Aquaculture and Aquatic Biotechnology - Chapter 10

Key Terms and Concepts

Introduction to Aquatic Biotechnology

• Aquatic Biotechnology: Application of science and genetic engineering to aquatic/marine animals for environmental benefits and genetic material for improvement in foods, medicines, and tools.
• Aquaculture: Cultivation of aquatic animals (finfish, shellfish) and plants for recreational/commercial use.
• Mariculture: Marine aquaculture involving both marine and freshwater species.

Farming Techniques

• Polyculture: Integrated aquaculture involving multiple species in one environment (fish, shellfish, plants).
• Hydroponic Systems: Water-flow systems for vegetable and herb cultivation using wastewater from fish tanks.

Biochemical Compounds

• Astaxanthin: Pigment for pink color in shrimp; used in fish feed for color variation in salmon/trout, potential antioxidant.
• Cholera: Severe illness due to contaminated water; prevalent in developing nations.

Genetic Engineering

• Growth Hormone (GH): Peptide hormone from pituitary gland stimulating growth in bones/muscles.
• Transgenic Animals: Organisms with genes from other species; example: AquAdvantage salmon with GH gene for accelerated growth.
• Antifreeze Proteins (AFPS): Proteins from cold-environment organisms that lower freezing temperature of body fluids.
• Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP): Bioluminescent protein from jellyfish used as a marker in genetic experiments.

Genetic Studies

• Reporter Genes: Genes using GFP to detect expression in cells/organisms.
• Transgenic Organisms: DNA from other species enhancing growth, disease resistance, survival.

Genetic Variations

• Polyploid: Organisms with multiple chromosome sets.
• Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes (2n).
• Haploid: Single set of chromosomes.
• Triploids: Three sets of chromosomes, created through temperature/chemical treatments.
• Colchicine: Chemical blocking cell division, used to create polyploids.

Bioprospecting and Health

• Bioprospecting: Searching for valuable products from aquatic species, potential for biomedical uses.
• Osteoporosis: Bone disease, more common in women.
• Calcitonin: Thyroid hormone aiding in calcium uptake and bone strengthening.
• Hydroxyapatite: Bone/cartilage component, used in implants.

Marine-Derived Products

• Byssal Fiber: Protein-rich adhesive used by mussels.
• Prialt: Potent painkiller peptide from cone snail.
• Angiogenesis: Blood vessel formation, key in tumor development.
• Chitin: Polysaccharide forming crustacean exoskeletons.
• Chitosan: Derivative of chitin used in various applications.

Enzymes and Polysaccharides

• Collagenase: Enzyme breaking down collagen for tissue culture.
• Carrageenan: Polysaccharide from red seaweed used in food, toothpaste, cosmetics.
• Bioprocessing: Using marine products for biological production.
• Biofilming: Organism attachment to surfaces, affecting ships, pipes, and marine organisms.

These notes summarize the key points and terms related to aquaculture and aquatic biotechnology discussed in Chapter 10.