Understanding Biotech

8/11/2019 Understanding Biotech

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Introduction to the Course

by SHUBA SALVAM

UNDERSTANDING

BIOTECHNOLOGY


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Course Module Guide

Concept of Biotechnology

Economic and Social importance of Biotechnology

Discussion : Why I Chose This Field


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The many definitions of Biotechnology :

the commercial application of living organisms or their

products, which involves the deliberate manipulation of theirDNA.

application of techniques and processes that utilize biological

systems for the efficient and useful production of materials toserve human and daily life.

The application of science and technology to living organisms,

as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or

non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods

and services".


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In the National Biotechnology Policy, biotechnology isdescribed as an enabling tool for advances in

agriculture, healthcare and industry providing for immense

benefits to the nation, particularly in building skills, value-added employment and improving the quality of a widerange of products and services.

Biotechnology can be defined in at least two ways.

It can mean any technique which uses livingorganisms to make or modify products, improveplant or animal productivity or to developmicroorganisms for specific use. The definitionencompasses new biological tools.


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Biotechnology can be defined in at least two ways.

A second and narrower definition refers to newhigh-end biotechnology, involving recombinantdeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), cell fusion and

novel bio-process engineering techniques such asgene transfer and embryo manipulation.


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The answer is that by the 1960s and 70s ourknowledge about basic biological concepts had increased tothe point where, in addition to using whole organisms, we

could use their smallest parts: DNA.

Along with this new understanding of biology came thedevelopment of several new technologies, and all those

technologies capitalize on the characteristics of cells,putting them to work for us.

Biotechnology is a relatively new and fast-developingfield that integrates interdisciplinary sciences which include

biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, microbiology, andengineering.


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Fueled by a strong demand for a talented workforce andincreased government and private funding, academicprograms in biotechnology are developing rapidly.

A typical biotechnology degree is aimed at educatingstudents on the fundamental scientific principles,

concepts and its applications in various sectors.

It equips the undergraduate students with theunderstanding of concepts in biological sciences,biochemistry and even genetics.


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For graduates who earn a degree in biotechnology,there is a vast array of career opportunities awaitingthem and hence they can easily land in any job that is

related to biotechnology field without facing much difficulty.

There are many sub-branches involved in the biotechindustry such as:

molecular biology genetic engineering cell biology medical biotechnology industrial / microbial biotechnology

agriculture biotechnology

marine biotechnology


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The objectives of the diploma programme are to producegraduates who:

1. possess basic understanding of concepts in biotechnology;2. are competent in designated practical skills;3. are aware of biohazard and occupational safety issues;4. can support and assist in the management of laboratories

and related industries; and5. possess basic communication and interpersonal skills.


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The objectives of the bachelors degree programme are toproduce graduates who:

1. have a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology andtheir applications;

2. are competent in wide ranging practical skills;3. are aware of biohazard and occupational safety issues;

4. are competent in communication and interpersonal skills;5. possess innovative thinking, analytical skills and problem

solving abilities; and6. are aware of current issues and technological

advancement in biotechnology taking into account ofcommercial, ethical, social and legal issues.


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At the end of the diploma programme, graduates should beable to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts inbiotechnology;

2. apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in relevantareas of biotechnology;

3. communicate effectively with peers and others;4. collect experimental data under supervision and generate a

simple report;5. perform basic technical activities;6. execute basic biohazard and occupational safety

procedures;7. use basic computer applications; and8. recognise and practise the concept of lifelong learning.


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At the end of the bachelors degree programme, graduatesshould be able to:

1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding ofbiotechnology;

2. operate and maintain basic biotechnology equipment;3. analyse, synthesise, and integrate knowledge and

information;4. apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills;5. conduct basic guided research;6. demonstrate the ability to seek, adapt, and provide

solutions to address challenges and concerns inbiotechnology;

7. recognise and practise the concept of lifelong learning;8. demonstrate an understanding and awareness of basic

commercial, ethical, legal and social issues related to

biotechnology; and


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There are great and diversed opportunities inbiotechnology as it combines science, engineering andbioinformatics.

Biotechnology can generate economic benefits inseveral areas and industries including agriculture,medicine, health care, engineering, environmental

sciences, manufacturing and services.

The rapid development of biotechnology industryworldwide has created career opportunities for

graduates in biotechnology.


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The thrust areas as envisioned in the NationalBiotechnology Policy are indicative of the governments

commitment to ensure the healthy development of

biotechnology industries in Malaysia.

The National Biotechnology Policy envisions thatbiotechnology will be a new economic engine for

Malaysia, enhancing the nations prosperity and well-being.

To succeed, the Policy aims to build a conduciveenvironment for R&D and industry development whilstleveraging on the countrys existing areas of strength.


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The Policy which is expected to give impetus to thebiotechnology sector in Malaysia addresses vital

aspects of biotechnology development such as the priority

areas, legal, safety, financial and others issues.

The policy spells out nine thrusts, which includetransforming and enhancing the value creation of the

agricultural sector through biotechnology.

The other area of priority is healthcare and industrialbiotechnology.


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The Policy is divided into three main phases;

Phase II (2010-2015)

will emphasize on the business aspects, such asdeveloping expertise in drug discovery and the developmentbased on natural resources, new product development,and technology acquisition and licensing.

