Biotechnology

Definition

Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or their components to develop or make products, often through genetic manipulation. It plays a crucial role in fields like medicine, agriculture, and industrial processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Recombinant DNA technology is a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, allowing for the insertion of genes from one organism into another.
2. CRISPR-Cas9 is a groundbreaking tool used in biotechnology for precise gene editing.
3. Microbial genetics has enabled the mass production of insulin using genetically modified bacteria.
4. Bioremediation uses microorganisms to degrade environmental pollutants through biotechnological applications.
5. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, crucial in microbial genetics, amplifies specific DNA sequences for various analyses.

Review Questions

• What role does recombinant DNA technology play in biotechnology?
• How does CRISPR-Cas9 contribute to genetic engineering?
• Explain how microorganisms are used in bioremediation.

Related terms

Recombinant DNA:

A form of DNA that is created by combining DNA sequences that would not normally occur together.

CRISPR-Cas9:

A gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of an organism.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA for analysis.