Principles of Biotechnology

1. Principles of Biotechnology Objective 7.11

2. Biotechnology defined • 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.

3. Biotechnology Areas • Environmental Applications • Agriculture and Biotechnology • Bioprocessing • Genetic Engineering

4. Biological Controls Biosensors Biotreatment Biorestoration Phytoremediation These are all means of using biotechnology to clean or protect the environment. Biotechnology

5. Biotreatment • Biotreatment - is the processing of waste or hazardous substance using living organisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoa.

6. Phytoremediation • 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

7. Environment Applications • Bioremediation – is using organisms in processes that help to clean polluted environments. • Ex) Clean up of oil spills. • Both the genetic alteration and the organism’s use on pollution are forms of biotechnology.

8. Examples Examples of Environmental Applications of Bio-technology • Biosensor – may be deployed to detect changes in the health of the environment.

9. Agriculture and Biotechnology • 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.

10. Bioprocessing • Biological organisms are also important in the production of products in industry. • Bacteria are especially useful in purification and separation processes. • Ex) Brewing Beer,

11. Genetic Engineering • 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)

12. Genetic Engineering • 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.