An In-Depth Exploration Of Old And Modern Biotechnology PDF

AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF OLD AND MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY Presented by: Cristine Pongasi  LESSON OUTLINE 1 OLD BIOTECHNOLOGY 2 MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS  OLD BIOTECHNOLOGY..  FERMENTATION Fermentation is the process that m...

AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF OLD AND MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY Presented by: Cristine Pongasi  LESSON OUTLINE 1 OLD BIOTECHNOLOGY 2 MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS  OLD BIOTECHNOLOGY..  FERMENTATION Fermentation is the process that many microorganisms (yeasts, moulds and bacteria) use to convert sugars into energy. A process utilized in making products like bread, beer, and yogurt. Yeasts and bacteria convert sugars into alcohol or acids, which not only preserve food but also enhance flavors Louis Pasteur first described the scientific basis for fermentation in the late 1800s. Pasteur’s hypothesis, called the germ theory, showed the existence of microorganisms and their effect on fermentation. Pasteur’s work gave birth to many branches of science.  TRADITIONAL MEDICINE The use of natural substances derived from plants and animals for healing purposes has been a fundamental aspect of human culture. By about 600 BC, the Chinese were using mouldy soybean curds to treat boils. Similarly, Ukrainian peasants were using mouldy cheese to treat infected wounds. The moulds released natural antibiotics that killed bacteria and prevented the spread of infection. Despite these natural treatments, it wasn’t until 1928 that Alexander Fleming first extracted penicillin – the first antibiotic – from mould.  SELECTIVE BREEDING A process used by humans to develop new organisms with desirable characteristics. choosing specific plants or animals with desirable traits to reproduce, enhancing qualities such as yield, disease resistance, or hardiness  DOMESTICATION: SELECTIVE BREEDING As people domesticated and bred dogs over time, they favored specific traits, like size or intelligence, for certain tasks, such as hunting, shepherding, or companionship.  AGRICULTURE: SELECTIVE BREEDING To make sure that a cattle have the desirable traits like strength, disease resistance and size, farmers use selective breeding. This involves choosing animals with desired characteristics to reproduce, passing on these traits to their offspring.  AGRICULTURE: SELECTIVE BREEDING Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale are all vegetables derived from the same plant, Brassica oleracea, also known as wild cabbage. By isolating wild cabbage plants with specific characteristics, farmers were able to create a variety of vegetables from a single source, each with different flavors and textures.  AGRICULTURE: SELECTIVE BREEDING Corn is a dramatic example of a plant that has been enhanced by selective breeding to become a better source of food. Early teosinte plants (about 5000 BC) had small cobs with few kernels, but by 1500 AD, the corn cobs were more than 5 times the size and packed full of sweet, juicy kernels.  THE DISCOVERY OF DNA The discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 laid the foundation for modern biotechnology. Understanding the structure and functions of DNA paved the way for genetic engineering, gene editing tools and DNA sequencing technologies.  MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY..  MEETING HUMAN NEEDS AND DEMANDS Biotechnologies have an important role in meeting human needs and demands in medicine, agriculture, forensics, bioremediation, biocontrol and biosecurity.  RED BIOTECHNOLOGY Red biotechnology deals with biotechnological techniques such as gene therapy (replacing a defective gene causing diseases by a healthy gene), stem cell research (to fight off leukaemia), genetic engineering (changing the genetic makeup of genes to produce improved organisms) and the development of new drugs and vaccines in medicine. RED BIOTECHNOLOGY RED BIOTECHNOLOGY  BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY Blue biotechnology deals with aquatic organisms. These organisms are used for pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics or research. E.g. algae can be used for food, drugs and biofuels. Jellyfish can be used for research of neurons by exploiting their fluorescence.  GREEN BIOTECHNOLOGY Green biotechnology mainly deals with the genetic modification of plants to make them more drought resistant or to strengthen certain characteristic traits to receive a better yield or to make them resistant to viral diseases. Furthermore it also stands for the development of biopesticides and biofertilizers to reduce the chemical impact of nitrogen on the environment.  ZOOMING FURTHER INTO GENE EDITING CRISPR - Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. ‘Cas9’ stands for CRISPR-associated protein 9. 1 2 3 DNA 4 GUIDE CUTTING MOLECULE ENZYME HEALTHY DNA STRAND DEFECTIVE CELL DNA STRAND The faulty gene is detected In a new segment of gene in a The synthetic version of the A synthetic version of the gene and removed by a cutting DNA strand, the Cas9 enzyme gene made, is then placed is made, without the defect. enzyme. cuts the faulty gene out. back into the DNA strand.  