1. Chapter 1 Science for the New Millenium
What is biotechnology ?
Chapter 1
Science for the New Millenium

2. What is biotechnology ?
The study & manipulation of living things or their component molecules, cells, tissues or organs.
Humans have been manipulating living things for centuries to provide plants and animals with desired characteristics – see figure 1.16
Examples: Increased milk production, lean meat product, increased egg production, increased yields per acre in wheat, rye, corn, rice, soybeans, increased disease resistance in crops.

3. More Biotech examples Seedless watermelons More apple varieties
Roses with new fragrances and colors
Dog breed varieties
Flavr Tomatoes – ripen longer on the vine
Human insulin to treat diabetes
Lovastin – grown w/bacteria to create medication to treat cholesterol
“stonewashed” jeans with enzymes
Cloning body parts for human transplants

4. Goals of biotech company
Make a product that is useful to society
Generate profit for company to function and continue to conduct product research
R& D = Research & Development

5. 4 categories of biotech companies
Industrial & Environmental
Agriculture
Medical/Pharmaceutical
Diagnostic Research

6. University & Government labs
Conduct “pure science”
Strong working relationship with Biotech Companies
Research is based on industry needs so usually industry provides funding
Examples: HIV research, malaria, diabetes, viral therapies, crop research
NIH & CDC: treatments for heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers

7. GMO – Genetically modified organism
Use restriction enzymes to cut DNA sequence of choice -----add specific enzymes to paste sequences together = RECOMBINANT DNA –rDNA
Examples: proteins in pregnancy tests, enzymes that increase juice production in apples, strawberry plants that can grow in cold climate, insect resistant cotton, virus resistant papaya, vitamin A production in rice to combat blindness in 3rd