21- Biotechnology Flashcards
biotechnology
a technique that uses living organisms to carry out processes to make substances we need, eg: food, enzymes
genetic engineering
changing the genetic material of an organism (usually microorganisms ) by removing, changing or inserting genes
advantages of using bacteria in biotechnology and genetic engineering
1- tiny, easy to grow in labs 2- no ethical issues over their growth 3- they share the same DNA as humans 4- they can make complex molecules 5- they have additional DNA ( plasmid ), which is easy to transfer between cells 6- reproduce rapidly
yeast
- single celled fungus that uses sugar as its food source
- respire anaerobically
uses of yeast
make alcohol as biofuel, bread making
respiration of yeast
anaerobic respiration (fermination) glucose ---> ethanol + CO2 + energy
biofuel
a fuel made from living organisms rather than a fossil fuel
substrate for producing ethanol
plant material (as a source of glucose)- maize
how is plants (maize) used in producing ethanol
- maize is treated with amylase to break down starch to
glucose. - yeast is added for anaerobic respiration for glucose to
produce ethanol. - ethanol is extracted by distillation.
advantages of using ethanol as a fuel
- it is sustainable resource.
- helps to reduce CO2 from air as we plant more maize.
- does not cause pollution
disadvantages of using ethanol as a fuel
Maize needs large lands to grow, instead of growing food for people, so it will be expensive for people to buy food.
what makes the bread dough rise
Carbon dioxide produced by respiration of yeast
function of amylase in dough
break down starch into starch into maltose and glucose
what makes the dough stretchy
gluten (protein)
what gives the smell of bread
the alcohol (ethanol) evaporating
advantages of using biological washing powders
1- quick breakdown of insoluble materials into soluble ones.
2- effective at low temperatures, requiring less energy and money, and can be used on delicate fabrics that would be damaged by high temperatures
enzymes present in biological powders and their uses
1-protease - catalyses breakdown of protein, eg; blood
2-lipase - catalyses breakdown of fats,eg; greasy stains
why are enzymes in biological powders kept on capsules
to prevent them from reacting with proteins and fats in peoples skin
enzymes used to extract juices from fruits
pectinase - breaks down pectin, makes juice clearer
pectin
substance in cell wall of a plant which helps plant cells stick together
lactose
disacchride sugar found in milk
lactase
enzyme that breaks down lactose
lactose intolerant
loose the ability to produce lactase
symptoms of lactose intolerance
nausea, flatulence and diarrhoea