Biotechnology Lecture Notes

Overview of Biotechnology

• A dynamic field creating new drugs and foods.
• Multi-billion dollar industry today.
• Started as a scientific experiment in the early 1970s.

Pioneers of Biotechnology

• Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer
  • Combined their talents in 1972.
  • Laid groundwork for major advancements in understanding living organisms.

Key Scientific Discoveries

• DNA Structure
  • Revealed by Watson and Crick.
  • Role in genetics being studied, but much was unknown.
• Herbert Boyer's Research
  • Focused on restriction enzymes that cut DNA.
  • Created sticky ends on cut DNA for splicing.
  • Initial tests in vitro, questioned effectiveness in actual cells.

Plasmids and Antibiotic Resistance

• Plasmids
  • Tiny circular DNA, often found in bacteria.
  • Transfer genetic material and antibiotic resistance.
  • Developed method for bacterial cells to take up naked plasmid DNA.
• Cohen's Work
  • Initially introduced plasmids but needed a way to rearrange them.
• Collaboration with Boyer
  • Combined efforts on plasmids and restriction enzymes.

Breakthroughs in Gene Splicing

• April 1972 meeting in Hawaii marked significant collaboration.
• Method Developed
  • Ability to splice DNA into plasmids and insert them into bacteria.
  • Resulted in bacteria replicating foreign DNA.
• Manufacturing Human Proteins
  • If human genes involved, bacteria produced the respective proteins.
  • Potential for cures and treatments for diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Impact and Future of Biotechnology

• Media attention following initial discoveries.
• Prediction from Boyer about commercial products:
  • Expected within 5-10 years; realized in 7 years with human insulin.
• Current State
  • Dozens of biotech companies producing various products.
  • Transforming medicine and healthcare.

Conclusion

• Fundamental human desire to help others reflected in biotechnology.
• Scientists' work can alleviate problems faced by mankind.