Biotechnology

• The use of living organisms to solve problems and make useful products.

• Examples: crop plants and farm animals; using yeast to make bread rise.

Biotechnology• Many types of

technology that uses:– Cells– Proteins– Genetics

• Other fields use biotechnology, like health care, agriculture, genetics, and food science.

Selective Breeding

• Breeding selected organisms to get offspring with certain traits.

• Has been an important farming practice for many centuries.

Hybrid

• Cross between two different species

• Example: mule from donkey and horse

Genetically Modified

• Organisms whose genes have been changed.

• Used for:– Making medicines– Treating diseases– Improve crops

Herbicide-resistant corn!

Making insulin for diabetic patients!

Genome

• Complete map or sequence of an organism’s DNA.

• Scientists identify genes and DNA strands.

DNA Fingerprinting

• Scientists collect DNA at a crime scene (blood/hair) and match the DNA to suspects, because each person has own unique DNA.

• Part of “forensic testing.”

Crop Yield

• Biotechnology improves the crop yield.

• Measure of how many crops are produced.

Ethics

• Ethical Questions – deal with morally right or wrong issues.

• Examples: Cloning; Genetic Modification.

Cloning • Produces an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another.

Bioremediation

• Uses existing bacteria in the soil to clean up the environment.

• Examples: oil spills, toxic waste.