Download Principles of Biotechnology

Principles of Biotechnology
Objective 7.11
Biotechnology defined
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Biotechnology- “Any technique that uses
living organisms (or parts of organisms) to
make or modify products, to improve
plants or animals, or to develop
microorganisms for specific use.”
Or – all the technology connected with
plant and animal life.
Biotechnology Areas
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Environmental Applications
Agriculture and Biotechnology
Bioprocessing
Genetic Engineering
Biotechnology
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Biological Controls
Biosensors
Biotreatment
Biorestoration
Phytoremediation
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These are all means
of using
biotechnology to
clean or protect the
environment.
Biotreatment
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Biotreatment - is the processing of
waste or hazardous substance using living
organisms such as bacteria, fungi or
protozoa.
Phytoremediation
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The word's etymology comes from the
Greek φυτο (phyto) = plant, and Latin
« remedium » = restoring balance, or
remediation.
Phytoremediation describes the
treatment of environmental problems
(bioremediation) through the use of plants
Environment Applications
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Bioremediation – is using organisms in
processes that help to clean polluted
environments.
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Ex) Clean up of oil spills.
Both the genetic alteration and the
organism’s use on pollution are forms of
biotechnology.
Examples
Examples of Environmental
Applications of Bio-technology
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Biosensor – may be deployed to detect
changes in the health of the environment.
Agriculture and Biotechnology
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Genetically altered crops and animals are
among the most significant applications of
biotechnology.
A farmer may use less herbicide (kills
unwanted plants) if he or she grows weed
resistant crops and uses organisms that
eat weeds but leave crops untouched.
Bioprocessing
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Biological organisms are also important in
the production of products in industry.
Bacteria are especially useful in
purification and separation processes.
Ex) Brewing Beer,
Genetic Engineering
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Genetic engineering is based on the
manipulation of genes.
Genes hold the blueprint for how every
living thing grows, looks, and behaves.
Genes are made of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA)
Genetic Engineering
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For Example, a bacterium is resistant to a
certain kind of mold. Another bacterium
may actually produce a toxin that attacks
mold.
With genetic engineering a bacterium
could be developed that would actually
attack mold effectively.