Overview
This lecture introduces biotechnology, its definition, historical foundations, and the central role of genetics, using practical examples to illustrate its applications and importance.
Definition and Concept of Biotechnology
- Biotechnology combines biology (bio, living organisms) and technology (scientific techniques to modify or create products/processes).
- It uses living organisms to produce products or modify biological processes for human benefit.
Historical Foundations
- Major advances in biotechnology follow breakthroughs in understanding how living things work.
- Mendel's 1865 discovery of inheritance laws showed that biological traits pass through generations in predictable ratios, leading to selective breeding in agriculture.
Genetics: The Heart of Modern Biotechnology
- Genetics centers on DNA, which carries the universal life code in sequences of A, T, G, and C bases.
- DNA codes instruct protein formation, determining the traits and functions of all living things.
- This concept is compared to how letters encode words in English: both use sequences of basic units to form meaning.
Technological Applications of Genetics
- Understanding genetics enabled applications like genetically modified (GMO) crops and gene therapy.
- Biotechnology methods include introducing new DNA between species or silencing genes to create desired traits.
- New biological features can be created by combining genetic sequences, analogous to forming new words from existing ones.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Biotechnology — The use of living organisms to make products or modify processes for practical purposes.
- Genetics — The study of heredity and DNA, the molecule carrying genetic information.
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) — The molecule containing the universal genetic code for all living things.
- GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) — An organism with altered genetic material for specific traits.
- Gene Therapy — Medical use of genes to treat or prevent diseases.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Think about examples of biotechnology in daily life and consider the future possibilities of this field.