Phase III (2016-2020)

will be based on the results achieved in the first twophases and bringing local biotech companies tointernational status.


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Q: Why the focus on biotechnology?A: Malaysia has been blessed with a wealth of resources thatlend themselves to the development of biotechnology. We are

renowned for rich biodiversity, excellent infrastructure, politicalstability and cost- competitive skilled labour.

Q: What is the Government's role?

A: To be the developer and catalyst of the country'sbiotechnology sector.


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Biotechnology is expected to drive the economiccorridors in further developing the agricultural sector.

Malaysia has launched 5 Regional Economic GrowthCorridors; i.e.: the

Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER),

East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy(SCORE) Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Iskandar Malaysia.


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In 2005, the National Biotechnology Policy stipulatedthat one of the main engines of growth for Malaysianeconomy in our aspiration to reach Vision 2020 is

BIOTECHNOLOGY

In this, biotechnology has a role in both wealth creationand to provide for the social well-being of Malaysians.

Biotechnology has been in existence in Malaysia for along time.

As a country, we are truly blessed with one of the mostnaturally endowed biodiversity in the world.


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Being one of the worlds 17 mega diverse countries inmarine biodiversity and also one of the 12 worlds

hotspots for biodiversity, Malaysias potential in developing

biotechnology looks brighter than ever.

Since the introduction of the National BiotechnologyPolicy, BiotechCorp has developed a total of 97

BioNexus-status biotechnology firms in Malaysia with atotal investment of RM1.3 billion.

These companies are mainly involved in three areas; 33 are Agricultural Biotechnology companies, 38 are Healthcare Biotechnology companies, 23 are Industrial Biotechnology companies and 3 are Bioinformatics firms.


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1. Social and economic benefits of modern biotechnology

Biotechnologies are being used widely in such fields as

medicine and hygiene, agriculture, forestry, raising,fisheries, energy and chemical industries, metallurgical

and mining industries, food and light industries,environmental protection.

Modern biotechnology has gradually demonstrated itshuge potential contribution to productivity, though it has

a short history of only tens of years so far.

Modern biotechnology will become powerful means toreduce the worlds constraints in the fields of food,

health, energy, resources and environment.


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The development and application of modern

biotechnology will, over a long period of time, affecthuman beings and society deeply.

Biotechnological industries are likely to become the

leading industries in the 21st century.

For example, crop varieties, produced by biotechnology,with novel traits of high productivity and stress

resistance (aridity, coldness, high salt, etc) are expected notonly to increase grain productivity, but also decrease theuse of agricultural chemicals (such as pesticide,herbicide and fertilizer), which will be beneficial toenvironment.


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Environmental pollution is getting worse at present, but

biological transformation reactors created bybiotechnology promise to absorb pollutants or wastes

and decompose them into materials of low or no toxicity.

Therefore, in the present society characterized byknowledge-intensive industries, countries all over theworld, especially the industrialized countries, takebiotechnology seriously.

Large quantities of manpower and financial resourcesare allocated R & D of biotechnology.


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Biotechnology has the potential to substantially increaseagricultural productivity, influence markets, and in somecases invent new uses for traditional crops.

However, concerns accompany these potential benefits.


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2. Impacts on social and economic pattern

Driven by perceived enormous economic profit, many

famous international conglomerates have investedmuch capital in the R & D of biotechnology, and are alteringstep by step the worlds previous social and economic

framework.

For instance, Monsanto was traditionally a US-basedchemical company. Starting in 1985, it began selling

many of its core chemical factories, and invested in 3biotechnological industrials.


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Consequently, Monsanto became a major conglomerate

engaged in the R & D of bio-science (Enriquez, 1998).In 1998, about 20 million hectares of fields were planted

with Monsantos genetically engineered seeds all over

the world.

To further exploit the international market for its cropseeds, Monsanto purchased the International SeedsCompany of Cargill at the price of $140 millions in 1998,

for the purpose of making a completely integrated systemfor selling its own genetic engineering seeds (such as

herbicide-resistanct transgenic soybean) and itsagricultural chemicals (herbicides, for instance).


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Monsanto thus is able to control a large part of the

complete food chain of human beings using itsgenetically engineered seeds to gain enormous profits.

The worlds economy is becoming more integration and

globalized.

It is possible in the future few multinational corporationsmay decide our food consumption.

Once toxic or allergic materials are found in the foodchain engineered by them, it could be a catastrophe for the

health of human beings.


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If bovine growth hormone (BGH) produced by genetic

engineering are used in dairy, the milk yield of a dairycow can increased by 30 percent and 10 per cent of itsfodder saved at the same time.

There will undoubtedly be major impacts on the dairyindustry as a result.

In addition, many medicines, such as vaccines fortreating malaria and cholera, will soon be delivered to

patients in the form of new antigens synthesized withincommon fruits and vegetables bred by modernbiotechnology.


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These foods will make the rates of illness and death in

many countries (especially in the developing countries) fallprecipitously, with the population growth rates

increasing correspondingly.

What will be the impacts on already inadequateeconomics and infrastructures of the concerned countries?

Will it represent a benefit or a harm to our Earthburdened with huge populations?


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Understanding Biotech

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