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What is Biotechnology? |
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What is Biotechnology? |
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| Biotechnology is an applied science, aimed at harnessing the natural
biological capabilities of microbial, plant and animal cells for the
benefit of people. Biotechnology couples scientific and engineering
principles with commercial considerations to develop and improve
products and processes made from living systems. Biotechnology is part of our daily lives. It is used in making foods we eat, the medicines we take, and the plants we grow. It is used in caring for the environment. It solves problems in places as diverse as high-technology pharmaceutical facilities and the laundry room at home. Since the discovery of the structure of DNA, huge leaps have been made in understanding the mechanisms of cell function, metabolism, replication and product formation. Scientific advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology continue at a rapid pace. These advances develop opportunities for creating new industrial production systems based on living cells and cell components, and new medical treatments using novel biomolecules. Biotechnology is used in a wide range of activities of social and economic importance. Examples are listed below. |
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Agriculture |
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plant breeding to improve resistance to pests, diseases, drought and salt conditions |
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mass propagation of plant clones |
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bioinsecticide development |
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modification of plants to improve nutritional and processing characteristic |
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Chemical Industry |
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production of bulk chemicals and solvents |
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synthesis of fine specialty chemicals such as |
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Environment |
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biological recovery of heavy metals from mine tailings and other industrial sources |
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bioremediation of soil and water polluted with toxic chemicals |
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sewage and other organic waste treatment |
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Food Industry |
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production of bakers' yeast, cheese, yoghurt and fermented foods such as vinegar and soy sauce |
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brewing and wine making |
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production of flavours and colouring agents |
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Medicine |
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development of novel therapeutic molecules for medical treatments |
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diagnostics | |
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drug delivery systems | |
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tissue engineering of replacement organs | |
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gene therapy |
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Veterinary Practice |
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vaccine production |
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fertility control | ||
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livestock breeding |
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