Agriscience Applications

Biotechnology

The Beginning…

In your notebook write a definition for biotechnology

The Beginning…

Life or living

Application of science to an industrial or

commercial objective

According to Merriam-Webster…Main Entry:

– bio·tech·nol·o·gy Function:

– noun Date:

– 1941 1: the manipulation (as through genetic

engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals) ; also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation

History

Biotechnology has been around since the beginning of time– Yeast to make bread rise– Bacteria to ferment sauerkraut– Bacteria to produce cheese, yogurt– Transform grain into alcohol

Biotechnology

Silage– Used for animal feed– Green grasses and grains stored in air

tight containers– Converts sugars and starches to acids

The Genetic Connection

Genetics– Biology of heredity

• Transmission of characteristics from an organism to its offspring through genes in reproductive cells

– Gregor Mendel• Experimented with garden pea plants

The Genetic Connection

Genes– Components of cells that determine

individual characteristics of all living things

– Comprised of DNA• The “Blueprint” of cells and their

successive cells

The Genetic Connection

Animal Cell

The Genetic Connection

Gene Mapping– Matching a gene to a trait

• Determines what gene is responsible for certain traits

Examples:– Tendency of baldness– Tendency of females to have twins– Height of plants

Application of Biotechnology

DNA Matching– Identifying the parents of offspring

Genetic engineering– Early 1980’s– Modifies the genetic make-up of

animals and plants• Movement of genetic information (genes)

from one cell to another

Products of Genetic Engineering

Insulin• Treats diabetes

Herbicide resistant crops BST (bovine somatotrapin)

• Increases milk production

Lee-minus• Bacteria that retards frost formation on

plants

Convert waste to fuel

Objective

Explore the structure of DNA as it is related to examples of agricultural plants and animals

DNA

Found in all living cells

All DNA is similar in structure and function– transmitter of

heredity information

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid Come in pairs of strands

– connected by bases Shape

– double helix

DNA in Genetics

Gene Splicing– Removing and inserting genes into

DNA– Alters a given characteristic

Examples:– Alter a plants susceptibility to disease– Make a plant resistant to insects– Alter bacteria to increase meat

production

Gene Mapping

The process of finding and recording the location of genes

Recombinant DNA Improves animal and plant performance

by manipulation– Alter microorganisms– Control

• disease• insects• weeds• pest

– Less use of chemicals more biological control• better for the environment

Concerns

Federal and state governments monitor use

Extensive testing– Laboratory to the greenhouse– Final testing is occurs outdoors prior

to final approval Final approval only after all phases

are completed

Assignment

Organize a discussion group with two other people.

Explore four benefits and concerns of biotechnology

Record your benefits and concerns in your notes with an explanation

Provide the best solution for your concerns

Be ready to share your work