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Unit 4. Biotechnology NOTES

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324 views5 pages

Unit 4. Biotechnology NOTES

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Pablo
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Unit 4: Biotechnology

Definition: knowledge and techniques that enable biological systems (such


as live organisms, cells, organelles, and enzymes) to be used and practically
exploited in the production of goods and services.

The biotechnology has been used for many years in various fields, but
differences can be two stages in the development of biotechnology:

• Traditional biotechnology, without using DNA manipulation


techniques.
• Modern biotechnology, in which the DNA of organisms is
manipulated for profit.

Traditional biotechnology
Some of the applications of traditional biology are:

• Agriculture and livestock: the best individuals have been selected


with the intention of improving the species and production.
• In the food industry: the use of microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria) to
obtain food as bread, yogurt: from bacteria that ferment milk,
cheese, wine, beer, etc.
• In the pharmaceutical industry: using microorganisms to
obtain vaccines, serums, antibiotics such as penicillin, etc.

Modern biotechnology
It uses genetic engineering to create genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) for different purposes:

• In the agricultural and livestock industry, creating GMOs that resist


pests, low temperatures, herbicides or variations in salinity
(transgenic food).
• In medicine, through: Genetic analysis, detecting genetic diseases
before they develop (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc.).
• In the environment, through bioremediation, microorganisms, fungi,
plants or the enzymes derived from them are used to return a
contaminated environment to its natural condition.
4.1. Genetic Engineering
Definition: Genetic engineering comprises the study and techniques of
gene manipulation and the transfer of genes from one organism to another.
Main targets:
- To increase knowledge of the structure and functions of genetic
material and improve the biological traits of certain species,
depending on human interests.
- To prevent, diagnose and treat certain illnesses.

Some of the most important tools for manipulating DNA in the laboratory
are:

▪ Restriction enzymes: Proteins that allow us to cut DNA wherever we


want. Thus, a particular gene can be isolated.
▪ DNA ligases: Enzymes that make it possible to bind (join) different
pieces of DNA.
▪ Transfer vectors: DNA molecules that can be replicated and are used
to carry genes, such as bacterial plasmids.

Genetic Engineering techniques


1. Recombinant DNA technology
This technique is useful for obtaining bacteria that have human genes
needed, for example, to synthesize insulin, or for mice to produce human
growth hormone.
Steps:
- First, the gene of interest is identified and located in the DNA.
- Restriction enzymes are responsible for cutting segments of the
desired gene.
- Selected fragment is linked to the transfer vector (a bacterial
plasmid) with the help of DNA ligase enzymes, obtaining a hybrid or
recombinant DNA fragment.
- This DNA molecule is transferred to the host cell, where the
recombined DNA is replicated and transmitted to daughter cells.
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Using this technique, it is possible to generate many copies of DNA from a
DNA fragment.
PCR is sometimes called “molecular photocopying,” and it is incredibly
accurate and sensitive.
This technique is now used in a variety of ways, including:
- DNA fingerprinting.
- Diagnosing genetic disorders.
- Detecting bacteria or viruses.
How does COVID-19 PCR testing work?
COVID-19 testing uses a modified version
of PCR called quantitative polymerase
chain reaction (qPCR). This method adds
fluorescent dyes to the PCR process to
measure the amount of genetic material
from SARS-CoV-2.
3. Cloning
The term “cloning” can apply to an organism, a cell or a molecule, and refers
to the process of obtaining one or more identical copies of the original.
There are two types of cloning:
- Reproductive cloning: consists of obtaining an individual that is
genetically identical to the original.
Process:
o To do this, the nucleus of an ovum is replaced by the nucleus
of a somatic cell coming from another organism of the same
species.
o The modified ovum is then implanted into the uterus of a
female of the same species, in which it develops to create a
cloned individual.
o This individual is genetically identical to the donor of the
nucleus.
This technique has been used to clone sheep, pigs and mice.
However, the possible use of the technique in human being presents
a major ethical problem.
- Therapeutic cloning: involves the use of embryonic stem cells to
regenerate tissues to treat conditions caused by the abnormal
functioning or poor state of a certain type of cell.
This type of cell therapy avoids the need for organ transplants,
although rejection by the immune system of the patient can still
occur.
Process:
o The nucleus of the embryonic stem cell* is replaced by a cell
nucleus of the person affected by the condition.
o The tissue then regenerates with the same genetic information
as the patient, and it is not immunologically rejected.

*Stem cells are cells which can be constantly renewed through cell division
to become any type of specialized adult cell in a specific tissue. One specific
type of stem cell is known as an embryonic stem cell.

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