BIOTECNOLOGY

WHAT IS BIOTECNOLOGY?

A general description of biotechnology is using living things to create products or to do tasks for human beings.

Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit.

For example, biotechnology is used in industry, medicine and agriculture to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.

It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time, biotechnology has formed the basis of learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology has also underpinned the development of treatments.

Biotechnology is not new. Biotechnology includes improving food by the careful breeding of animals and plants. Making bread, beer, wine, cheese and yoghurt are all processes that use biotechnology. Therefore, for a long time humans knew how to use biotechnology in practice, but they didn’t have a full understanding of the mechanisms involved. The invention of the microscope was a defining moment. It led to the discovery of small forms of life called micro-organisms that could explain the changes that were observed . These micro-organisms play an important role in many of the old biotechnologies.

The invention of the microscope opened up a new world to scientists. First they discovered cells, the building blocks of life. Today more complicated microscopes allow scientists to see even smaller objects. Within the cells they found structures called genes. These genes are important in defining life. In turn, scientists found that genes are made up of a molecule called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

DNA is found in all living cells. It is the blueprint for an organism. It contains the instructions used to develop and organise the organism. Importantly, this information is passed from one generation to the next. For example, the colour of your eyes is determined by the DNA inherited from your parents.

Scientists have learnt a lot about living things  about how genes work inside cells and what happens when things go wrong. They are continually exploring the very complicated world of DNA.

In 2003, scientists completed a project called the Human Genome Project. The aim of this project was to identify and map the 25,000 human genes. The mapping of human genes is an important step in developing new medicines and other aspects of health care.

These scientific discoveries have lead to new biotechnology methods.

WHY DO WE DO BIOTECHNOLOGY?

Biotechnology is used in a wide range of applications in food science, medicine, the environment and agriculture. Research is rapidly expanding the possibilities of where it will be used next.

Any technology brings with it risks as well as benefits, and gene technology is no exception. These risks need to be carefully assessed before a genetically-modified (GM) plant, animal or microorganism is released.

Government regulatory authorities assess the risks, which may include:

  • how readily the released organism could cross-breed with similar organisms in the environment
  • whether the modification gives the organism extra survival advantages
  • whether these advantages could upset a balanced ecosystem.

For Ourselves

Biotechnology and biotechnology-based research has been used to assist human health in many areas. These include:

  • producing antibiotics to fight bacterial infections
  • making vaccines and other products to boost the immune system against disease
  • reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilisation to assist infertile couples to have children
  • the Human Genome Project.

The Human Genome Project was a truly collaborative project. Researchers from across the world were involved. The actual sequencing was conducted at numerous universities and research centres throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and China.A rough draft of the sequence was made public on 26 June 2000, with the final draft completed in April 2003. The final papers were published in 2006. The sequence is made available free of charge to academic researchers, and new data on the genome is posted every 24 hours.

  • detecting and treating genetic disorders and diseases
  • transplantation technologies
  • DNA profiling and forensics.

For the Environment

Biotechnology is a tool that is being used (or is being researched and developed for use) in the environment to:

  • assist with controlling pest animals and plants
  • protect and preserve endangered species by storing DNA samples for potential future use
  • clean up oil spills
  • remove excess nutrients from the soil and water
  • leach metals out of the soil for cleaner mining
  • detect landmines
  • clean up arsenic and heavy metal contamination.

For Food and Agriculture

Selective (conventional) breeding of plants and animals changes the genetic make-up of the organisms. With the use of biotechnology and gene technology, these changes can be more specific.

More changes are also possible, because genes can now be moved between animals, plants and microorganisms, which is not possible using conventional breeding methods.

Plant geneticists are trying to develop new plants such as:

  • frost-tolerant sugarcane
  • salt and drought tolerant plants
  • salad vegetables that do not ‘brown’
  • fruits and vegetables with extra vitamins
  • sweeter peas
  • slow-ripening pineapples and tomatoes
  • long-lasting flowers
  • blue roses.

Animal geneticists are using biotechnology to:

  • produce blowfly-resistant sheep
  • produce cattle that can withstand greater temperature and water stresses
  • increase wool production
  • reduce diseases in aquaculture
  • improve defences against stock animal disease
  • improve pig welfare
  • protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

Biotechnology is affecting many areas of our society. As with most new technologies there are risks as well as benefits.

These are some of the questions raised by people concerned about the risks:

  • Are genetically modified foods safe for humans to eat?
  • Do genetically modified foods harm the environment?
  • Who owns and controls genetic information?
  • Who should have access to personal genetic information, and how will it be used?

QUESTIONS

  1. In your own words describe biotechnology.
  2. Describe a biotechnology process that is not new.
  3. What instruments have helped scientists explore small things?
  4. What does modern biotechnology do?
  5. What is the Human Genome Project?
  6. Give three uses of biotechnology
  7. What are some of the risks of biotechnology?