Introduction to Biotechnology

What Is Biotechnology?

The term biotechnology was used before the twentieth century for traditional activities such as making dairy products.

Definition of Biotechnology

One simple definition

biothe use of biological processes; and technologyto solve problems or make useful products.

The simplest definition

technology based on biology

A more appropriate definition to this century twenty-one is:

Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells or cellular components for the production of compounds or precise genetic improvement of living things for the benefit of man.

According to United States National Science Academy, biotechnology is the controlled use of biological agents like cells or cellular components for beneficial use

Areas of Study

The applications of the biotechnology are numerous and are in the habit of qualifying in: Red biotechnology: it is applied to the utilization of biotechnology in medical processes.

White Biotechnology: also known as industrial biotechnology, it is that one applied to industrial processes.

Green biotechnology: it is the biotechnology applied to agricultural processes.

Blue biotechnology: also so called biotechnology marinades.

The Technologies and Their Applications

Bioprocessing Technology

The living cells most commonly used are one-celled microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria; the biomolecular components we use most often are enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.

Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibody technology uses immune-system cells that make proteins called antibodies. For example, we use monoclonal antibodies to: Locate environmental pollutants. Detect harmful microorganisms in food. Distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Diagnose infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants.

Fluorescence-activated cell sorter

Microscopic dissection

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a protein produced by the jellyfish Aequorea victoria.

Structure of the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein

Cell Culture
Cell culture technology is the growing of cells outside of living organisms. Plant cell culture Plant cell culture is also an important source of compounds used as flavors, colors and aromas by the food-processing industry.

Blue roses

Insect cell culture

Insect cell culture can broaden our use of biological control agents that kill insect pests without harming beneficial insects or having pesticides accumulate in the environment.

Mammalian cell culture

Livestock breeding has used mammalian cell culture as an essential tool for decades. Eggs and sperm, taken from genetically superior bulls and cows, are united in the lab, and the resulting embryos are grown in culture before being implanted in surrogate cows.

Recombinant DNA Technology

The term recombinant DNA literally means the joining or recombining of two pieces of DNA from two different species. Genetic modification through selective breeding and recombinant DNA techniques fundamentally resemble each other, but there are important differences: Genetic modification using recombinant DNA techniques allows us to move single genes whose functions we know from one organism to any other. In selective breeding, large sets of genes of unknown function are transferred between related organisms.

By 2000 the human genome had been sequenced and today we use recombinant DNA techniques, in conjunction with molecular cloning to Produce new medicines and safer vaccines. Treat some genetic diseases. Enhance biocontrol agents in agriculture. Decrease allergy-producing characteristics of some foods. Improve foods nutritional value. Decrease water and air pollution.

DNA recombination

Cloning
Cloning technology allows us to generate a population of genetically identical molecules, cells, plants or animals. Because cloning technology can be used to produce molecules, cells, plants and some animals, its applications are extraordinarily broad.

Virtually all applications in biotechnology, from drug discovery and development to the production of transgenic crops, depend on gene cloning.

DNA cloning

YAC (Yeast artificial chromosome)

The synthesis of cDNA

cDNA clones and genomic DNA clones

PCR (The polymerase chain reaction)

PCR based gene cloning

PCR used in forensic science

Protein Engineering
Protein engineering technology is used, often in conjunction with recombinant DNA techniques, to improve existing proteins, such as enzymes, antibodies and cell receptors, and to create proteins not found in nature. These proteins may be used in drug development, food processing and industrial manufacturing.

Biosensor
Biosensor technology couples our knowledge of biology with advances in microelectronics. A biosensor is composed of a biological component, such as a cell, enzyme or antibody, linked to a tiny transducera device powered by one system that then supplies power (usually in another form) to a second system.

Nanotechnology
Nanotechnologythe study, manipulation and manufacture of ultra-small structures and machines made of as few as one moleculewas made possible by the development of microscopic tools for imaging and manipulating single molecules and measuring the electromagnetic forces between them.

Microarray
Microarray technology is transforming laboratory research because it allows us to analyze tens of thousands of samples simultaneously. Researchers currently use microarray technology to study gene structure and function.

Detect mutations in disease-related genes. Monitor gene activity. Diagnose infectious diseases and identify the best antibiotic treatment. Identify genes important to crop productivity.

Conclusions

Biotechnology as a fast developing technology as well as a science has already shown its impact on different aspects of day-to-day human life such as public health, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, industry, bioenergetics and information technology. Now it is very clear that biotechnology will be a key technology for the 21st century and the science of the future. It has the potential to ensure food security, dramatically reduce hunger and malnutrition, and reduce rural poverty, particularly in developing countries.

Bibliography

The Guide to Biotechnology 2007 by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) BiotecVisions 2011,March A1A8 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Introduction to Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering by A.J. Nair, PH.D. (INFINITY SCIENCE PRESS LLC)

Gracias