human benefit?

Genentech Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to make millions of copies of a particular section of DNA?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with coining the term ‘biotechnology’?

Karl Erkey Signup and view all the answers

What was cortisone developed to treat?

Rheumatoid arthritis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was developed by Lewis Sarett in 1950?

Cortisone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the work done by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek?

The study of microbiology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Genentech is true?

It received approval for the first targeted antibody for cancer treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is credited with the creation of the first successful vaccine?

G. Dr. Edward Jenner Signup and view all the answers

What did F. Paul Burg achieve with DNA?

Performed the first in vitro recombination of DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Central Dogma of molecular biology proposed by Francis Crick?

Information does not flow from proteins to nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

Who elucidated the role of chromosomes in heredity?

Thomas Hunt Morgan Signup and view all the answers

Which pair of scientists discovered the double helix structure of DNA?

James Watson and Francis Crick Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary contribution of Marshall Nirenberg in genetics?

Deciphering the genetic code Signup and view all the answers

What technique did Kary Mullis invent in 1985?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is associated with observing changes in bacteriophage DNA after it invaded resistant strains of bacteria?

Werner Arber Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antibiotics?

They hinder the growth of microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is credited with the discovery of antibiotics?

Penicillin by Alexander Flemming Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Human Genome Project?

Identification of all human genes and their locations Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily involved in gene engineering?

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology Signup and view all the answers

What was an essential achievement of the Human Genome Project?

Mapping all human diseases to specific chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

During which years did the Human Genome Project take place?

1990-2003 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Celera Genomics?

To sequence the entire human genome Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advancements in research made possible by the Human Genome Project?

Paved the way for advancements in genomics Signup and view all the answers

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.