Practical Applications of Biotechnology

1
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• Bioprocessing technology
• Uses whole living cells or components of them to
  manufacture desired products.
• Most common whole cells used are yeast and
  bacteria (one-celled organisms).
• Most common components are enzymes (proteins that
  catalyze chemical reactions).
• Cells isolated from animals and plants also are
  used to produce desired products.

2
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 2. Genetic engineering
• The technique of removing, modifying or adding
  genes to a DNA molecule to change the information
  it contains.
• More specifically is known as recombinant DNA
  (rDNA) technology.
• The product of rDNA technology is known as a
  genetically modified organism, or GMO.
• Example Gene for human insulin inserted into
  E.coli ? bacteria that make human insulin (a
  biopharmaceutical).

3
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 1. Agricultural applications better crops,
  improved animal health
• 2. Medical and health care applications new
  tests, vaccines, medicines
• 3. Chemical and environmental applications
  better manufacturing processes and consumer
  products

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Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 1. Agricultural applications crops and forest
• Improve crop yields by introducing genes that
• confer resistance to insects, tolerance
• to herbicides and resistance to environmental
• stresses (drought, heat, cold).
• Create disease- and insect-resistant trees to
  help meet
• demand for wood products.

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Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 1. Agricultural applications improve animal
  health
• Better detection of disease
• More nutritious feed
• New and more effective vaccines
• Improved treatments for diseases

6
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 2. Medical and Health Care
• Applications
• New diagnostic tests
• Example quick test for strep throat
• MANY new treatments for diseases and conditions
• Examples diabetes, stroke, anemia, cystic
  fibrosis,
• hemophilia, leukemia and other cancers
  hepatitis
• rheumatoid arthritis growth deficiencies
  transplant rejection

7
Practical Applications of Biotechnology

• 3. Chemical and Environmental
• Applications (Industrial Biotechnology)
• Produce enzymes used in laundry detergents.
• Use genetically modified microorganisms that
• break down industrial waste.
• Develop bio-based, biodegradable plastics.
• Improve manufacturing that reduces the amount of
  waste products.