Introduction to Biotechnology

The science for this century

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Biotechnology collection of technologies that capitalize on the attributes of cells and put biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, to work for us.

Bio the use of biological processes; and Technology to solve problems or make useful products

What is Biotechnology?
The term biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify human health and the human environment. The term biotechnology was coined in 1919 by Karl Ereky, an Hungarian engineer. Techniques that allow DNA to be manipulated, i.e. to move genes from one organism to another.

It involves relatively new technologies whose consequences are untested and should be met with caution. for e.g. stem cells, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms.

'Biotechnology' is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit. For example, in industry, medicine and agriculture, biotechnology is used to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.

What is new about biotechnology today?

Researchers can take a single gene from a plant or animal cell and insert it into another plant or animal cell of a different species (this is called transgenic technology). Modern biotechnology also includes altering the genes within an organism to control the expression of a particular protein.

We should study following:

1. Biomolecules and energy 2. cell structure and cell division 3. Information methods of a cell 4. Genetics 5. Immunology 6. Immunotherapy and other bioengineering applications 7. Recombinant techniques 8. proteomics 9. etc

Application of Biotechnology
1. Medical application 2. Agricultural application 3. Industrial and environmental application

Application of Biotechnology
Medical application;
Recombinant DNA (rDNA): most successful technology. rDNA technology allows genes coding for human proteins to be inserted into bacterial cells, yeast and mammalian cells. The recipient cells can then be induced to produce the desired protein. First human recombinant protein was human insulin.

Vaccines: rDNA proteins can be used to prepare vaccines. Traditional vaccines require either dead pathogen or a form that is weak. The proteins produced by rDNA are designed to prime the immune system against the pathogen at issue without using any part of the pathogen itself.

rDNA derived therapeutics:

alpha interferon- chronic hepatitis C
Bone morphogenic protein- induce bone healing

Calcitonin- promotes calcium retention in bones

EGF- promotes healing of skin lesions

Erythropoietin- induce RBC production

Factor VII, VIII- promotes blood clotting

Hepatitis B vaccine- immunity against hepatitis B

rDNA derived therapeutics: contd.

Insulin- therapy for diabetes Insulin-like Growth Factor-1- induces growth interleukin-2- stimulate immune system mAb- targets specific protein structure. Used the diagnosis, treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease etc. Relaxin- induce muscle relaxation during childbirth

superoxide dismutase- work as anti-oxidant

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)- attacks tumor cells.

Agricultural application:
GM

(genetically modified) crops. Insect resistance Pathogen resistance Nutritional enhancement control of seeds Bioengineering of livestock salt tolerance crops Tissue culture

Industrial and environmental application:

Use of bioreagents in industry (textile, food,

pharmaceuticals) Finding suitable bioreagents Modifying enzyme Bioreactor hazardous waste management air emissions

Further reading: Lehningers Principles of Biochemistry (Text Book) Voet & Voet: Biochemistry (Text book) www.biotechinstitute.org www.biotechno.netfirms.com www.gene.com