GENETIC MODIFICATION GENETIC MODIFICATION Genes are segments of DNA that carry genetic information and are associated with specific traits in organisms. Modifying genes involves altering their expression or structure to achieve desired traits. It can be in the form of: Knocking off/silencing - removing or deactivating certain unwanted genes Transgenic modification - isolating desired genes using enzymes and inserting them to a host to carry on the wanted genes  AGRICULTURE: CROP MODIFICATION Genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn produces insecticidal proteins that kill insects consuming it, leaving the corn undamaged. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and promotes crop health.  WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF CORN? Biotechnology involves modification and gene editing technologies to enhance a desired characteristic or to replace a defective gene, resulting in different coloured corns. Scientists manipulate the genes responsible for kernel colour to produce desired traits.  WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY White biotechnology deals with the use of biotechnological processes to produce food or drinks. It uses living cells – from yeast, molds, bacteria and plants – and enzymes to synthesize products that are easily degradable, require less energy and create less waste during their production.  WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY Transgenic Escherichia coli are used to produce human insulin in large-scale fermentation tanks. And the first rationally designed enzyme, used in detergents to break down fat, was introduced as early as 1988. The benefits of exploiting natural processes and products are manifold: they do not rely on fossil resources, are more energy efficient and their substrates and waste are biologically degradable, which all helps to decrease their environmental impact.  GREY BIOTECHNOLOGY Grey biotechnology comprises all biotechnological procedures which are used for the preparation of drinking water, the purification of sewage, the restoration of contaminated grounds or the cleaning of exhaust gases.  GREY BIOTECHNOLOGY A Chance for Efficient Waste Management Grey biotechnology is an environmentally friendly way to remove contaminants by using microorganisms such as fungi, protozoa, bacteria, algae and viruses from water or soil.  YELLOW BIOTECHNOLOGY The name yellow derives from the substance hemolymph which is a substance similar to blood in insects and is yellow. Basically yellow biotechnology is concerned with food production. Yellow biotechnology develops products for application in green, red and white biotechnology. E.g. it fights off pests on an environmentally friendly way by using peptides (green biotechnology) or it develops the inhibition of resistant antibiotics (red biotechnology). Furthermore it harnesses enzymes for the production of glutenfree food (white biotechnology).  BROWN BIOTECHNOLOGY Brown biotechnology is a very up to date topic as droughts are increasing due to climate change. On the basis of genetically modified plants brown biotechnology deals with the research of drought resistant plants.  BROWN BIOTECHNOLOGY As the genetic engineering of crops rapidly expands in the public sector, using GMOs as a tool for mitigating the effects of climate change will become a more and more potent option, offering hope for feeding a growing global population and serving as a stabilizing force in drought ridden parts of the world.  VIOLET BIOTECHNOLOGY Violet biotechnology takes into consideration ethical and moral issues which occur by the modification of genes and thus leads to the problematic issues such as patent rights.  VIOLET BIOTECHNOLOGY Thinking Ethically About Human Biotechnology Biotech innovations may eventually involve germ-line manipulation, the actions we take today may effect every future generation of human beings, making the coming generations stakeholders in our ethical analysis. Consideration of transgenerational consequences may impose limits on what we do now in the interest of those who come after us. Minimally, we should not knowingly inflict harm. Many indigenous peoples speak of responsibilities that extend to the next seven generations.  DARK BIOTECHNOLOGY Dark biotechnology takes the fact into account that biotechnological research could be abused to create pandemics such as ebola.  GOLD BIOTECHNOLOGY Nanobiotechnology also comprises gold biotechnology. Nanobiotechnology deals with tiny organisms (10−9m) and materials used for the industry. Biotechnological assistants use large databases to gain further knowledge.  GOLD BIOTECHNOLOGY In immune cells of the blood the expression of genes that promote information tends to rise in the winter and dip in the summer, the team led by investigators at the University of Cambridge – found.  ORANGE BIOTECHNOLOGY The topic of orange biotechnology is the reflection about how to teach and what to teach about biotechnology due to the fact that biotechnology is a rather complex field with a lot of interdisciplinary connections.  ORANGE BIOTECHNOLOGY The topic of orange biotechnology is the reflection about how to teach and what to teach about biotechnology due to the fact that biotechnology is a rather complex field with a lot of interdisciplinary connections.  LEARNING CHECK Imagine you are a scientist aiming to improve the nutritional content of a staple crop in a region suffering from vitamin deficiencies. Based on this situation, what specific genetic modifications would you consider implementing in the crop, and why? SHARE YOUR ANSWER WITH THE CLASS OR PEER.  LEARNING CHECK SAMPLE ANSWER One way to address vitamin deficiencies is through gene modification of rice to produce higher levels of Vitamin A, like the development of golden rice. Genes responsible for beta-carotene—a precursor of vitamin A, can be inserted into rice.  