Biotechnology and Genetic Modification Flashcards
Biotechnology
Is the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes to manufacturing and service industries.
Role of yeast in the production of bread
The yeast ferments respires and produces ethanol and CO2 and these CO2 bubbles formed inside the dough will make the bread light in texture and increase in volume. The ethanol will evaporate inside the oven due to the high temperature.
Use of Bacteria in Biotechnology
Bacterial DNA in the form of plasmids is cut open and sections of DNA of other organisms are inserted. When the bacterium divides, DNA in the modified plasmids will copy the extra DNA as well. This DNA may contain a gene to make a protein that can be extracted.
Importance of Bacteria in Biotechnology
They have a rapid reproduction rate and they have the ability to make complex molecules.
Why bacteria are useful in biotechnology and genetic modification
1) no ethical concerns over their manipulation and growth
2) presence of plasmids
Fermenters
Can be used for large-scale production of useful products by bacteria and fungi.
Conditions needed to be controlled in Fermenters
Temperate = 26
pH = Slightly acidic 5 to 6
oxygen = sterilized air is blown through air pipes.
Nutrient supply = Depends on what is being manufactured, ex: Penicillin - corn-steep liquor
Waste products = Depends on what is being manufactured, ex: Penicillin - Waste nutrient fluid + bacterial residue
Use of enzymes in biological washing powders
Protease and Lipase are used to digest large and insoluble molecules like protein and Lipid molecules. After they are digested, the molecules become small so they are soluble.
Use of pectinase for fruit juice production
Pectinase breaks down pectin and makes the fruit juice more transparent.
Use of Lactase for lactose-free milk
Lactase breaks down the lactose in the milk and allows people who cannot digest lactose due to not having lactase, drink milk.
Genetic modification
Is the changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes
Commercial production of insulin
The gene that controls the production of human insulin is inserted into bacterial DNA.
Genetic engineering
It is the process by which pieces of DNA are transferred from one organism to another
Genetic modification in crop plants to confer resistance to insect pests
The bacterium thuringiensis, produces a toxin that kills caterpillars and other insect larvae. The plant produces the toxin and gets resistance against insect pests and the gene is then pasted onto the plant’s offsprings
Genetic modification in crop plants to confer resistance to herbicide
Glyphosate is a herbicide that kills any green plant so the crop’s plant cell structure is introduced with a gene that produces an enzyme that breaks down glyphosate
