Biotechnology & Society Flashcards
What is bio-technology?
Biotechnology is a branch of science that uses biology and technology to create new products, methods, and organisms.
Traditional Biotechnology
- Fermentation
- Plant/Animal Breeding
Limited to same or closely related species; Use of entire Organisms.
Modern Biotechnology
Manipulation of genetic material in a controlled envioronment. Targets microscopic organisms (organs, tissues, cells) and uses molecules (enzymes, genes; dna).
Compared to traditional, modern biotechnology is not
limited to the whole organism or related species.
Genes vs. DNA
DNA is a molecule made up of two chains that wrap around one another to create the genetic structure or blueprint.
Genes are segments of your DNA, which give you physical characteristics that make you unique.
The process by which modern biotechnology is carried out
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s genome either by manipulation of genes located on the DNA or transfer of genes from unrelated species e.g. GMOs
Gene Cloning: process of creating an exact copy of a
biological unit e.g. DNA sequence, cell or organism
AKA: Recombinant DNA: formed by joining DNA sequences from
two different sources.
What is a transgenic organism?
one that has been altered through recombinant DNA technology (combining of DNA from different genomes or the insertion of foreign DNA into a genome by artificial means).
Examples include:
* Cat with FIV (Feline Immuno Deficiency Virus)- Cats that have been genetically modified to glow in the dark are being used to gain insights into AIDS
* Transgenic mice: single gene from a jelly fish
* GloFish
Beneifts of biotechnology
- Higher agricultural yields
- Improved nutrition
- Conserve natural resources
What are the 4 categories of modern biotechnology?
- Red/Medical
- Green/Agriculture
- White/Industrial
- Blue/Marine
Agricultural Biotechnology
Uses genetic engineering based on our understanding of DNA to improve crops and livestock.
Applications:
* GMO food/crops/livestock to enhance yields eg. Golden Rice (Vitamin A)
* Plant tissue culture for disease treatment
* Drought/Flood resistant
Concerns:
* Laboratory Safety
* Bio Safety
* Environmental harm
* Intellectual property rights
Industrial Biotechnology
Large scale generation of products and processes. First generation processes use fermentation. Second generation processes use engineered enzymes/genes. Third generation processes use recombinant and engineered systems.
Applications:
* Manufacturing (detergents, plastics etc)
* Biomaterials (replacements for defective tissues)
* Genetically engineering bacteria (insulin etc)
Benefits:
* Save costs
* Large scale production
* More durable products
Concerns:
* Same as agricultural concerns
Marine Biotechnology
The creation of products and processes
from marine organisms.
Applications:
* Marine Organisms
* Aquaculture
* Products
Concerns:
* Same except instead of environmental its marine ecological harm
Medical Biotechnology
Applied to research & manufacture of medical
products through the use of genetic engineering.
Applications:
* Genetic testing (dna/paternity tests)
* Gene therapy (modifying genes to cure diseases through replacing, inactivating, introducing genes)
* DNA fingerprinting (criminal investigations)
* Manufacturing of vaccines (insulin)
Concerns:
* Biosafety
* Medical safety
* Bioethics (human cloning, engineering new viruses etc)
* Intellectual property rights
What is the human genome project?
Research effort aimed at deciphering the chemical makeup of the entire human genetic code. Useful in helping to improve diagnoses.
Diagnostic Tools:
* Study genetic makeup of viruses
* Understand contributing factors to diseases
* faster diagnostic tests (pcr tests)
What are STEM cells?
Stem cells are special human cells that are able to develop into many different cell types.
* Embryonic
* Adult