LEARNING CHECK Provide an example of another type of livestock that a farmer can consider to selectively breed?  LEARNING CHECK SAMPLE ANSWER Selective breeding can be applied to sheep. The farmer can select sheep with superior wool quality and disease resistance to enhance wool production and reduce losses due to illness. This can possibly increase their profits.  CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing the use and methods of biotechnology. SCIENTIFIC CONSIDERATIONS ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Address concerns about transparency and Ensure rigorous testing for safety and informed consent, ensuring that efficacy before GMOs are approved for consumers are aware of GMO content in commercial use. food products. Implement ongoing monitoring and Establish guidelines to protect the rights research to study the long-term effects of and welfare of small-scale farmers, GMOs on health and the environment. preventing exploitation by large biotech companies.  CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing the use and methods of biotechnology. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS Develop strategies to prevent the Support equitable access to GMO unintended spread of GMO traits to wild technology for farmers of all scales, populations and non-GMO crops. particularly in developing countries. Promote sustainable agricultural Implement policies to ensure that the practices that incorporate GMOs benefits of GMOs, such as increased crop responsibly, preserving biodiversity and yields and nutritional content, reach ecosystem health. vulnerable populations.  CONSIDERATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY There is a range of both practical and ethical factors to consider when analysing the use and methods of biotechnology. REGULATORY AND POLICY MEASURES Create a regulatory framework that involves multiple stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, farmers, and consumers. Develop international guidelines and cooperation to standardize GMO regulation and trade practices globally.  SUMMARY CONCLUSION The evolution from old to modern biotechnology illustrates significant advancements in our ability to manipulate biological systems for various applications. While traditional methods laid the groundwork for agricultural practices and food production, modern biotechnology offers innovative solutions in medicine, industry, and environmental management through genetic engineering and other sophisticated techniques.  TEACHING AND LEARNING BIOTECHNOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA - COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING PRACTICES AND LEARNING STYLES FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS UNDERSTANDING Ndikumana, Y., Mugabo, L. R., & Nsabimana, A. (2024). Teaching and Learning Biotechnology at University of Rwanda - College of Science and Technology: The Assessment of Teaching Practices and Learning Styles for Biotechnology Concepts Understanding. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 23(1), 469–501. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.1.23  INTRODUCTION This study addresses the crucial need for assessing teaching practices and learning styles to improve students' understanding of biotechnological concepts and enhance overall learning outcomes.  METHODOLOGIES A mixed-method research design was adopted to collect and analyse data. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis.  RESEARCH LOCALE AND PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of two (2) teachers and 109 students in University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology (UR-CST). The techniques for sampling were convenience sampling for the survey and purposive sampling for the interview. Both teachers and students were involved in teaching and learning biotechnology courses related to the crop improvement.  DATA COLLECTION Questionnaires, interview, and classroom observation were used to collect data, which were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed  DATA ANALYSIS Qualitative data obtained from the interviews and classroom observation were analysed by using thematic analysis (Buetow, 2010). The interview data were fully transcribed from the audiotape. These data were recorded in the form of textual data. Data were first divided into segments which were in turn coded and categorized into different themes.  CONCLUSION The study found that teaching methods such as semi-formal lectures, PowerPoint presentations, interactive lectures, blended methods, student presentations, and audio-visual techniques were commonly used. Formal authority, expert, and personal teaching styles were prevalent, with the facilitator style being the least utilized. Students primarily learn through auditory and reading styles, occasionally incorporating visual elements. Despite the emphasis on collaborative learning, student-based activities were not given significant consideration. The spectrum of these practices comprised a mix of student- and teacher-centred approaches with the dominance of the teacher-centred method.  RECOMMENDATION Thus, for effective teaching and learning, the present study suggests future research on the implementation of new innovative teaching strategies to help all studentsto develop autonomy and to learn according to their diversities regarding their learning styles.