Environmental Applications Agriculture and Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Competency 7.11

Biotechnology


Definition of biotechnology: "...any
technique that uses living organisms
(or parts of organisms) to make or
modify products, to improve plants or
animals, or to develop
microorganisms for specific use"
(Wells, Poszywak, & Dunham, 2000,
p. 63).


Biotechnology


However, biotechnology has also
caused society to examine its values
by expanding toward the
implementation of technologies like
"designer babies," replacement
limbs and organs grown from stem
cells, biological warfare agents, and
the artificial extension of life by
slowing the aging process.

Biotechnology

Embryo discarded
after altered stem
cell is taken

Embryo

Biological Warfare

Biotechnology Areas

Environmental Applications

Bioremediation is using organisms in
processes that help to clean
polluted environments. Biological
controls, biosensors, biotreatment,
biorestoration, and
phytoremediation are all means of
using biotechnology to clean or
protect the environment.

Environmental Applications

Agriculture and Biotechnology


Genetically altered crops and animals
are among the most significant
applications of biotechnology.

Genetic engineering has enabled
both crop and livestock producers to
create improvements to stocks and
implement them in one or two
generations.

Agriculture and Biotechnology

Hairless Chicken will save
money by decreasing the
time and tools used to
pluck the hairs off chickens

We already eat
genetically altered
vegetables such as
tomatoes

Biotechnology Areas


Bioprocessing


Biological organisms are also
important in the production of
products in industry. Bacteria are
especially useful in purification and
separation processes. For example,
one particular type of bacteria is
being used in the mining and
refining of gold.

Bioprocessing

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is based on the
manipulation of genes (Grace, 1997).
Genes hold the blueprint for how every
living thing grows, looks, and behaves. If
there were two organisms, say bacteria,
and each had different but desirable
characteristics, then the genes
responsible for each characteristic could
be combined in one of the organisms.

Genetic Engineering