Introduction to Biotechnology PDF

Introduction to Biotechnology  What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is the manipulation of living organisms and organic material to serve human needs. Examples: – Yeast in bread making and alcohol production – Use of beneficial bacteria (penicillin) to kill harmful organisms...

Introduction to Biotechnology  What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is the manipulation of living organisms and organic material to serve human needs. Examples: – Yeast in bread making and alcohol production – Use of beneficial bacteria (penicillin) to kill harmful organisms – Cloning of plants and animals  Biotechnology Industry Focuses on a variety of research areas including: – Health/medicine – Food science – Environmental science – Agriscience Pioneers in Biotechnology  Antoni van Leeuwenhoek 1675 Discovers bacteria using a simple microscope. Father of Microbiology  Gregor Mendel 1863 Austrian monk who conducted the first genetics experiments using pea plants in the mid 1800s. Father of Genetics Louis Pasteur 1870’s Disproved the notion of spontaneous generation, describing the role of bacteria in spoilage and the scientific basis for fermentation Created the rabies vaccine  Robert Hooke 1665 Invented the compound light microscope First to observe cells in cork  James Watson & Francis Crick 1953 Englishmen responsible for the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA using X-ray photographs Paul Berg 1972 Stanford University scientist who first developed recombinant DNA technology, a method for insertion of genetic material from one organism into another. Historical Development of Biotechnology  1750 B.C. Origins of “biotechnology” emerge in methods of food production and plant and animal breeding – Use of bacteria to produce cheese (food preservation) – Use of natural enzymes in yogurt – Use of yeast to produce bread – Use of fermentation for producing wine and beer  1869 DNA is discovered in trout sperm by German Miescher  1919 The word “biotechnology” is first used by a Hungarian agricultural engineer.  1940’s-1950’s Widespread work is undertaken to investigate the structure and function of DNA 1980 The U.S. Supreme Court approves the patenting of genetically altered organisms.  1980’s-1990’s A variety of GMO’s and biotechnology techniques are introduced in fields from agriculture to medicine – Recombinant DNA technology-extracts DNA from one organism for use in another, allowing more rapid and specific improvements in plants and animals – Plant Tissue Culture-gains widespread acceptance as a method to quickly and cheaply produce genetically identical plants  1990’s First transgenic organisms (GMO’s) are introduced in widespread agricultural production, particularly in the area of crops. – Bt corn and soybeans are introduced offering “natural” insect resistance by the introduction of a gene from the bacterium Baccillus thuringensis  1997 Dolly is the first animal cloned from diploid cells is produced in Scotland  Late 1990’s-Early 2000’s Human cloning is outlawed in the U.S. and the first concerns over the use of human stem cells in research begin to arise. Biotechnology and Agriscience  Biotechnology and Agriscience There has been increased activity and research between different agricultural areas with common research techniques and goals – Plant Science – Animal Science – Environmental Science – Health/Agri-Medicine  Plant Science Wide scale production of transgenic plants impacting horticulture  Animal Science Increased use of methods of in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination improve selected breed programs  Environmental Science Use of biotechnology techniques in environmental science for cleaning contaminants and protecting endangered species – Bioremediation-use of natural organisms to clean contaminants  Environmental Science Immunoassay tests are used to test for the presence of contaminants in soil, water and even blood Installation of biological barriers to prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms between production facilities – Example: Tire wash channels  Health/Agri-medicine Pharming-the creation of plants and animals capable of producing medical substances The use of biological barriers to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms that could contaminate food sources  Health/Agri-medicine DNA analysis/paternity testing has emerged as a technique to test the genetic ancestry of animals Colors of Biotechnology  Red biotechnology specializes in medicine and human health. This includes production of new antibiotics, vaccines, antibodies, medicaments, as well as genetic engineering for disease treatment.  White biotechnology, also known as industrial biotechnology, involves employment of microorganisms in chemical production. An example is the already mentioned budding yeast in production of wine, bread or beer.  Green biotechnology focuses on technologies that have positive impact on agriculture. This includes creation of new crops using genetic or traditional approaches as well as creation of new biofertilizers or biopesticides.  Blue biotechnology focuses on marine organisms. Basically, it involves use of marine organisms or their products for creation of new medicaments, cosmetic products, food or food supplements.  Yellow biotechnology encompasses creation of new ways to improve certain food products or to obtain more nutrition-rich products.  Grey biotechnology tries to use living organisms to improve the environment we live in. This includes bioremediation that uses microorganism or even plants to clean up the environment from certain pollutants. It also tries to maintain biodiversity.  Gold biotechnology deals in bioinformatics, computers science, chip technology as well as nanobiotechnology. This includes search for primers, sequencing of peptides, search for alternations in DNA.  Brown biotechnology centres around treatment of desert-like soils drawing from species that are highly resistant to dry and saline soils. This involves mainly places such as Africa.  Violet biotechnology is quite special. It actually centres upon the study of the legal aspects that surround this science. Biotechnology is something quite controversial and also potentially very dangerous.  It includes production of biological warfare and bioterrorism. It investigates pathogenic, virulent and resistant microorganisms, to convert them into biological weapons or counteract their harmful effects.  Task To Do Divide the class into small groups: each group is composed of two members. Collaborate with your group on what color of biotechnology interests them the most. Research on your chosen color and list down at least five problems your group wants to consider in the SIP.  Task To Do OIL SPILL IN FRESH WATER AREAS GREY LESSEN THE AMOUNT OF N-P-K IN CREEKS AND SMALL POND – WATER POLLUTION BIOTECHNOLOGY GARBAGE LEAKAGE IN DUMPSITE AREAS – LAND POLLUTION