01-12-2012, 06:17 PM
Applications of Biotechnology
Applications of Biotechnology.ppt (Size: 2.24 MB / Downloads: 73)
Products of Modern Biotechnology
Insulin:
The first product of modern biotechnology made use of insulin, a protein hormone produced in the pancreas that the body uses to regulate the concentration of blood sugar (glucose).
Areas of application of Biotechnology
The following lists the main areas and application of Biotechnology from which all others stem:
Fermentation Technology
This is, historically, the most important area in biotechnology. There has been extensive development in progress with new products such as medically important drugs, solvents, protein enhanced foods, etc.
Enzyme Engineering
This area is used for the catalysis of extremely specific chemical reactions to create specific molecular converters (bioreactors). Products formed include amino acids, high fructose syrup, semi-synthetic penicillins, starch and cellulose hydrolysis, etc.
Environmental Technology
Problems like pollution control, removing toxic wastes, recovery of metals from mining wastes and low grade ores, are just some of the categories that fall under this field.
Transgenic crops
Ever heard the debate between “regular” and “organic” foods? What’s that mean?!
Many crops are either sprayed with pesticides or transgenically altered to improve their resistance to pests.
A transgenic organism is one that has DNA added to it from a different species
Transgenic organisms are also referred to as “genetically modified organisms” (GMOs)
Other applications
Gene Therapy- allows for proper working cells/genes to replace malfunctioning cells/genes
Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Products - Since genes can be transferred to other organisms, studies of vaccines and medicines can be performed on non-humans.
Markers- Genetic flags which can help identify particular genes or alleles (such as marking genetic disorders)
How It Works
A vector delivers the therapeutic gene into a patient’s target cell
The target cells become infected with the viral vector
The vector’s genetic material is inserted into the target cell
Functional proteins are created from the therapeutic gene causing the cell to return to a normal state