9. Biotechnology : Principles and Processes
Biotechnology integrates natural sciences and organisms to create products beneficial to humans, marking a shift towards genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering. Key milestones include the development of recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the manipulation of genes and large-scale production of proteins using microorganisms. This chapter discusses the principles, tools, and processes of biotechnology, paving the way for advancements in health and agriculture.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Biotechnology utilizes live organisms and their products for human needs.
- Genetic engineering allows for targeted modifications in an organism's DNA.
- Recombinant DNA technology involves various techniques including the use of restriction enzymes and cloning vectors.
Key Concepts
- -- Genetic Engineering
- Techniques to alter the chemistry of genetic material (DNA and RNA) to introduce changes in the phenotype of host organisms.
- -- Bioprocess Engineering
- Maintaining sterile conditions in chemical processes to enable the growth of desired microbes or eukaryotic cells for producing biotechnological products.
- -- Recombinant DNA
- DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination to combine DNA from two different sources.
- -- Restriction Enzymes
- Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, playing a vital role in genetic engineering.
- -- Cloning Vector
- A DNA molecule used to transport foreign genetic material into another cell, allowing for replication.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.