Biotechnology
Father of Biotechnology: Paul Berg
Definition
Any technique that uses living organisms or substances from
those organisms,
-to make or modify a product,
-to improve plants or animals, or
-to develop microorganisms for specific uses.
Or,
Use of scientific methods with organisms to produce new
products or new forms of organisms.
Introduction to biotechnology
• Biotechnology began when humans began to plant their own
crops, domesticate the animals, ferment juice into wine, make
cheese, and leaven bread. (Acces Excellence)
• Robert Bud, in his book mentioned that, the word
"biotechnology" was first used in 1917 to describe processes
using living organisms to make a product or run a process, such
as industrial fermentations. (The Uses of Life: A History of
Biotechnology).
Various definition of biotechnology
Genentech: Biotechnology is the process of applying 'nature's
own' biochemical tools to make possible new products and
processes and provide solutions to society's ills (G. Kirk Raab,
Former President and CEO of Genentech)
Webster’s: The aspect of technology concerned with the
application of living organisms to meet the needs of mankind.
Wall Street: Biotechnology is the application of genetic
engineering and DNA technology to produce therapeutic and
medical diagnostic products and processes.
What has been achieved till date by means of Biotechnology?
1. Insulin Production:
•Beta cells (β cells) are a type of cell found in pancreatic islets that synthesize
and secrete insulin.
•Insulin synthesized by Prokaryotes that is E. Coli
Isolates insulin producing gene from our beta cells
introduced into E. Coli
in E. Coli. that genes undergoes transcription and translation
to produce insulin---isolate that insulin----Purify and packed for human use.
Biotechnology has transformed this E. Coli. Into the factory of producing insulin
2. Vaccines production
Polio Vaccines-------------Weakened or killed pathogen
Take the Protein (gene) from capsid or capsule of pathogen
Gene----------transcribed------translated-------Produced more Protein
This protein is taken as an antigen and when this goes into the human body,
body produces antibodies against this antigen.
Edible vaccine:
Scientist isolated that protein from capsid of pathogen-----introduced into
the plant-----in plant it undergoes transcription and translation to produce
proteins that is antigen and successfully developed edible vaccines.
One such edible vaccine is banana-----in such banana they have introduced these
genes and when these banana get administered to the baby it produce
antibodies for that antigen.
3. Firefly
Produces a protein called luciferene. This luciferene has property
to absorb photon when light is available. When light is not
available it emits the lights of various wavelength. Because of that
the insect glows in dark. This is because of protein (luciferene)
that glows in dark.
Scientist isolated that protein and introduced into the plant.
In plant transcription and translation of gene takes place and
protein get synthesized.
They have planted these plant on the road side.
And now there is no need of street light as these plant will glow
during the night.
Important parts in Biotech
1. Enzymes
2. Vectors (inserts)
3. Host
4. Techniques
Gel electrophoresis
Northern Blotting
Southern blotting
Western blotting
PCR
Transfer assembly
5. Commercial Scale Production
Multi-disciplinary Nature of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a multi-disciplinary in nature, involving input
from various fields like;
Engineering
Computer Science
Cell and Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Genetics Physiology
Biochemistry
Immunology
Virology
Recombinant DNA Technology
General Applications of Biotechnology
1. Production of new and improved crops/foods, industrial chemicals,
pharmaceuticals and livestock
2. Diagnostics for detecting genetic diseases
3. Gene therapy
4. Vaccine development (recombinant vaccines)
5. Environmental restoration
6. Protection of endangered species
7. Conservation biology
8. Bioremediation
9. Forensic applications
10. Food processing (cheese, beer)
Goals of Biotechnology
1. To understand more about the processes of inheritance and
gene expression.
2. To provide better understanding & treatment of various
diseases, particularly genetic disorders.
3. To generate economic benefits, including improved plants and
animals for agriculture and efficient production of valuable
biological molecules.
Example: Vitamin A fortified engineered rice.
History
Biotechnology Development
Ancient Biotechnology
• early history as related to food and shelter, including
domestication
Classical Biotechnology
• built on ancient biotechnology
• fermentation promoted food production
• Medicine: Antibiotics
Modern Biotechnology
• manipulates genetic information in organism
• genetic engineering
Ancient biotechnology
Fermented foods and beverages
1. Long history of fermented foods since people began to settle
(9000 BC) (fervere –to boil)
2. Improved flavor and texture
3. Deliberate contamination with bacteria or fungi (molds)
4. Examples:
•Bread
•Yogurt
•Sour cream
•Cheese
•Wine
•Beer
Classical Biotechnology
Today many things are produced:
1. Pharmaceutical compounds such as antibiotics.
2. Amino Acids.
3. Many chemicals, hormones, and pigments.
4. Enzymes with a large variety of uses.
5. Biomass for commercial and animal consumption (such as
single-cell protein).
Modern biotechnology
Cell biology
Structure, organization and reproduction
Biochemistry
• Synthesis of organic compounds
•Cell extracts for fermentation (enzymes versus whole
cells)
Genetics
Applications
Agriculture
1. Plant breeding to improve resistance to pests, diseases,
drought and salt conditions
2. Mass propagation of plant clones
3. Bioinsectiside development
4. Modification of plants to improve nutritional and processing
characteristics
Chemical Industry
1. Production of bulk chemicals and solvents such as
ethanol, citric acid, acetone and butanol
2. Synthesis of fine specialty chemicals such as enzymes,
amino acids, alkaloids and antibiotics
Medicine
Development of novel therapeutic molecules for
1. Medical treatments
2. Diagnostics
3. Drug delivery systems
4. Tissue engineering of replacement organs
5. Gene therapy
Food Industry
1. Production of bakers' yeast, cheese, yogurt and fermented
foods such as vinegar and soy sauce
2. Brewing and wine making
3. Production of flavors and coloring agents
Veterinary Practice
1. Vaccine production
2. Fertility control
3. Livestock breeding
Environment
1. Biological recovery of heavy metals from mine tailings and
other industrial sources
2. Bioremediation of soil and water polluted with toxic chemicals
3. Sewage and other organic waste treatment
Future of Medicine
1. Smart drugs for cancer and autoimmune diseases (arthritis,
psoriasis, diabetes).
2. Gene-based diagnostics and therapies.
3. Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine.
4. Stem cells and regenerative medicine.
5. Health and longevity.
Thank you.
