|
|
What is Biotechnology? |
|
|
Biotechnology is an
applied science, aimed at harnessing the natural biological capabilities of microbial, plant and animal cells for the benefit
of people. Biotechnology couples scientific and engineering principles with commercial considerations to develop and improve
products and processes made from living systems.
Biotechnology is part of
our daily lives. It is used in making foods we eat, the medicines we take, and the plants we grow. It is used in caring for
the environment. It solves problems in places as diverse as high-technology pharmaceutical facilities and the laundry room
at home.
Since the discovery of the structure of DNA, huge leaps have been made in understanding the mechanisms of
cell function, metabolism, replication and product formation. Scientific advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology
continue at a rapid pace. These advances develop opportunities for creating new industrial production systems based on living
cells and cell components, and new medical treatments using novel biomolecules.
Biotechnology is used in a wide range
of activities of social and economic importance. Examples are listed below. |
|
|
 |
plant breeding to improve resistance to pests, diseases, drought and salt conditions |
|
|
mass propagation of plant clones |
|
bioinsecticide development |
|
modification of plants to improve nutritional and processing characteristic |
|
production of bulk chemicals and solvents
such as ethanol, citric acid, acetone and
butanol |
|
|
synthesis of fine specialty chemicals such as
enzymes, amino acids, alkaloids and
antibiotics |
|
biological recovery of heavy metals from mine tailings and other industrial sources |
|
bioremediation of soil and water polluted with toxic chemicals |
|
sewage and other organic waste treatment |
|
|
|
vaccine production |
........................................... |
|
|
fertility
control |
|
livestock breeding |
|
|
|
Ref:http://biotech.irost.net/whatisbio/what.htm |
|
