BIOTECHNOLOGY

Done by:
Dalia Farghaly
Irukshi Silva

What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of
biological processes, organisms,
or systems to manufacture
products intended to improve
the quality of human life.

Bio: Everything to do with life

Technology: Involves human
knowledge and skills

Uses of Biotechnology:
1. Medicine
2. Agriculture
3. Industry
4. Environment

1. Medicine
Designing organisms to produce antibiotics
Creating medicines that are more effective and have fewer
side effects
Conducting gene therapy, genetic testing and DNA
fingerprinting
Modifying microorganisms to produce products such as
vaccines and insulin
Is known as Red Biotechnology.

Insulin Production

2. Agriculture
Controlling weeds and animal pests
Increasing nutritional qualities of food
crops
Protecting animals against parasites

Genetically modifying crops to be

disease-resistant or alter the timing of
fruit production
Is also known as Green Biotechnology.

3. Industry
Developing biocatalysts, such as
enzymes. E.g. Pepsin
To form chemicals or materials such
as acids and plastics.
Is also known as White Biotechnology.

4. Environment
Developing biofuels as a
renewable source to replace
dirtier traditional fuels
Treating waste and preventing
pollution
Engineering plants to remove
heavy metals such as arsenic
from soil
Converting waste such as
manure into plastic or biofuel
Detecting, removing and treating
toxins in water, air, food and soil

Advantages of the use of

microorganisms in the food industry
The shelf-life of a product can be prolonged.
Toxic or harmful ingredients can be
eliminated.

Is used to speed-up the production of some

products like cheese, wine etc.
Increases the quality, taste and texture of
food. E.g. In Bread and Yogurt.
Digestion and the Immune System can be
improved through the use of Probiotics and
Prebiotics.

How is Biotechnology carried

out?
Through the use of FERMENTERS.

Fermenter
An apparatus that maintains optimal conditions for the
growth of microorganisms. Is used in large-scale fermentation
and in the commercial production of antibiotics and
hormones.

Required Optimal
Conditions:
Nutrients include sugar and
ammonium ions which
encourages growth.
Optimum Temperature causes
the organism/enzyme to
produce at a faster rate.
Optimum pH allows the
organism/enzyme to work
efficiently.
Oxygen allows microorganisms to
respire aerobically.
Agitation mixes the nutrients and
oxygen into a liquid.

Advantages of Biotechnology
Personalized Medicines and Gene Therapy reduce the
risk of rejection and side-effects for the patient.
Medicines can be produced easily and in large
quantities which will result in low production costs.
Increased crop yield has resulted in a greater supply for
a high demand.
G.M Crops have been modified to be tolerant to
drought and famine.
Production of enzymes has increased profit for industries.
Conversions of waste products to useful, harmless
products help reduce pollution.

Disadvantages of Biotechnology
Possible irreversible effects with unknown consequences
can occur in Genetically Engineered Organisms.
Some branches of Biotechnology such as Genetic
Modification are contradictory in some religious groups
as man has no right to manipulate the course of nature.
If technology is placed with terrorists, it could result in the
production of viruses that can wipe populations
worldwide.
Loss of Biodiversity Genetic variation amongst species
could reduce.
Transformation of Species Super Species could evolve
with resistance to substances.
Harmful Toxins could be produced if inactive genes are
activated.

Thank You!