Lecture Notes on Biotechnology and Its Applications

Introduction to Lactose-Free Products

• Lactose: A natural sugar found in milk.
• Lactose Intolerance: Many people have intolerance towards lactose.
• Advancements: Biotechnology has enabled the production of lactose-free products.

What is Biotechnology?

• Definition: Utilization of organisms, parts of organisms, or biological processes for human benefit.
• Example: Bread-making involves the use of yeast to produce a soft loaf.
• Classical Biotechnology: Processes like fermentation where organisms are utilized to obtain products.

Applications of Biotechnology

• Extensive applications ranging from food items to medicines and hybrid crops.

Example 1: Wine Production

• Process: Yeast ferments sugars in grape juice to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.
• Significance: Full organism (yeast) is used to convert grape juice into a beverage.

Example 2: Hepatitis B Vaccine Synthesis

• Traditional Method: Vaccines were derived from infected human blood, painful and risky.
• Recombinant Vaccine: Now synthesized using a part of the pathogenic virus, reducing risk of infection.
• Impact: Effective in preventing hepatitis B and reducing liver cancer risk.

Example 3: Golden Rice

• Definition: Genetically modified rice that is yellow in color due to beta-carotene.
• Importance of Beta-Carotene: Converts to vitamin A, essential for vision and preventing malnutrition.
• Reason for Rice Modification: Rice is a staple food in regions prone to vitamin A deficiency.
• Category: Golden rice is a genetically modified organism (GMO).

Conclusion

• Biotechnology has transformed various industries, including food and medicine.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more content on biotechnology and GMOs.