13.2 - Biotechnology

Definition of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field where technology is used to modify an organism for the purpose of producing a certain biological product. The types of biotechnological activities can be seen in the figure below.

Figure 3 - White, green, yellow and green biotechnology are the main activities in biotechnology.

Applications of Biotechnology in Life

• Gene therapy
• DNA profiling
• Production of insect tolerant plants
• Cleaning of oil spills

Gene therapy

• Used to treat or avoid some genetic diseases.
• This technique involves inserting a normal gene into the patients to replace the abnormal gene.
• Among the most commonly treated genetic diseases using the technique are cystic fibrosis, muscle dystrophy and several types of cancers.

Figure 4 - Gene therapy.

1. Target is cell with abnormal gene.
2. The virus will be used as vector to carry the normal gene to the targeted cell.
3. The cell will function as normal when the new gene successfully synthesizes the intended protein.

DNA profiling

• A forensic technique used to identify individuals based on their DNA content.
• The DNA of each individual is unique and different from one another, except for identical twins.
• The DNA samples from blood, semen or skin can be used to determine a certain individual.
• DNA profiling can be used to
  • Identify criminals
  • Solve dispute regarding paternity and maternity
  • Identify genetic disease
  • Determine the compatibility of organ donor and recipient

Figure 5 - DNA profiling used to identify the criminal of a murder case. An example of case: A woman was found stabbed to death in her bedroom. A knife was found in the crime scene with the victim's blood. The forensic team has carried out DNA profiling on the found evidence. Take note that the DNA profile of the crime scene matches the DNA profile of suspect B. the investigation shows that suspect B is indeed the murderer.

Figure 6 - The steps of DNA profiling.

Production of insect tolerant plants

• Bt cotton is formed from the injection of the gene of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. These bacteria are capable of secreting toxins. Therefore, Bt cotton is tolerant to its pests.
• Other than cotton, this technique can also be used on other crops such as corn and brinjal.
• This can help to reduce cost of pesticides and increase the production of cotton.

Figure 7 - The gene of the B. thuringiensis bacteria that is capable of producing the Bt toxin is inserted into the genome of the plants. Pests will die upon consuming these plants. This is because the Bt toxin secreted by the plants can disrupt their digestive systems.

Cleaning of oil spills

• Bioremediation is a method used to clean up environmental pollutants by using microorganisms such as bacteria.
• This technique is efficient in treating oil spillage in the ocean.
• For instance, Alcanivorax borkumensis bacteria can break down the oil molecules to obtain energy.

Importance of Biotechnology in Life

The field of biotechnology often comes hand in hand with agriculture, medical, nutrition, industries and many other sectors. This filed has provided many benefits to human lives. Normally, biotechnology can produce varying products, increase the production of crops, agriculture and medicine as well as expanding economic growth of the country.

Contributions in agriculture

• Produce the best livestock and crop breeds. Tissue culture and cloning techniques can make the process of plant reproduction faster.
• Produce paddy varieties which give more yield and mature faster.
• Animal cloning allows mass reproduction and produces disease-resistant clones.
• Hormones can also be used so that the animals grow and mature quicker.

Contributions in medicine

• An individual's genetic can be modified.
• Reduces the risk of mental diseases.
• Certain diseases such as cancer and inherited disease can be prevented.
• Human with dwarf genetics can have normal children.
• Helps women who have difficulty to conceive.

Contributions in forensic

• Identify criminals by using tissues and body fluids collected such as blood, semen, skin and hair follicles.

Contributions to the environment

• Microorganism can speed up the process of human wastes decomposition.
• Microbes can also help to complete the decomposition process of feces.
• Reduces environmental pollutions.